National Rankings and Honors

In the college search process, bigger is not always better, and cheaper is not always the best value. The award-winning and nationally-recognized programs listed below are just a few of the reasons our most successful graduates consistently cite UNI as a major factor in preparing them for their achievements in life and in the workplace

Excellence in Education

UNI is one of the best colleges and universities in the Midwest according to The Princeton Review.  The education services company selected the school as one of the institutions it profiles in its "Best in the Midwest" section of its website feature 2012 Best Colleges: Region by Region.

The UNI College of Business Administration has an outstanding reputation and thanks to its small, selective MBA program. UNIBusiness has been recognized consistently as being one of the "Best Business Schools" by Princeton Review. 

UNI is ranked second in the "Best Regional Universities (Midwest)"category for public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2013 "America's Best Colleges" guidebook.

The University of Northern Iowa is ranked among the nation's top 650 undergraduate colleges and universities in the Forbes' 2011 annual ranking of top colleges.

The Washington Monthly College Guide ranks UNI 56th in the nation out of 553 colleges and universities, and top 10 midwest public masters universities.

In a national report released in 2004 by the Education Trust, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that works for high academic achievement of all students at all levels, kindergarten through college, UNI has been cited for its "high performance" in graduation rates.

UNI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association. 

Social and Environmental Responsibility

UNI received The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll again in 2013. Launched in 2006, the Honor Roll  annually recognizes institutions of higher education for their commitment to and achievement in community service. UNI has consistently made the honor roll.

UNI earned a "Gold" rating from the (STARS) in 2011. The highest rating for any school in Iowa, UNI received this designation for its commitment in making operational decisions that are socially responsible, make economic sense and are environmentally friendly.

The Princeton Review has recognized UNI as one of the country's most environmentally-responsible colleges in the "The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges-2012"

The Carnegie Foundation granted the University of Northern Iowa a special designation in Community Engagement: Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships. This new designation reflects the foundation's recognition of UNI's strong commitment to community service on a local, regional, national and global level. UNI serves and shares its expertise with the larger community in a variety of ways, as well as involving students in this important process. Research shows that the more students participate in meaningful experiences inside and outside of the classroom, the more they gain from their education. 

Military-Friendly

UNI has been selected as a Military-Friendly University in Military Advanced Education's (MAE) 2013 Guide to Military Friendly Colleges & Universities.

The University of Northern Iowa was selected by G.I. Jobs Magazine as a Military Friendly School for 2013, an honor placing the university in the top 15 percent of schools nationwide doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students.