University of Northern Iowa (UNI) vs South Dakota State University (SDSU)
Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and South Dakota State University (SDSU). While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. UNI boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while SDSU maintains a slightly more selective admissions process. Explore the comparison table to delve into the nuances of each university, including popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for a transformative educational experience.
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![]() South Dakota State University |
![]() University of Northern Iowa |
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Overview |
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Location | Brookings, South Dakota | Cedar Falls, Iowa |
Campus setting | Town: Remote | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 80.0% | 81.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 87.4% | 85.8% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
|
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$60
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SAT range | 980 - 1220 | 980 - 1190 |
ACT range | 19 - 25 | 20 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 3.0% | 3.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 86.0% | 66.0% |
Total number of applicants | 5,774 | 4,772 |
Total number of admissions given out | 5,048 | 4,094 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,019 | 1,553 |
Yield rate | 40.0% | 37.9% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$24,304
Out of state:
$27,814
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In state:
$21,409
Out of state:
$32,109
|
Average net price | $17,859 | $15,231 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,773
Out of state:
$11,283
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In state:
$7,780
Out of state:
$18,480
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,054
Meal plan:
$4,082
|
Room/dormitory:
$4,699
Meal plan:
$4,461
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
81.0%
Average amount $4,747 |
76.0%
Average amount $6,227 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
60.0%
Average amount $5,063 |
47.0%
Average amount $5,115 |
Students taking out private loans |
17.0%
Average amount $9,956 |
8.0%
Average amount $7,770 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
9,847
Men 45.2% Women 54.8% |
7,967
Men 38.9% Women 61.1% |
Graduate students |
1,618
Men 37.3% Women 62.7% |
1,250
Men 25.9% Women 74.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Very Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 9.5% |
International students | 5.1% | 2.4% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Remote | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 4,488 | 3,412 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Iowa Illinois Minnesota Wisconsin Missouri |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
|
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Students to faculty ratio | 17:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 59.5% | 68.9% |
Dropout rate | 38.9% | 9.5% |
Transferred out | N/A | 20.6% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Plant Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees)
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