Discover the Rich Offerings of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI)

Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI)!

UNI is a comprehensive mid-sized public university in Cedar Falls, Iowa with 9,000+ students representing 60+ countries. We offer 90+ undergraduate and 50+ graduate programs and an intensive English program. UNI is recognized as a “Best Business School” but is also known for strong programs in education, sciences, social sciences, and arts. As a mid-sized university, UNI has a personalized atmosphere, with an average of 25 students per class, and is in a friendly and safe community. When considering the low cost of tuition and living, and the high quality of education received, UNI is considered one of the top values for education in the U.S. for international students.

Experience the right-size campus for you

Many students at UNI often call it a "right-size" university. Since UNI offers small classes, international students can easily build connections with professors and classmates. Students can receive help and attention from the experts in their field with 96% of classes being taught by professors, not graduate assistants as you may find at other universities. UNI has a walkable park-like campus which allows students to travel from building to building within a few minutes and the overall size of the campus takes less than 15 minutes to cross. Even though UNI is a mid-sized university, it provides all of the resources of a big university. This balanced environment makes UNI an ideal choice for international students seeking a welcoming, supportive, and enriching academic experience.

Learn inside and outside of the classroom 

The hands-on learning experiences have always been one of the advantages students can gain at UNI. Through cooperative curricula, volunteer opportunities, and internships, students can apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Working with local organizations or peers helps international students gain insights into cultural nuances, communication styles, and teamwork dynamics. Moreover, hands-on experiences can enhance their resume and career prospects. International students who engage in internships or research projects can showcase their adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and global perspectives to potential employers.  With 94% of UNI students graduating with experiences in their field, it is no wonder our students have such a high success rate after graduation. 

Housing and dining options for everyone from everywhere

UNI offers housing and dining services that greatly benefit international students. UNI offers ten on-campus housing styles for students, such as traditional dorms, suite-style, and apartment-style housing.  It provides safe and convenient living for international students while studying abroad. Living on campus allows international students to immerse themselves in the university community, engage with different cultures, and build friendships. Besides that, UNI has two dining centers connected to the dorms by Skybridge. UNI's dining was also recognized as "the best college food" in Iowa. The dining services offer a diverse range of meals. They also provide certain dietary or cultural meals to students. For instance, the dining center can prepare halal meal and gluten-free meals. This diversity ensures that international students have access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food options. 

Cedar Falls: A place of culture, nature, and opportunity 

UNI is located in the Cedar Valley. This vibrant community provides a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. With its manageable size, the Cedar Valley area ensures that international students have access to a wide range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities while maintaining a strong sense of community. The Cedar Valley was also recognized as one of the best metro job markets in the United States. It allows international students to engage with local businesses and enhance students' practical skills and cross-cultural experiences. This area is also one of the safest towns in the U.S. and students find the residents to be helpful and friendly. The Cedar Valley area can definitely become your home away from home.