Head-to-head · 2026
Iowa Lakes Community College vs University of Northern Iowa
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Iowa Lakes Community College, 3 for University of Northern Iowa — University of Northern Iowa has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Iowa Lakes Community College | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.73 | 8.68 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,933 ✓ | $15,901 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,108 | $55,177 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 92.7% |
| Graduation rate | 50% | 67.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $19,691 |
| Enrollment | 941 | 7,529 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1122 |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Northern Iowa costs $1,968 more per year than Iowa Lakes Community College ($15,901 vs $13,933). University of Northern Iowa graduates report $12,069 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,177 vs $43,108). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Northern Iowa ahead on projected ROI (8.68 vs 7.73, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Northern Iowa) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Northern Iowa reports 92.7% acceptance; Iowa Lakes Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Iowa Lakes Community College vs University of Northern Iowa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Iowa Lakes Community College or University of Northern Iowa the better value?
University of Northern Iowa has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.68 vs 7.73), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Iowa Lakes Community College is cheaper — average net price $13,933 per year vs $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa. The annual difference of $1,968 adds up to about $7,872 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Northern Iowa reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,177 vs $43,108 at Iowa Lakes Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,069.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Iowa Lakes Community College reports a B value grade; University of Northern Iowa reports B.