Head-to-head · 2026
Kirkwood Community College vs University of Northern Iowa
Compare average net price ($9,705 at Kirkwood Community College; $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa), ROI score (10.57 vs 8.68), ten-year median earnings ($41,016 vs $55,177), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Kirkwood Community College; 92.7% at University of Northern Iowa) using federal College Scorecard data. Kirkwood Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Kirkwood Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Kirkwood Community College | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.57 ✓ | 8.68 |
| Avg net price | $9,705 ✓ | $15,901 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $41,016 | $55,177 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 92.7% |
| Graduation rate | 43% | 67.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $19,691 |
| Enrollment | 7,591 | 7,529 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1122 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Northern Iowa costs $6,196 more per year than Kirkwood Community College ($15,901 vs $9,705). University of Northern Iowa graduates report $14,161 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,177 vs $41,016). On EduGradify's model that puts Kirkwood Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.57 vs 8.68, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Kirkwood Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Northern Iowa reports 92.7% acceptance; Kirkwood Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Kirkwood Community College vs University of Northern Iowa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Kirkwood Community College or University of Northern Iowa the better value?
Kirkwood Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.57 vs 8.68), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Kirkwood Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,705 per year vs $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa. The annual difference of $6,196 adds up to about $24,784 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Northern Iowa reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,177 vs $41,016 at Kirkwood Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,161.
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. Kirkwood Community College reports a B value grade; University of Northern Iowa reports B.