Head-to-head · 2026
Northwest Iowa Community College vs University of Northern Iowa
Compare average net price ($14,800 at Northwest Iowa Community College; $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa), ROI score (8.58 vs 8.68), ten-year median earnings ($50,776 vs $55,177), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Northwest Iowa Community College; 92.7% at University of Northern Iowa) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Northern Iowa has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
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 | Northwest Iowa Community College | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.58 | 8.68 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,800 ✓ | $15,901 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,776 | $55,177 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 92.7% |
| Graduation rate | 57.9% | 67.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,500 ✓ | $19,691 |
| Enrollment | 864 | 7,529 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1122 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Northern Iowa costs $1,101 more per year than Northwest Iowa Community College ($15,901 vs $14,800). University of Northern Iowa graduates report $4,401 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,177 vs $50,776). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Northern Iowa ahead on projected ROI (8.68 vs 8.58, 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; Northwest Iowa Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Northwest Iowa Community College vs University of Northern Iowa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northwest Iowa Community College or University of Northern Iowa the better value?
University of Northern Iowa has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.68 vs 8.58), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northwest Iowa Community College is cheaper — average net price $14,800 per year vs $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa. The annual difference of $1,101 adds up to about $4,404 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Northern Iowa reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,177 vs $50,776 at Northwest Iowa Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,401.
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. Northwest Iowa Community College reports a B value grade; University of Northern Iowa reports B.