Posted 9 July, 2025
The University of Northern Iowa is taking a bold step to benefit students across the Midwest by offering in-state tuition to new undergraduate students from all six states bordering Iowa beginning this fall.
UNI’s Neighboring State Rate will help students from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin access affordable, high-quality education while enhancing workforce-ready skills to address job shortages in the region.
The new rates are pending approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, which will consider them at its July 30 meeting. Anticipated tuition and fees for in-state students and new students from the six states bordering Iowa - Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin - will be $10,201.00 for the 2025-26 academic year. Families taking advantage of UNI’s Neighboring State Rate will save over $12,000 annually compared to paying traditional non-resident tuition.
“This is an exciting development for students and their families across the region,” UNI President Mark Nook said. “We anticipate that UNI’s Neighboring State Rate will attract even more talented students to our campus to take advantage of the wide variety of academic programs we offer, at an even more affordable price.
“Additionally, our gratitude goes out to the UNI Foundation for its substantial commitment to help kick start this game-changing project,” Nook continued. “With support made possible by generous donors, the Foundation has earmarked resources to help the Neighboring State Rate gain momentum across the Midwest.”
Cedar Falls is an easy drive for students and families from across the region, making UNI an attractive destination for those wishing to pursue a college education far enough, but not too far from home.