UNI ranked No. 1 in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
For the first time, the University of Northern Iowa has earned the distinction of being named the No. 1 public regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
The 2027 edition of the Best Colleges rankings evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to help students and families measure academic quality, graduate success and the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings have been published annually since 1983.
“The University of Northern Iowa is honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for our ongoing dedication to student success, our outstanding graduation rates and the exceptional value we offer to families across the Midwest,” said UNI Director of University Relations Pete Moris.
Graduation rates and graduation rate performance are among the most heavily weighted criteria in the Best Colleges rankings. UNI’s four-year graduation rate stands more than 25 percentage points above its national peers, and one in eight students now graduates in three years. The average student debt of UNI graduates also remains well below the state and national averages for public universities.
Peer assessment is another significant factor in UNI’s ranking. The measure reflects how UNI is regarded by top administrators at peer institutions and accounts for attributes such as student success and social mobility, affordability and graduate outcomes, faculty and institutional resources, and academic performance of incoming students.
