Legislative Update: Session Adjourned

The 2017 legislative session came to a close on Saturday, April 22. The university is grateful for the resources the legislature was able to invest in UNI during this challenging budget cycle.

The University of Northern Iowa’s general base appropriation for FY18 is $93.7 million, a $3.3 million decrease from the original FY17 budget. UNI’s recycling and reuse center and real estate program were funded at the same level as FY17. The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, which is housed at UNI, was increased $246,375.

UNI is proud and committed to serving Iowa. We are the university that educates Iowans for Iowa: 88% of UNI students come from Iowa and 92% of students from Iowa stayed in Iowa after graduating. This makes our partnership with the Iowa General Assembly so important; state appropriations account for 54% of UNI’s total operating budget.

UNI has a unique mission of focusing on educating students and is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship programs throughout the state. We appreciate the Legislature’s acknowledging the vital importance of UNI’s Business and Community Services (BCS) by investing nearly $2 million in economic development and entrepreneurship programs. BCS has served small to large sized businesses and organizations in all 99 Iowa counties for 17 consecutive years. UNI’s BCS is able to leverage each $1 invested by the state with $5 in private grants, fees or federal fees to invest back into the state.

UNI is dedicated to preparing students to be successful in whatever career path and community they choose. 78% of UNI alumni are living in Iowa who have graduated in the last decade. Four out of five UNI graduates take their first job or continue their education in Iowa. We appreciate the Iowa Legislature's recognition of UNI's work.