What it Means to be a Panther

The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. UNI graduates leave an indelible mark on the state. In fact, 88% of UNI students come from Iowa, and 92% of students from Iowa stayed in Iowa after graduating.

UNI's core focus remains undergraduate education, but the university also provides strong graduate programs that continue to attract students in all stages of life. Many UNI programs achieve state, national and international acclaim. And, UNI's Business and Community Services (BCS) provides hands-on assistance to small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and communities on their economic development and innovation throughout the state of Iowa. BCS has served businesses and organizations in all 99 Iowa counties for 17 consecutive years.

UNI offers 90+ majors, uses full-time faculty in the classroom, gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of interests and prepares them for success after college.

• 450+ new teachers graduate from UNI each year, making UNI's teacher preparation program the largest in Iowa.
• UNI's College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) – a distinction earned by fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide. AACSB International accredits the world's best business schools across 52 countries and territories.
• UNI students have hands-on experiences needed to be valuable employees from day one. 75% of UNI students participate in experiential education, whether completing an internship, research, student teaching or studying abroad.
• 88% percent of all UNI students and 71% of Iowa students receive financial aid. When UNI students graduate, they owe less money than students who graduate from almost all four-year institutions in Iowa.
• Four out of five UNI graduates take their first job or continue their education in Iowa.

The skills gained by UNI students in the classroom are fine-tuned with a comprehensive career readiness and student engagement road map. This road map encourages students to take part in at least two leadership experiences and at least two pre-professional experiences before graduating. The majority of students take advantage of the many opportunities available on campus, in the Cedar Valley and the state to gain leadership and pre-professional experiences. UNI is dedicated to preparing students to be successful in whatever career path they choose.