Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

University of Northern Iowa vs Saint Ambrose University: which has better ROI?

Public, Cedar Falls IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Davenport IA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Saint Ambrose University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,764 in 8.8 years versus 9.3 years at University of Northern Iowa, on median earnings of $59,531 vs $55,177 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Northern IowaSaint Ambrose University
Net price / yr$15,901$24,691
Total net cost$63,604$98,764
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,177$59,531
Median debt$19,691$25,000
Payback9.3 yrs8.8 yrs
20-year net return$72,736$124,656

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Northern Iowa or Saint Ambrose University?

University of Northern Iowa, at $15,901 a year after aid versus $24,691 — a gap of $8,790 a year, or $35,160 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Northern Iowa or Saint Ambrose University graduates earn more?

Saint Ambrose University graduates report a median $59,531 ten years after entry, $4,354 more than the $55,177 at University of Northern Iowa. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Northern Iowa or Saint Ambrose University?

University of Northern Iowa: its completers carry a median $19,691 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Saint Ambrose University, a difference of $5,309. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at University of Northern Iowa, against 61% at Saint Ambrose University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Northern Iowa vs Saint Ambrose University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Northern Iowa or Saint Ambrose University a better value?
Saint Ambrose University. It clears its $98,764 net cost in about 8.8 years versus 9.3 years at University of Northern Iowa, on median earnings of $59,531 vs $55,177 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Northern Iowa or Saint Ambrose University?
University of Northern Iowa: $15,901/yr net price after aid versus $24,691/yr at Saint Ambrose University — a difference of $8,790 a year, or about $35,160 over four years.
Do University of Northern Iowa or Saint Ambrose University graduates earn more?
Saint Ambrose University graduates earn a median $59,531 ten years after entry, versus $55,177 at University of Northern Iowa — a $4,354 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.