About UNI & The Cedar Valley
The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. Building on its historic excellence in teacher education, the university has developed outstanding programs in business, natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, and social and behavioral sciences with advanced degrees available in many programs.
UNI is nestled in the middle of the vibrant Cedar Valley, an area that offers the perfect combination of history, culture and technology, and a community of people who treat each other like family. Whether it’s our hospitality or one-of-a-kind shops, attractions and events, you’ll love visiting Cedar Falls with your family and friends. You won’t just enjoy visiting the Cedar Valley, but you’ll love living here, too.
A Great Place to Work
A few of the reoccurring recognitions we take pride in include the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Midwest Universities” and recognition as a Best Place for Working Parents employer.
The American Association for State Colleges and Universities recognized UNI with two national awards: the Excellence and Innovation Award for UNI’s Course Embedded Peer Mentor Program and the Regional and Economic Development Award for UNI’s Regional Entrepreneurship Project that has positively impacted 17 Iowa counties in five economically challenged regions. The work done on campus has a positive impact not only on our local community, but across the state and beyond.
A Great Place to Live
Where else can you find the perfect combination of history, culture, technology and a community of people who will treat you like family?
In Cedar Falls and Waterloo (known as the Cedar Valley), you can visit the past by strolling through structures listed with the National Historic Registry, attend a lecture at the University of Northern Iowa or catch a traveling Broadway show at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
Browse the shops and boutiques on College Hill and downtown Cedar Falls, keep in shape by traveling the miles of bike trails, enjoy the Grout Museum's many exhibits, or catch an exciting minor league hockey match or baseball game.
