The University of Northern Iowa announced today it will offer in-state tuition to students from the six states bordering Iowa starting this fall.

Through its new Neighboring State Rate initiative, the rate will apply to students from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The initiative aims to increase access to affordable education and help address job shortages in the region, according to a news release.

Anticipated tuition and fees for students from Iowa or one of the neighboring states will be $10,201 for the 2025-26 academic year, which saves over $12,000 annually compared to traditional out-of-state tuition, the release said.

“We anticipate that UNI’s Neighboring State Rate will attract even more talented students to our campus to take advantage of the wide variety of academic programs we offer, at an even more affordable price,” UNI President Mark Nook said in a prepared statement. “Additionally, our gratitude goes out to the UNI Foundation for its substantial commitment to help kick start this game-changing project.”

The Iowa Board of Regents will officially set UNI’s tuition rates for out-of-state residents at its July 30 meeting.