University of Northern Colorado

Founded in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado is Colorado's right-sized research university that is home to about 9,000 students, with a total undergraduate enrollment of more than 6,000. Located in the city of Greeley, this 260-acre suburban campus is a short distance from the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s stunning high plains. University of Northern Colorado students benefit from the comforts of a small college while gaining access to nationally recognized programs, leading research and the cutting-edge facilities of a stand-out four-year public institution.

The University of Northern Colorado is noted for its nationally recognized teacher preparation and health programs, but it also offers 100 undergraduate and 113 graduate degree programs. UNC has a legacy of cultural inclusion and is home to the Marcus Garvey Center for Black Cultural Education, the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center for Latinx student support, as well as campus centers for Native American, Asian and Pacific cultures.

While 42% of UNC students are first in their families to graduate from college, Hispanic and Latinx students also comprise 24% of the student population. The university is proud of its commitment to advancing the success of its Hispanic and Latinx-identifying students by becoming a designated Hispanic Serving Institution.

The 2022 Best Colleges U.S News Report ranked the University of Northern Colorado #156-209 in its Top Public Schools category. UNC ranked #1 in Colorado for social mobility in 2021 by CollegeNET’s SocialMobilityIndex.org.

Admissions

Applicants undergo a fairly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 88%. UNC Admissions officials consider GPA, class rank, test scores and letters of recommendation when making admissions decisions. About 75% of admitted undergraduate applicants have an SAT score above 980 or an ACT score above 19.

Academics

University of Northern Colorado boasts a “students-first” philosophy, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. Small classroom sizes, 48% of classes have fewer than 20 students, mean students get the dedicated attention they need to excel in their studies. Ninety percent of undergraduate classes are taught by faculty, as opposed to graduate students, to ensure students receive exceptional insights in their field of study.

The University of Northern Colorado’s nationally recognized colleges includes:

• College of Performing and Visual Arts 
• College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
• College of Natural Health and Sciences
• Monfort College of Business

Student Life

Beyond the classroom, UNC students have endless opportunities to explore diverse interests. The university’s 100+ student clubs and organizations include a variety of cultural, political, community service and a vibrant sorority/fraternity life. The University of Northern Colorado Blue and Gold Bears proudly rep 15 NCAA Division I teams. And the university’s Outdoor Pursuits program offers workshops, trips and free equipment rentals for students to explore Colorado’s unparalleled parks, trails, ski slopes and generally stellar outdoor scene.

The university offers campus housing in a state historic district, with 29% of students living in university residence halls.

Tuition and Financial Aid

2023 tuition and fees are $13,486 for state resident applicants, making it one of most valuable quality educations in the region. Out-of-state tuition is $23,785. The university also participates in the WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) program, to the benefit of out-of-state applicants, which provides tuition reductions. Students in WUE states can expect reduced out-of-state tuition of $18,295 for the academic year and an additional cost of $12,152 for on-campus housing and meals for the year.

While students can pursue outside scholarships and financial aid, UNC offers competitive financial aid packages to help students with the costs of their education. Over 82% of first-time students receive grants, scholarships and other aid.