University of Northern Colorado
#188 in Top Public Schools (tie)
Overview
University of Northern Colorado is a public institution that was founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,728 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 260 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Northern Colorado's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #352. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,010; out-of-state tuition and fees are $26,204.
The University of Northern Colorado campus is located in the city of Greeley, about 50 miles northeast of Denver. Undergraduates at University of Northern Colorado can choose from more than 100 bachelor's degree programs. The school also offers more than 100 master's degree programs, including in education and health. UNC is home to the Marcus Garvey Center for Black Cultural Education and the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center, which supports Latino students. Students can also check out UNC campus centers for Native American, Asian and Pacific cultures.
Outside the classroom, University of Northern Colorado students can get involved in approximately 150 organizations, about 20 fraternities and sororities and the Student Senate. Student athletes can try out for the UNC Bears varsity sports teams, which compete in various conferences of the NCAA Division I. Notable UNC alumni include actor Greg Germann, who appeared in the "Ally McBeal" television series, as well as the film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."
University of Northern Colorado is a public institution that was founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,728 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 260 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Northern Colorado's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #352. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,010; out-of-state tuition and fees are $26,204.
The University of Northern Colorado campus is located in the city of Greeley, about 50 miles northeast of Denver. Undergraduates at University of Northern Colorado can choose from more than 100 bachelor's degree programs. The school also offers more than 100 master's degree programs, including in education and health. UNC is home to the Marcus Garvey Center for Black Cultural Education and the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center, which supports Latino students. Students can also check out UNC campus centers for Native American, Asian and Pacific cultures.
Outside the classroom, University of Northern Colorado students can get involved in approximately 150 organizations, about 20 fraternities and sororities and the Student Senate. Student athletes can try out for the UNC Bears varsity sports teams, which compete in various conferences of the NCAA Division I. Notable UNC alumni include actor Greg Germann, who appeared in the "Ally McBeal" television series, as well as the film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."
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At-a-Glance
Setting
N/A
In-state tuition and fees
$12,010
Undergraduate Enrollment
6,728
Acceptance Rate
84%
From the School
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.
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.
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2024 Rankings
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Admissions
See Upcoming Events at University of Northern Colorado.
Cost
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$26,204
In-State Tuition & Fees
$12,010
Room & Board
$15,230(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$15,552
$16,075
$16,075
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$26,204
In-State Tuition & Fees
$12,010
Room & Board
$15,230(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$15,552
*Average in-state cost after aid
Academics
37%
15:1
47%
Popular Majors
MAJOR
% OF GRADUATES
ALUMNI STARTING SALARY
Health Professions and Related Programs
14%
N/A
Education
12%
N/A
Psychology
9%
N/A
Visual and Performing Arts
9%
N/A
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
8%
N/A
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* In cases where salary data at the specific major level is unavailable, a general salary for the major category is displayed.
Faculty Research Impact
Bibliometric Rank
185
Bibliometrics is the statistical analyses of publications and citations for the purpose of measuring faculty research impact.Publications Cited in Top 25% of Journals
61%
Publications Cited in Top 5% of Journals
16%
Total Papers published between 2018-2022
3,845
Citations Per Publication
11:1
New Degrees in Computer Science & Statistics
Sponsored
At UNC’s College of Natural and Health Sciences we continuously review our programs to ensure they are updated and that the curriculum is relevant. In 2023, we launched new degrees in Computer Science and Statistics. Given the growth in these areas, both in terms of degrees sought and in the job m
Learn MorePick the Perfect Major
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Students
6,728
Graduate Enrollment
2,652
Total Enrollment
9,380
Full-Time Degree-Seeking Students
5,364
Student Diversity
Gender Distribution
Ethnic Diversity
36%
Minority Enrollment
36%
Minority Enrollment
61%
White
25%
Hispanic
5%
Two or more races
4%
Black
2%
Asian
1%
International
1%
Unknown
Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.
Campus Life
Housing and Dorms
Types of campus housing available:
Student Activities
65+
Sports Teams
10
Fraternities
13
Sororities
After College
Graduation Rate
37%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
61%
Average Debt at Graduation
$22,703
$38,904
$38,904
Graduation Rate
37%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
61%
Average Debt at Graduation
$22,703
Reviews & Ratings
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Undergraduate data are based on the 2022 school year.
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