About University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado has built its reputation primarily around teacher education, preparing educators for over a century. With 5,693 students on a midsize city campus in Greeley, UNC attracts future teachers alongside students pursuing other programs. Notable graduates include screenwriter Dalton Trumbo and tennis star Andy Roddick. The school accepts 79% of applicants with average SAT scores around 1095.
Students pay an average net price of $18,457 after financial aid, which represents solid value given that graduates earn a median of $52,231 ten years after graduation. Typical student debt sits at $20,470 with monthly payments around $217. The math works in students' favor, especially considering 96% of graduates find employment. In-state students get the best deal at $12,010 tuition compared to $26,204 for out-of-state residents.
Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the school's education focus where female students traditionally dominate. The Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 13 sports with over $6.9 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 51% four-year graduation rate suggests students should plan carefully to finish on time. About 87% of students come from Colorado, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Students pay an average net price of $18,457 after financial aid, which represents solid value given that graduates earn a median of $52,231 ten years after graduation. Typical student debt sits at $20,470 with monthly payments around $217. The math works in students' favor, especially considering 96% of graduates find employment. In-state students get the best deal at $12,010 tuition compared to $26,204 for out-of-state residents.
Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the school's education focus where female students traditionally dominate. The Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 13 sports with over $6.9 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 51% four-year graduation rate suggests students should plan carefully to finish on time. About 87% of students come from Colorado, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Academics & Faculty
University of Northern Colorado built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse, originally founded as the State Normal School of Colorado in 1889. The university maintains strong education programs that attract students across the Rocky Mountain region. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for meaningful professor interaction. However, only 51% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many first-generation college students face here. The school operates as a public research university with 5,693 students, though teaching remains its primary mission. Education majors dominate the campus, preparing for careers in Colorado's growing school districts where teacher shortages create strong job prospects.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.3%
- Retention Rate
- 74.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,231
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,076 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $68,219 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $64,493 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,688 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $57,318 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,231 |
| Biology, General. | Master | $48,849 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,198 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,738 |
Campus Life
UNC's campus sits in Greeley, about 50 miles north of Denver, where students bundle up for snowy winters but enjoy 300 days of sunshine annually. With housing capacity for 3,542 students and total enrollment of 5,693, about 62% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since many students are preparing for teaching careers.
Weekends revolve around Bears athletics, with 403 student-athletes competing across 13 Division I sports in the Big Sky Conference. Students often head to Denver for concerts and nightlife, but campus stays lively with intramural sports and outdoor activities in the Colorado Rockies. The student body is 67% female, reflecting the university's strong education programs. With 86% of students from Colorado, most go home for long weekends or stick around for hiking and skiing. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene on this practical, down-to-earth campus.
Weekends revolve around Bears athletics, with 403 student-athletes competing across 13 Division I sports in the Big Sky Conference. Students often head to Denver for concerts and nightlife, but campus stays lively with intramural sports and outdoor activities in the Colorado Rockies. The student body is 67% female, reflecting the university's strong education programs. With 86% of students from Colorado, most go home for long weekends or stick around for hiking and skiing. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene on this practical, down-to-earth campus.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,542 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
106 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 18 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 7 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–44°F
- July Avg
- 59°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 34.9"
Student Demographics
The student body reflects UNC's mission as Colorado's teacher education center. Women make up 67% of students, drawn to the university's well-known education programs. The campus attracts students from across Colorado, with 87% coming from in-state. This strong local draw shows UNC's reputation throughout the state for preparing teachers and other professionals. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the university serves working families seeking affordable degrees. The diverse student body includes 26% Hispanic students, reflecting Colorado's changing demographics and UNC's commitment to inclusive education.
- Men
- 32.8%
- Women
- 67.2%
- White
- 60.2%
- Black
- 4.3%
- Hispanic
- 26.1%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 86.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.2%
Location
Greeley sits 60 miles north of Denver in Colorado's high plains region. The city of 108,000 serves as Weld County's agricultural center, surrounded by farmland and cattle ranches. With 86.6% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Colorado's Front Range geography. The Rocky Mountains rise dramatically to the west, providing a striking backdrop to campus. Greeley maintains a college town atmosphere despite its size, with the university representing about 5% of the city's population. The setting offers both small-town community feel and access to Denver's urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare University of Northern Colorado with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Greeley, Colorado 80639
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,231
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,185
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,470
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado accepts 78.54% of applicants with average SAT scores of 1095. The school welcomes a broad range of students while maintaining academic standards for its teacher education programs.
How much does University of Northern Colorado cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,457 annually at University of Northern Colorado. In-state tuition runs $12,010 while out-of-state students face $26,204, making it relatively affordable for a four-year public university.
What is University of Northern Colorado known for academically?
University of Northern Colorado built its reputation on teacher education programs with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The school has trained educators since 1889 and maintains strong connections to Colorado's school districts.
What are the job outcomes for University of Northern Colorado graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $52,231 ten years after leaving University of Northern Colorado with a 95.8% employment rate. The 51.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on working students and career preparation.
Where is University of Northern Colorado located and what is campus life like?
University of Northern Colorado sits in Greeley, a mid-sized city with 5,693 students enrolled. The campus houses 3,542 students and features 13 Division I athletic teams competing in the Big Sky Conference.
How diverse is the student body at University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado enrolls 67.24% women and draws 86.60% of students from Colorado. The student body includes 26.07% Hispanic students and 60.18% white students, reflecting the state's changing demographics.
