At $18,457/yr net price, University of Northern Colorado graduates earn $52,231/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,231/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,457 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,828 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,231/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,231/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,470 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,505/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,864/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,792/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,842/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,647/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,076 | $54,990 |
| 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 | $18,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $57,318 | $73,745 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,231 | $29,494 |
| Biology, General. | Master | $48,849 | $27,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $48,198 | $52,374 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,738 | $33,881 |
The Risk Factor
51.3% of students at University of Northern Colorado graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Northern Colorado offers a mixed financial picture with significant variation between programs. The overall median earnings of $52,231 provide a reasonable return on the $18,457 annual net price, but your major choice will largely determine your financial outcome.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $93,076 annually despite higher debt loads of $54,990. Communication disorders and educational administration also deliver strong returns above $64,000. Accounting graduates earn nearly $60,000, making these programs solid investments for your tuition dollars.
The school's 51% graduation rate presents a substantial financial risk. Nearly half of students who start at UNC never finish, meaning you face significant odds of accumulating debt without a degree. The 74% retention rate suggests many students realize early that the fit isn't right.
UNC works best financially if you're pursuing nursing, education, or communication disorders and can handle the academic challenges successfully. The relatively low debt burden of $20,470 keeps financial risk manageable for graduates who complete their programs.
You should look elsewhere if you're unsure about your major or lack strong academic preparation. The graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish, and Colorado's competitive job market rewards graduates from higher-ranked institutions. Only 26% of students receive financial aid, so you'll likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for merit scholarships in specific programs.
UNC represents a reasonable value for determined students in high-earning majors, but the completion risk makes it a poor choice for undecided or academically unprepared students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Northern Colorado worth the cost?
University of Northern Colorado offers mixed value with a net price of $18,457 and 10-year earnings of $52,231. The relatively low graduation rate of 51% means many students don't finish, making the investment riskier than higher-performing schools.
What are the best paying majors at University of Northern Colorado?
Nursing programs at University of Northern Colorado lead to strong earnings, with some graduates earning over $90,000. Communication disorders and educational administration also show solid returns, while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
How much debt do University of Northern Colorado graduates have?
University of Northern Colorado graduates leave with a median debt of $20,470, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with 10-year earnings around $52,000, debt-to-income ratios vary significantly by major.
Does University of Northern Colorado have good financial aid?
University of Northern Colorado's net price of $18,457 suggests decent financial aid for a public university. The key concern is the 51% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.