Overview
Enrollment
Located in Greeley, Colorado, approximately one hour north of Denver, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) occupies a 260-acre main campus characterized by both modern facilities and historic buildings dating to its 1889 founding as a teachers' college. The institution maintains its traditional strength in education and teacher preparation while offering comprehensive programs in business, performing arts, nursing, and natural and health sciences. UNC's campus features a mix of traditional collegiate architecture and contemporary academic buildings, with most first-year students residing in one of the university's residence halls in the central campus area. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Bears, participating in the Big Sky Conference, and has established a particular reputation in wrestling and women's volleyball programs.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
University of Northern Colorado is rated within the lower 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Northern Colorado within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#688 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#232 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Colorado
#6 in Best Public Colleges in Colorado
#33 in Best Value Colleges in Colorado
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1180 |
| ACT | 17/26 |
| GPA | 3.53 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Colorado Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,714 |
| Room and Board | $15,230 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,238 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,678 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,714 |
| Room and Board | $15,230 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,238 |
| Total One Year Cost | $45,872 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| General Studies | 14% |
| Health Professions | 14% |
| Business | 12% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
| Communication | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering University of Northern Colorado are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=127741 IPEDS survey data for University of Northern Colorado.
Current students may use the University of Northern Colorado GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025