University of Northern Colorado Admission Requirements

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University of Northern Colorado Admission Overview

University of Northern Colorado admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year University of Northern Colorado admitted 85.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.53 GPA (A-) and SAT 950-1190 / ACT 21-26. University of Northern Colorado is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

University of Northern Colorado Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

85.9%

Admission Standards

Easy

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for University of Northern Colorado

Acceptance Rate

The University of Northern Colorado acceptance rate is 85.9%. Last year, 9,553 of 11,127 applicants were admitted. That is the 9th lowest acceptance rate in Colorado.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into University of Northern Colorado and can you get accepted?

University of Northern Colorado is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

University of Northern Colorado typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.53. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 13% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

University of Northern Colorado GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.53

Typical High School Grades

A-

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.53

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at University of Northern Colorado typically have around a 3.53 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. University of Northern Colorado is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

21% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #9 in Colorado for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled University of Northern Colorado freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 20.97% Good
3.75 to 3.99 18.74% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 17.78% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 16.19% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 13.72% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 11.24% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 1.36% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0% Reach
less than 1.00 0% Reach

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

University of Northern Colorado SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

950-1190

Freshmen who sent SAT

22%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 490
  • Math 460
  • Composite 950
SAT 25th percentile scores for University of Northern Colorado

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 610
  • Math 580
  • Composite 1190
SAT 75th percentile scores for University of Northern Colorado

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at University of Northern Colorado typically score around a 1070 SAT (middle 50% 950–1190) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 53rd percentile nationally. University of Northern Colorado ranks #12 in the state of Colorado for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 950 to 1190

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

University of Northern Colorado is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1070 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at University of Northern Colorado
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1190+ Above 75th >92%
1070 to 1190 Avg + 86%-92%
950 to 1070 Avg - 76%-86%
Below 950 Below mid-50 <76%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

University of Northern Colorado ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

21-26

Freshmen reporting ACT

3%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 20
  • Math 17
  • Composite 21
ACT 25th percentile scores for University of Northern Colorado

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 26
  • Math 25
  • Composite 26
ACT 75th percentile scores for University of Northern Colorado

Average ACT

Incoming testers at University of Northern Colorado typically have around a 23 ACT (mid-50 21–26) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 68th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. University of Northern Colorado places #10 among colleges in Colorado for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 21 to 26

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to University of Northern Colorado without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 23.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at University of Northern Colorado
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
26+ Above 75th >93%
23 to 26 Avg + 86%-93%
21 to 23 Avg - 79%-86%
Below 21 Below mid-50 <79%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

78% of University of Northern Colorado freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 41% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted University of Northern Colorado students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 12.94%
Top 25% of class 41.07%
Top 50% of class 78%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the University of Northern Colorado chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

University of Northern Colorado admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 7,311 3,809 11,127
Accepted 6,299 3,254 9,553
Acceptance Rate 86% 85% 86%
Enrolled 836 407 1,243
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 13% 13% 13%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of Northern Colorado and what student information is used for admission decisions?

University of Northern Colorado application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 1, 2027

Days left to Apply

335

Applicants have 335 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of Northern Colorado is $50.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at University of Northern Colorado
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

University of Northern Colorado is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 85.9% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.53 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (950-1190); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to University of Northern Colorado often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=127741.

GPA calculator: University of Northern Colorado GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026