University of Northern Colorado vs. UW

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO with University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wyoming is larger than University of Northern Colorado based on total student enrollment (10,813 students vs. 8,869 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, CO (Small City setting); University of Wyoming is in Laramie, WY (Remote Town setting).
• University of Northern Colorado is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wyoming is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Colorado 14:1; University of Wyoming 13:1.

University of Northern Colorado vs. UW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Northern Colorado or UW? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Wyoming than University of Northern Colorado ($14,872 vs. $19,376).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wyoming are 15.1% lower than at University of Northern Colorado ($13,710 vs. $16,154).
• University of Northern Colorado is 59.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW (about $4,648 more per year; $12,416.00 vs. $7,768.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.8% higher at University of Northern Colorado than at University of Wyoming (about $3,088 more per year; $27,266.00 vs. $24,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Northern Colorado than at University of Wyoming (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Wyoming students is 2.2% larger than aid received by University of Northern Colorado students ($10,212 vs. $9,992).

University of Northern Colorado vs. UW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Northern Colorado or UW? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UW and University of Northern Colorado.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Wyoming (1140) is 70 points higher than at University of Northern Colorado (1070).
• Incoming UW students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at University of Northern Colorado).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Colorado 950/1190; University of Wyoming 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Colorado 21/26; University of Wyoming 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Northern Colorado - Test optional; UW - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Northern Colorado Aug 1, 2027; UW Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Northern Colorado students have the same average high school GPA (3.53) as students at UW (3.53).
• UW has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than University of Northern Colorado (85.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at University of Northern Colorado vs. 23.8% at UW.

University of Northern Colorado vs. UW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Northern Colorado and UW? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Wyoming's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than University of Northern Colorado's (46%).
• Graduates from University of Wyoming earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than University of Northern Colorado graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,400 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wyoming graduates have a $3,470 lower median loan debt than University of Northern Colorado graduates ($18,500 vs. $21,970).
• Among borrowers, UW graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Northern Colorado graduates ($191 vs. $227).
• More UW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Northern Colorado students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.