UnisHub University Compass

University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About University of Northern Colorado

Tucked into Colorado's Front Range, the University of Northern Colorado pairs a close-knit feel with room to explore. It's known for strong teacher preparation, health and human sciences, the arts, business, and the sciences, with a practical, hands-on approach. Modern labs and studios, inviting performance spaces, a busy library, and an active recreation center set the scene. Students find advising, tutoring, counseling, and first-gen support that's easy to reach.

Student life leans lively but grounded: clubs, productions, outdoor trips, service projects, and intramurals. The culture is welcoming and get-things-done, with faculty access that feels personal. Career prep comes through internships around the Front Range, clinical and classroom placements, and alumni connections. Greeley adds a genuine downtown, local arts and food, and quick access to trails. Homecoming and longstanding traditions tie it together. Notable alum: NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
Carter Hall - Rm 4000, Greeley, Colorado, 80639, USA
Website
unco.edu
Unit ID
127741

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R3 (Moderate Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$11,528
Tuition $8,784 + Fee $2,744
Out-of-State
$25,940
Tuition $23,196 + Fee $2,744
Student Profile
Total Students 9,067
Undergraduate 5,693
Graduate/Other 3,374
Male: 2,821 Female: 6,246
Applications
Total Applicants 10,274
Admitted 8,880
Enrolled 1,229
Acceptance: 86.4% Yield: 13.8%
Staff
Total Staff 1,508
Full-time 1,189
Part-time 319
Full-time: 78.8% Part-time: 21.2%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) offers 74 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,377 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (18 programs, 544 graduates), Psychology (5 programs, 289 graduates), Health (10 programs, 285 graduates), Business (3 programs, 267 graduates) and Arts (5 programs, 170 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Education (18 programs, 544 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Special Education Teaching 158
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.1001
Elementary Education 101
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
13.1202
Educational Leadership and Administration 72
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0401
General Education 49
Master's
13.0101
Early Childhood Education 33
Bachelor's
13.1210
School Counseling and Guidance 18
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.1101
Secondary Education and Teaching 16
Master's
13.1205
English Language Arts Teacher Education 14
Bachelor's
13.1305
Educational Research and Statistics 12
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0603
Music Teacher Education 12
Bachelor's
13.1312
Drama and Dance Education 12
Master's
13.1324
Reading Teacher Education 11
Master's
13.1315
Bilingual and Multilingual Education 8
Master's
13.0201
Multicultural Education 7
Master's
13.0202
Higher Education Administration 7
Doctorate (R)
13.0406
Instructional Technology 7
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0501
Science Teacher Education 6
Master's
13.1316
Computer Teacher Education 1
Postbac Cert.
13.1321
Psychology (5 programs, 289 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 176
Bachelor's
42.0101
Counseling Psychology 56
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2803
Educational Psychology 31
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2806
School Psychology 25
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2805
Applied Psychology 1
Master's
42.2813
Health (10 programs, 285 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 163
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3801
Dietetics 38
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3101
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology 24
Bachelor's
51.0204
Speech-Language Pathology 23
Master's
51.0203
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 10
Master's
51.2310
Audiology 8
Doctorate (P)
51.0202
Marriage and Family Therapy 7
Master's
51.1505
Nursing Science 6
Doctorate (R)
51.3808
Athletic Training 3
Master's
51.0913
Family Practice Nursing 3
Doctorate (R)
51.3805
Business (3 programs, 267 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 262
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Entrepreneurship Studies 4
Other Award
52.0701
Accounting 1
Master's
52.0301
Arts (5 programs, 170 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Music 65
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
50.0901
Theatre Arts 42
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0501
Studio Arts, General 39
Bachelor's
50.0702
Musical Theatre 19
Bachelor's
50.0509
Acting 5
Bachelor's
50.0506
Kinesiology (2 programs, 141 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 129
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
31.0505
Parks and Recreation Management 12
Bachelor's
31.0301
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 113 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 100
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0101
Biomedical Sciences 13
Master's
26.0102
Security & Safety (1 programs, 88 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies 88
Bachelor's
Master's
43.0104
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 81 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Liberal Arts and Sciences 61
Associate's
24.0101
General Studies 20
Associate's
24.0102
Social Sciences (6 programs, 81 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sociology 30
Bachelor's
Master's
45.1101
Economics 21
Bachelor's
45.0601
Political Science and Government 14
Bachelor's
45.1001
Anthropology 8
Bachelor's
45.0201
Geographic Information Science and Cartography 6
Other Award
45.0702
Geography 2
Bachelor's
45.0701

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at University of Northern Colorado (UNCO).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
970 - 1180
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 490 - 600
Median: 540
Math 480 - 580
Median: 530
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
17 - 26
25th-75th percentile
English 16 - 25
Median: 21
Math 17 - 24
Median: 19

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$31,196
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$45,608
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$11,528
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$25,940
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$15,230 (on) / $14,678 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,238 (on) / $3,790 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,620
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,788
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$25,426
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

18%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$8,773
Avg. Loan
$6,691
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,450
Additional
Students with Any Grant
1,114
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
587
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
359
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$5,686
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

51%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
74%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$35,297 – $71,676
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$35,297 (25th %) $71,676 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $52,231
Median Salary After 6 Years
$43,756
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$52,231
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
62.2%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
72.9%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$20,470
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 54.6%
Middle 62.3%
High 68.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 64.6%
Independent 53.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)

How much does it cost to attend University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)?

The annual tuition at University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) is $11,528 for in-state students and $25,940 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $31,196 for in-state students and $45,608 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,230 (on) / $14,678 (off) and books and supplies $1,200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does University of Northern Colorado offer?

University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) offers 74 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (18 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (5 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (10 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (5 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for University of Northern Colorado?

University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) has an 86.4% acceptance rate and a 13.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 10,274
  • Students admitted: 8,880
  • Students enrolled: 1,229

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of Northern Colorado?

University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) provides financial aid to 18% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,773 and average loans of $6,691.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,170
  • State/Local grants: $4,837
  • Institutional grants: $5,686
  • Federal loans: $5,450

The university supports 1,114 students with grants and 587 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for University of Northern Colorado graduates?

University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) graduates earn a median salary of $43,756 after 6 years and $52,231 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $35,297 (25th percentile) to $71,676 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $74,500 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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