Acceptance Rate
86%
Avg. SAT
1190
75th percentile
“A welcoming public university in Greeley, Colorado, where hands-on learning and a tight-knit community shape future educators and performers.”
Greeley, CO
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Greeley, Colorado, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) carries a legacy rooted in education and innovation since its founding in 1889 as a teachers' college. Originally established to train educators for the growing frontier state, UNC has evolved into a comprehensive public university while maintaining a deep commitment to preparing teachers and fostering creative talent. Its location in Greeley, a city of about 100,000, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, just an hour north of Denver. If you’re drawn to wide-open spaces and a slower pace, you’ll find Greeley’s plains and mountain views a refreshing backdrop.
What sets UNC apart is its approachable, community-driven spirit, ideal for students who want personal attention and a sense of belonging. This isn’t the place for those seeking the anonymity of a sprawling urban campus; instead, it suits self-starters who thrive in smaller settings and value close connections with peers and professors. The student body tends to be down-to-earth, with many hailing from Colorado and nearby states, creating a regional flavor that can feel like a home away from home.
That said, Greeley’s relative isolation might not appeal to everyone. It lacks the bustling energy of a major city, and winters can be harsh with biting winds and snow. For students craving constant urban excitement or a more diverse cultural scene, the quieter vibe of northern Colorado could feel limiting, though Denver’s proximity offers occasional escapes.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
At the University of Northern Colorado, academics center on practical, career-focused learning with standout programs in education, nursing, and the performing arts. The School of Education and Behavioral Sciences is a cornerstone, producing a significant number of Colorado’s teachers through hands-on student teaching experiences that start early in your college journey. If you’re passionate about the arts, you’ll appreciate UNC’s highly regarded theater and music programs, where students often perform in professional-quality productions at the Campus Commons Performance Hall. Research opportunities exist, especially in education and health sciences, though they’re more accessible to upperclassmen who seek them out.
Classroom experiences often feel personal, with an emphasis on discussion and collaboration over massive lectures, though some introductory courses can still pack larger groups. Competitive programs like nursing may require extra effort to secure a spot due to limited capacity, and students sometimes find advising stretched thin during peak times. If you’re proactive about building relationships with faculty, you’ll likely get the mentorship you need, but self-advocacy is key in navigating academic challenges here.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
6,480 undergrad • 2,389 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
62%
Black / African American
4%
Hispanic / Latino
24%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Greeley, CO
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UNC hums with a friendly, inclusive energy, where you can expect to form tight bonds through shared experiences like cheering at Bears football games or participating in the annual Homecoming parade through downtown Greeley. Traditions run deep, with events like the Cranford Century Celebration honoring the university’s history and fostering a sense of pride among students. Most undergraduates live on or near campus, especially in their first years, with residence halls like Harrison and Wilson offering a built-in social network, though finding off-campus housing in Greeley can be tricky due to limited availability and rising costs.
Socially, UNC strikes a balance—there’s a modest party scene, but it’s not overwhelming, and many students prioritize academics or extracurriculars like theater productions or intramural sports. The northern Colorado winters can dampen outdoor activities for months, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, so you’ll need to embrace indoor hangouts or bundle up for snowy walks. While Greeley itself isn’t a cultural hotspot, the campus creates its own vibrancy through student-led events, and Denver’s concerts and nightlife are within reach for a weekend getaway.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Big Sky Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
48%
6 Years Graduation Rate
60%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$52,231
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Northern Colorado and return in the fall. 48% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 60% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
48%
4-5 years
12%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
39%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$8,180
Acceptance
86%
Undergrads
6,480
4-Year Grad Rate
48%
Endowment
$112M
Greeley, CO 80639
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