Greeley, COpublicunco.edu
Admit rate has ranged 79%–91% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley is a public, mid-sized institution that operates as a practical, accessible engine of upward mobility for Colorado and beyond. It’s defined by its historic strength in teacher preparation and health sciences, a sprawling catalog of over 200 programs, and a campus culture that feels more like a supportive community than a competitive pressure cooker. UNC is for the student who wants a hands-on education, a manageable price tag, and a straightforward path to a professional career.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
UNC’s admissions process is notably accessible, designed to open doors rather than erect barriers. The university proudly states it admits between 88% and 91% of first-year applicants each year, a figure that aligns with its mission to give potential a chance to shine. The process is test-flexible; while SAT and ACT scores are considered, they are not required, shifting greater emphasis to the academic transcript. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 950–1190, and the ACT range is 21–26. High school GPA is a required component of the application. The university offers an early action option, with an early reported at 88.1%, slightly higher than the regular decision pool. The application fee is $50, and the priority deadline for fall admission is typically in early August. Demonstrated interest—such as campus visits or contact with admissions—does not appear to be a formal factor in decisions, as it is not listed among the "important" or "very important" considerations in the framework. The admissions office can be reached at 970-351-2881 or [email protected].
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
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UNC’s academic identity is built on breadth and practical application. The university offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across its colleges, ensuring students can find a path that aligns with their interests. The curriculum is particularly renowned in two core areas: education and the health sciences. These are the strengths that give the university its regional reputation. The most popular majors reflect this practical orientation: for recent graduates, Health Professions and Related Programs (14%), Education (13%), Psychology (12%), and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (11%) lead the way. The academic experience is characterized by a focus on teaching and accessible faculty, with an emphasis on small classes that foster interaction. This environment supports not just bachelor’s degrees but also a notable pipeline to advanced degrees; the university highlights that a higher percentage of its graduates go on to earn doctorates (in fields like medicine, dentistry, and PhDs) than those from some more selective peer institutions. Beyond the classroom, UNC integrates real-world learning, undergraduate research opportunities, international experiences, and career development into its programs.
Life at UNC unfolds on a residential campus that blends historic and modern architecture with plenty of green space, creating an environment that, as the university puts it, "feels like home." The campus is active but not overwhelming, with a student body described as friendly and engaged. A significant portion of the undergraduate experience happens off-campus, with 62% of students living off-campus and 38% in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing. The Office of Student Engagement is the hub for building community, offering a wide array of clubs, organizations, and leadership development opportunities designed to complement the academic journey. Students report ample ways to get involved, from academic clubs to recreational sports and cultural groups. The vibe is collaborative rather than intensely competitive, with professors noted for being approachable and willing to work with students outside of class. Greeley itself provides a small-city backdrop, with Denver and the Rocky Mountains within easy reach for weekend getaways.
UNC’s outcomes tell a story of steady return on investment, particularly for students who complete their degrees. The six-year graduation rate is reported at 52%, with a four-year rate around 27%. For those who graduate, the financial payoff is clear. Median earnings ten years after entry are $52,231, which places graduates solidly above the national median for workers with a bachelor's degree. Early-career earnings are also strong, with reported median salaries of $41,691 one year after graduation and $51,185 five years out. The outcomes vary meaningfully by major, as is typical, with economics graduates reaching the highest earnings brackets (around $60,682) and fine arts graduates at the lower end. The university tracks and publishes detailed graduation and retention rate dashboards, indicating a focus on student success metrics. For many UNC alumni, the degree serves as a reliable launchpad into Colorado’s professional workforce, especially in education, healthcare, and business.
Affordability is a central part of UNC’s value proposition. The average —what students actually pay after grants and scholarships are applied—is $17,760. This figure is notably below the national average for four-year colleges. The university is proactive in providing financial aid, with 94% of full-time, first-year undergraduates receiving some form of grant or scholarship aid. The financial aid office emphasizes helping students explore all options, including federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, and loans. is available for those who qualify, and the university offers a user-friendly Net Price Calculator for families to get an early, personalized estimate of costs. It’s important to note that UNC does not advertise a "no-loan" policy or a guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans; aid packages typically include a mix of gift aid and self-help options like federal student loans, which students are encouraged to borrow only as needed. The office can be contacted at 970-351-4862 or [email protected].
The University of Northern Colorado carves out a distinct niche by unapologetically focusing on what it does best: preparing pragmatic, career-ready professionals through accessible, hands-on education. It doesn’t try to be an ultra-selective research giant. Instead, it excels as a high-value, teaching-centered public university. Its standout features are clear: a historic and enduring reputation for producing exceptional teachers and healthcare professionals; an incredibly broad academic menu of over 200 programs that allows for exploration and specialization; and a cost structure that delivers a below-average , making a four-year degree a tangible reality for a wide range of Colorado families. The campus culture—friendly, involved, and supportive—complements this mission perfectly. For a student seeking a direct, unpretentious path to a solid career without the cutthroat competition or stratospheric debt, UNC represents a compelling and sensible choice.