University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado is a public, doctoral/professional university located an hour north of Denver between the towering Rocky Mountains and blue-skied plains of eastern Colorado. UNC was founded in 1889 as Colorado’s teacher education school, the legacy of which continues with the School of Teacher Education, which has educated 15 Colorado Teachers of the Year.
UNC offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of education and counseling, business, health and exercise sciences, the arts, and social sciences.
UNC Bears compete in NCAA Division I athletics and are committed to serving their communities while pursuing personal excellence. This, combined with faculty members who love both teaching and research as well as all the outdoor and cultural activities available in Colorado, creates a learning environment like no other.
Get to know University of Northern Colorado
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Marching band
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Opera
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Symphony orchestra
- Television station
College Highlights
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Unlike many other top universities, undergraduates—not just graduate students—take center stage in research at the University of Northern Colorado. This takes many forms, with students completing research as part of their coursework, in conjunction with faculty, and as independent projects that complement their studies.
The Office of Undergraduate Research provides a number of resources for students to pursue their passion. The Office helps students find the perfect subject, connect with faculty advisors, and apply for grants and scholarships to fund their research. Every year, UNC celebrates student projects at Research Day, which can serve as a launching point for regional- and national-level presentations of findings.
STUDY ABROAD
The University of Northern Colorado provides access to hundreds of study abroad programs, catering to each student’s interests and degree requirements. Students can pursue traditional study abroad—semester- and year-long programs—in more than 50 countries. Such trips abroad can help every student grow into a more well-rounded and independent person as they learn the customs and culture of another country.
Those seeking a shorter trip can go on one of several faculty-led trips ranging from one to six weeks long. These trips can be more affordable than a traditional experience and allow students to work directly with UNC faculty in their areas of interest and expertise.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
UNC has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a community-engaged campus.
One example of students engaging on campus and in the community while also furthering their careers happens at the University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, where students implement research on the effects of exercise on cancer survivors to improve their quality of life.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 170 | 10-19: 324 | 20-29: 365
30-39: 213 | 40-49: 79 | 50-99: 109 | 100+: 19
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 2%
Hispanic/Latino: 20%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 4%
White, non-Hispanic: 58%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 4%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 9%
“Whether it be talking to a professor about a topic we learned in class that I experienced on a recent trip, or having your professor pull you on the side outside of class just to see how you’re doing and wondering if you’ve declared a major yet, these professors are really looking out for you and your success.” – Quentin Choy ’22
UNIVERSITY 101
Starting college off without the right tools for success makes an already difficult journey all the more difficult. That’s why UNC’s University 101 program gives students an early, helpful introduction to the campus’s resources and academic success strategies. With time management advice, a research project that mirrors the expectations of upper-division coursework, and career planning, University 101 provides freshmen with a great start and a foundation for success throughout college.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Cooperative education program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
External degree program
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTERS
The University of Northern Colorado is a diverse campus with a top priority to make everyone feel welcome. The Department of Equity and Inclusion works with administration and students across campus to create an environment that celebrates the wide variety of cultures represented at UNC.
UNC has spaces for students of Asian, Latinx, LGBTQ, black, and Native American backgrounds. Each center hosts events, offers connections with the community, and provides a welcoming physical space for students to gather, study, and build community at UNC.
“I’ve made friends from all over the world through the International Student Ambassador program, which pairs an international student with a student from the U.S. Connecting with the international students has been an incredible way to broaden my view of the world. Being a part of something is a great way to further integrate into the community at UNC, and there are so many ways to do that!” – Camille Foster ’21
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY
UNC students do get to know each other in the classroom, but they also have the opportunity to grow closer to those with similar interests in their residence hall. UNC students can choose from Residential Learning Communities based on interests, majors, identity, or lifestyle. They can have fun with the Outdoor Pursuits community; grow in the Honors, Scholars, and Leaders community; or expand their worldview in the Global Village.
SERVICE-LEARNING
The University of Northern Colorado has a wide variety of options for students to serve in conjunction with their coursework. Students can participate in Alternative Spring Break to help an underserved segment of the United States, work with faculty and staff in the UNC food pantry, or mentor local youth in a course called Campus Connections.
Sustainability studies students work to give back to a local community garden, while education students can work at local schools to understand how best to serve a group of students with diverse educational needs.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Greeley, Colorado, is a wonderful place to learn and explore new interests. Go hiking, biking, or whitewater rafting in the beautiful natural spaces of Colorado, or explore Greeley’s historic music and food scenes.
ATHLETICS
The Northern Colorado Bears field 19 NCAA Division I teams.
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), wrestling
Women’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), wrestling
Mascot: Klawz
Colors: Blue and Gold
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 88%
Undergraduates: 34%
Campus housing options.
Coed Dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for married students
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students
Fraternity/sorority housing
Theme housing
“My education at UNC was extremely valuable in getting me to where I am today. The way that my classes were structured, the support I had from my professors who were actively practicing what they were teaching … I was able to able to create a new field that I really wanted to work in and that helped push me to evaluate the world in a different way. My path there really directed the rest of my life.” – Mackey Saturday ’07
GAIN PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Northern Colorado students leave with invaluable experience both in and outside of the classroom. Students across disciplines participate in co-curricular and professional experiences in addition to their coursework. Business majors participate in a Professional Experience before graduating, ensuring that they’re prepared for the demands of a modern workplace.
Education and nursing students participate in student teaching and clinical rotations, respectively. Many programs offer job shadowing, tours of local organizations, and more. UNC students understand what it takes to succeed in the professional world, whatever the field.
SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE YOU
The key to succeeding after college can be the right guidance during college. UNC’s Career Services office provides the Success Looks Like You program, where alumni and local professionals come to campus for advising, mentorship, and panels for students in every major and career path.
The Career Services office goes above and beyond connections to local alumni, however. Students also have access to online and in-person resources that help them understand the options available to them in their career and postgraduate lives. With one-on-one advising, events, and résumé and interview preparation, students get all of the help they need when planning for the future.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Class rank | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Considered
Rigor of secondary school record | Interview | Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities | First generation
Alumni/ae relation | Geographical residence | State residency
Volunteer work | Work experience | Level of applicant’s interest
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 500 | 75th Percentile: 610
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 490 | 75th Percentile: 580
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $7,830
Tuition (out-of-state): $19,518
Fees: $2,358
Room: $5,304
Board: $5,900
Aid
UNC offers undergraduate admission-based scholarships and guaranteed Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition rates for residents of WUE states. Find out more on UNC’s website.
What Others are Saying
Contact University of Northern Colorado
Contact Admissions
unco.edu/admissions
(970) 351-2881
admissions@unco.edu
Campus Location
501 20th St.
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890