University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado · Public · 85.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 50/100 · Below Average Value
The University of Northern Colorado earns a Below Average Value ROI score of 50, sitting near the boundary between Fair and Poor Value. In-state tuition of $12,416 (out-of-state $27,266) yields a net price of $17,760 and four-year cost of $71,040 - reasonable for a regional public. Median earnings six years out are $35,300, growing to $52,231 by year ten. Payback period of 12.2 years is acceptable but not strong. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 against median debt of $20,470 is workable. The institution's weak spots are completion (51.2%, scoring 41) and repayment (72.9%, scoring 48). UNC's program mix is the largest single influence on its mediocre score: the school is a teacher-prep specialist, and education degrees produce flat-trajectory earnings. Nursing and business produce B grades, but psychology (221 graduates), kinesiology (104), and drama (53) earn D grades. As of 2024-2025 Scorecard data, UNC is a representative regional public with bright spots in healthcare and business and weak outcomes in the arts and behavioral sciences - which dominate enrollment.
University of Northern Colorado
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,416/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $27,266/yr |
| Average net price | $17,760/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $71,040 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,231 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,470 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 51.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,598 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Northern Colorado is $12,416/year ($27,266/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,760/year, or roughly $71,040 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,695/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,306/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,470 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $52,231 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.58 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,695 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,290 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,038 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,441 |
| $110,001+ | $24,306 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $12,695 net - genuinely affordable, below sticker tuition thanks to Pell and state aid. Four-year cost around $51,000. For Pell-eligible students entering nursing or business, the case is strong. For psychology or kinesiology majors, the math is much weaker even at this low price.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($48,001-$75,000) pay $16,038. Four-year cost around $64,000 - still well below most private alternatives. The brackets are progressive (no inversions). For students choosing high-return programs, UNC is a solid value; for liberal arts, consider Adams State or Colorado Mesa as cheaper alternatives.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families ($110,001+) pay $24,306 - the highest bracket, consistent with a progressive aid formula. Four-year cost approaches $98,000. At this price point full-pay families should compare carefully against CU-Boulder, Colorado State, and out-of-state options where program-specific outcomes may justify the premium.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Northern Colorado with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $49,455 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $74,278 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $83,712 | B |
| Teacher Education | $45,008 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $52,016 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,282 | C+ |
| Biology | $53,470 | D |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $46,089 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,520 | D |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $46,502 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Psychology
Psychology is UNC's largest program with 221 graduates annually - and earns a D ROI grade. First-year earnings of $32,351 against $23,000 debt produce a 0.711 ratio. Earnings recover to $49,455 by year four, reflecting graduates who pursue master's programs or transition to social services. Bachelor's-only psychology rarely produces strong immediate earnings; the high enrollment combined with weak outcomes makes this a major institutional ROI drag.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business is UNC's second-largest program with 171 graduates. First-year earnings of $50,739 climbing to $74,278 by year four. Median debt of $21,125 produces a healthy 0.416 ratio and B ROI grade. Solid Denver-metro placement supports the wages. A clear financial winner within the UNC lineup.
Registered Nursing
Nursing graduates 151 students with first-year earnings of $74,308 climbing to $83,712 by year four. Median debt of $26,000 yields a 0.35 ratio and B ROI grade - one of the best at UNC. The program leverages Colorado's strong healthcare market and steady RN demand. A standout choice for ROI-conscious students.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education graduates 151 students - tied with nursing for UNC's second-largest program. First-year earnings of $40,614 stagnate to just $45,008 by year four, reflecting the flat K-12 pay-scale trajectory. Median debt of $25,906 produces a 0.638 ratio and C ROI grade. UNC's teaching tradition serves a public mission well; the financial reward is modest. Students should expect stable but unspectacular earnings.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Kinesiology graduates 104 students annually with first-year earnings of $33,952 against $24,500 debt - a 0.722 ratio and D ROI grade. Earnings climb to $52,016 by year four for graduates who pursue PT, OT, or athletic training certifications. Without that follow-on credential, the bachelor's struggles to produce meaningful earnings. Treat as pre-professional, not a terminal degree.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 70.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 77.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-580 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 490-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-26 |
| Enrollment | 5,598 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 26.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,988 |
UNC admits 85.9% of applicants - effectively non-selective. SAT mid-ranges (460-580 math, 490-610 reading) and ACT 21-26 indicate a student body with moderate academic preparation, slightly below state-flagship norms. The 51% completion rate is consistent with this profile: open admission combined with modest academic readiness produces a coin-flip graduation outcome. Students with strong high school records who choose UNC for cost or program reasons tend to finish at much higher rates than the institution-wide number suggests.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UNC's peers include Adams State University, UC Denver Anschutz, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Angelo State University, and Augusta University. Within this set UNC's 50 score is below medical-adjacent peers (CU-Denver Anschutz and Augusta typically score 60+ on the strength of professional-program earnings) but ahead of pure regional peers like Adams State. The teaching-school identity holds back the overall number relative to more clinically focused peers.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northern Colorado (this school) | 50 | $17,760 | $52,231 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | 76 | $11,900 | $64,270 |
| Augusta University | 54 | $13,787 | $48,472 |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | 53 | $20,787 | $55,246 |
| Angelo State University | 49 | $15,091 | $50,116 |
| Adams State University | 29 | $12,980 | $44,372 |
Who Thrives Here
UNC fits Colorado students seeking affordable in-state public tuition, particularly those targeting teaching, nursing, or business careers. Enrollment of 5,598 is moderate. Pell rate of 26.2% is moderate-low. The data is sharply bimodal on fit: nursing (B grade), business (B), economics (C+), and criminal justice (C+) all produce defensible outcomes; psychology, kinesiology, drama, and the broader liberal arts produce weak earnings against meaningful debt. UNC's high concentration of education majors keeps the school-wide earnings number modest because teacher pay is structurally flat.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Northern Colorado is mixed. At $17,760 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.2 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 51.2% graduation rate.
Median debt of $20,470 against $52,231 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.