University of Northern Colorado
University of Northern Colorado — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Northern Colorado at a Glance
The University of Northern Colorado is a public university in Greeley, Colorado, United States. It was founded in 1889 as the State Normal School of Colorado and took on its current name in 1970. Approximately 10,000 students are enrolled in six colleges. Extended campus locations are in Loveland, Denver/Aurora, and Colorado Springs. The university has a long history in teacher education. UNCO's 19 athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big Sky Conference.
1889
137 years old
$131M
$131.4 million (2025)
8,869
6,480 undergrad · 2,389 grad
686
260 acres
Identity
Is University of Northern Colorado Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, University of Northern Colorado is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,231 — 3% below average — while paying $17,760/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Northern Colorado has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Northern Colorado compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in CO
Ranked #104 of 175 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #104 | University of Northern Colorado | 38 | $17,760 | $52,231 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Northern Colorado's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in CO.
Best Programs at University of Northern Colorado
The highest-earning program at University of Northern Colorado is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at $20,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Northern Colorado earns $56,600, while a Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services graduate earns $20,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $19,184 in median debt vs. $16,342 for Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,760/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,600 | $56,600 | $19,184 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,500 | $40,500 | $21,250 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $36,400 | $36,400 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $36,200 | $36,200 | $26,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $36,200 | $36,200 | $17,500 |
| Chemistry | $35,000 | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Mathematics | $34,800 | $34,800 | $19,075 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $33,800 | $33,800 | $21,750 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $33,500 | $33,500 | $25,000 |
| Sociology | $32,000 | $32,000 | $22,618 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,400 | $31,400 | $21,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,200 | $31,200 | $22,301 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $30,200 | $30,200 | $22,077 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $29,900 | $29,900 | $20,653 |
| History | $29,800 | $29,800 | $22,500 |
| Journalism | $29,100 | $29,100 | $23,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,000 | $29,000 | $20,551 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,700 | $28,700 | $23,000 |
| Nutrition Sciences | $28,400 | $28,400 | $17,194 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $28,100 | $28,100 | $21,375 |
| Biology, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $25,000 |
| Sustainability Studies | $27,900 | $27,900 | $22,250 |
| Psychology, General | $27,500 | $27,500 | $20,628 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $25,200 | $25,200 | $26,613 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $24,100 | $24,100 | $25,000 |
| International/Global Studies | $22,300 | $22,300 | $10,441 |
| Music | $21,100 | $21,100 | $25,250 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $20,400 | $20,400 | $16,342 |
Similar Colleges in CO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Greeley, CO
- Student Body
- 5,598 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,760
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,231
- Median Student Debt
- $20,470