
501 20th Street Campus Box 9, Greeley, CO 80639, USA


The University of Northern Colorado holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which is a widely recognized accrediting body for postsecondary institutions in the central United States. This designation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards for quality in areas such as academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student support services.
In addition to its regional accreditation, specific programs at the University of Northern Colorado also possess specialized accreditations from professional agencies. These accreditations reflect the institution's commitment to maintaining high standards in disciplines like education, business, nursing, and engineering. Such programmatic credentials are important for students seeking professional licensure or advanced certification in their chosen fields.
Prospective students can consider the university's comprehensive accreditation status as an assurance of the institution's adherence to academic excellence and continual improvement, which is crucial for credit transferability and eligibility for federal financial aid.
Admission to University of Northern Colorado requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or its equivalent, alongside submission of a secondary school record and a required secondary school GPA. The university does not have an open admission policy, indicating that meeting certain academic standards is necessary for acceptance. Prospective students must also provide TOEFL scores, reflecting the institution's emphasis on English proficiency for non-native speakers.
While specific recommendations and admission test scores are not fully detailed, certain competencies and additional tests beyond TOEFL are advised to strengthen the application. The university accepts high school credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits, but no dual credit options are available.
The applicant pool is comparatively large, with over 10,000 applicants annually, and the acceptance rate is relatively high at 86%. The admitted students typically present average scores, with a mean SAT score around 1090, falling roughly in the bottom 35% nationally, and a mean ACT score of 23, which is near the average range nationally. This suggests the university tends to enroll students with moderate standardized test results.
The University of Northern Colorado requires an application fee for prospective students seeking admission. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university offers fee waivers to eligible applicants, which can ease the financial burden during the application process.
Applicants who demonstrate financial need or qualify under certain categories may request a waiver of the application fee. This includes students who participate in specific programs or meet criteria set by the admissions office. Such waivers are intended to increase accessibility and remove economic barriers for prospective students.
It is advisable for applicants to consult the university's admissions resources or contact the admissions office directly to determine eligibility for fee waivers and to understand the process for obtaining one. This approach ensures that prospective students can apply without unnecessary financial obstacles.
The University of Northern Colorado hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students with an opportunity to pursue military training alongside their academic studies. This presence allows prospective students interested in military careers to engage directly with ROTC programs without needing to commute to an external location. The availability of this unit supports those who wish to develop leadership skills and military knowledge as part of their university experience.
University of Northern Colorado welcomes transfer students and offers multiple entry points throughout the academic year, including fall, spring, and summer terms. This flexibility allows students to begin their studies at several different times rather than being limited to a single enrollment period.
The transfer process is considered minimally difficult, indicating a relatively straightforward admission path for eligible students. The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through nationally recognized exams such as CLEP (both subject-specific and general exams) and DANTES, which may help students accelerate their degree completion.
Additionally, prospective transfer applicants can submit recommendation letters as part of their application, which the university accepts and may consider in the admissions review. Overall, the transfer policies and credit acceptance suggest that University of Northern Colorado is accommodating toward transfer students seeking to continue their education with minimal obstacles.
University of Northern Colorado offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs range from short-term faculty-led trips to full-semester exchanges, allowing students to customize their international educational journeys according to their academic goals and personal interests.
Students can participate in faculty-led programs, which typically span a few weeks and focus on immersive learning in specific disciplines. These trips are coordinated by university professors and include classroom instruction combined with in-country experiences.
The university also supports semester-long or year-long exchange programs with partner institutions abroad. These exchanges enable students to earn credit toward their degrees while attending universities overseas, facilitating deeper cultural integration and language proficiency.
Additionally, University of Northern Colorado offers internships and service-learning options abroad, giving students practical work experience in international settings alongside their academic studies.
Advising services are available to assist students in selecting programs that align with their academic plans and help navigate the application process, scholarship opportunities, and pre-departure preparations.
Median composite SAT score
1090Median composite ACT score
23Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
22%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer