Students at the University of Northern Colorado achieve reliable financial outcomes that support long-term stability and career growth in practical, high-demand fields.
The university delivers consistent value through reasonable costs and solid earnings potential, particularly for students interested in nursing, business, and education careers.
The University of Northern Colorado delivers consistent value for students seeking a well-rounded public university experience in Colorado. While not ranking among the very top institutions nationally, UNC provides solid long-term outcomes with graduates earning a median of $52,231 ten years after enrollment. The university serves a diverse student body, with about 26% receiving Pell Grants and 35% being first-generation college students, demonstrating meaningful access for students from various backgrounds.
What distinguishes UNC is its ability to help students achieve steady financial progress over time. Graduates earn slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's effectiveness in supporting student success. The institution's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused fields like nursing, business administration, and education, which provide clear pathways to stable employment.
As a medium-sized public university in Greeley, UNC offers the personal attention often found at smaller institutions while maintaining the resources and program breadth of a comprehensive university. For families seeking reliable outcomes without the pressure of highly competitive admissions, UNC represents a solid choice that balances accessibility with meaningful career preparation and long-term financial stability.
The University of Northern Colorado's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused fields that lead directly to stable employment. Nursing stands out as both the highest-return program and a major enrollment driver, with 193 graduates earning median salaries of $57,995 ten years out. This reflects UNC's strength in health sciences and the strong job market for nursing professionals in Colorado and beyond.
Business Administration represents the university's largest program with 201 graduates, providing solid middle-class outcomes at $45,665 median earnings. This substantial enrollment demonstrates UNC's role in preparing students for management and professional roles across various industries. The program's size also indicates strong employer relationships and job placement success in the regional business community.
Other programs show the breadth of UNC's offerings, from Analytical Chemistry with competitive earnings around $46,087 to liberal arts fields like Art History with more modest but still meaningful outcomes. This diversity allows students to pursue their interests while generally maintaining reasonable earning potential, though outcomes vary significantly by field of study as expected at comprehensive universities.
Graduates of the University of Northern Colorado achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $52,231 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university around the national average for earnings outcomes, while graduates earn slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions. The university's return on investment reflects steady, predictable financial progress rather than dramatic earnings growth, making it a reliable choice for students seeking stable career trajectories.
The strongest financial outcomes come from UNC's nursing programs, which represent the highest aggregate return with 193 graduates earning a median of $57,995 ten years out. Business Administration, the university's largest program with 201 graduates, produces median earnings of $45,665, providing solid middle-class outcomes for the substantial number of students who choose this path. Other programs show more varied results, with fields like Analytical Chemistry reaching $46,087 in median earnings, while liberal arts fields like Art History see more modest outcomes around $27,474.
This earnings pattern reflects UNC's practical, career-focused approach to higher education. The university's strength lies in preparing students for stable professions in healthcare, business, and education rather than pushing students toward the highest-earning but most competitive career paths. For students seeking reliable financial outcomes without extreme risk, UNC's track record demonstrates consistent value delivery across its core programs.
The University of Northern Colorado maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $14,505 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $16,792 per year, both figures that align closely with typical public university pricing. Even higher-income families face manageable costs at $22,647 annually, creating predictable expenses that help families plan effectively over four years.
Debt levels at UNC remain within manageable ranges for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $20,470 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's median earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,000, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create overwhelming financial strain. With a 0% federal loan default rate, UNC graduates demonstrate strong ability to manage their educational debt successfully.
The combination of reasonable net prices and solid earnings outcomes creates a sustainable financial equation for most UNC families. Students can expect to handle their debt obligations comfortably given typical post-graduation earnings, while families avoid the extreme costs often associated with private institutions or out-of-state public universities. This affordability profile makes UNC particularly attractive to Colorado families seeking quality education without financial overextension.
University Of Northern Colorado Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
