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Colorado State University-Fort Collins vs University of Northern Colorado

Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public university in Fort Collins, CO. University of Northern Colorado is a public university in Greeley, CO. University of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants and Colorado State University-Fort Collins about 89%, making University of Northern Colorado the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,760 a year at University of Northern Colorado after aid, and about $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. About 67% of students graduate at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, compared with 51% at University of Northern Colorado. Ten years after enrolling, Colorado State University-Fort Collins alumni earn a median of about $60,543, against $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado.

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Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fort Collins, CO
Greeley, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
25,538
5,598
Acceptance rate
89%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1290
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
21–26
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,279
$17,760
Full cost / yr
$31,642
$29,254
In-state tuition
$13,373
$12,416
Out-of-state tuition
$34,783
$27,266
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,259
$12,695
$30k - $48k
$14,460
$13,290
$48k - $75k
$15,905
$16,038
$75k - $110k
$21,927
$18,441
Over $110k
$29,763
$24,306
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
51%
Freshman retention
86%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,748
$43,756
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,543
$52,231
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$20,470
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
26%
First-generation students
24%
35%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Mar 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado harder to get into?
University of Northern Colorado is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 89% at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,760 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,279 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and University of Northern Colorado?
Before aid, University of Northern Colorado costs about $29,254 a year and Colorado State University-Fort Collins about $31,642. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,695 there, against about $13,259 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is the larger of the two, with about 25,538 undergraduates against 5,598 at University of Northern Colorado.
Does Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado have a better graduation rate?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 51% at University of Northern Colorado.
Do graduates of Colorado State University-Fort Collins or University of Northern Colorado earn more?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado State University-Fort Collins and University of Northern Colorado require SAT or ACT scores?
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of Northern Colorado is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Colorado State University-Fort Collins and University of Northern Colorado look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1080–1290 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins and 950–1190 at University of Northern Colorado. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school