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University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Northern Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, CO. University of Northern Colorado is a public university in Greeley, CO. University of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants and University of Northern Colorado about 86%, making University of Colorado Boulder 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 $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder. About 75% of students graduate at University of Colorado Boulder, compared with 51% at University of Northern Colorado. Ten years after enrolling, University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn a median of about $69,738, against $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado.

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University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boulder, CO
Greeley, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
31,939
5,598
Acceptance rate
78%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,346
$17,760
Full cost / yr
$37,684
$29,254
In-state tuition
$15,666
$12,416
Out-of-state tuition
$44,918
$27,266
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,231
$12,695
$30k - $48k
$14,381
$13,290
$48k - $75k
$18,828
$16,038
$75k - $110k
$26,915
$18,441
Over $110k
$34,818
$24,306
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
51%
Freshman retention
90%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,939
$43,756
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,738
$52,231
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$20,470
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
26%
First-generation students
20%
35%
International students
3%
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 University of Colorado Boulder or University of Northern Colorado harder to get into?
University of Colorado Boulder is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 86% at University of Northern Colorado. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Boulder 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 $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder. 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 University of Colorado Boulder and University of Northern Colorado?
Before aid, University of Northern Colorado costs about $29,254 a year and University of Colorado Boulder about $37,684. 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, University of Colorado Boulder or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Northern Colorado. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,695 there, against about $14,231 at University of Colorado Boulder. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Colorado Boulder or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Colorado Boulder is the larger of the two, with about 31,939 undergraduates against 5,598 at University of Northern Colorado.
Does University of Colorado Boulder or University of Northern Colorado have a better graduation rate?
University of Colorado Boulder has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 51% at University of Northern Colorado.
Do graduates of University of Colorado Boulder or University of Northern Colorado earn more?
University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,738 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Colorado Boulder and University of Northern Colorado require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Colorado Boulder is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Northern Colorado is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Colorado Boulder and University of Northern Colorado look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at University of Colorado Boulder 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