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University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs University of Northern Colorado

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university in Colorado Springs, CO. University of Northern Colorado is a public university in Greeley, CO. University of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants and University of Colorado Colorado Springs about 97%, making University of Northern Colorado the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,788 a year at University of Colorado Colorado Springs after aid, and about $17,760 at University of Northern Colorado. About 51% of students graduate at University of Northern Colorado, compared with 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Ten years after enrolling, University of Colorado Colorado Springs alumni earn a median of about $54,659, against $52,231 for University of Northern Colorado.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · Public

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Greeley, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,697
5,598
Acceptance rate
97%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1220
950–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,788
$17,760
Full cost / yr
$24,595
$29,254
In-state tuition
$10,149
$12,416
Out-of-state tuition
$24,336
$27,266
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,065
$12,695
$30k - $48k
$11,642
$13,290
$48k - $75k
$12,104
$16,038
$75k - $110k
$18,388
$18,441
Over $110k
$22,142
$24,306
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
51%
Freshman retention
68%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,766
$43,756
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,659
$52,231
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$20,470
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
26%
First-generation students
31%
35%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Colorado Springs 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 97% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,788 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,760 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and University of Northern Colorado?
Before aid, University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs about $24,595 a year and University of Northern Colorado about $29,254. 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 Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,065 there, against about $12,695 at University of Northern Colorado. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is the larger of the two, with about 8,697 undergraduates against 5,598 at University of Northern Colorado.
Does University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado have a better graduation rate?
University of Northern Colorado has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Do graduates of University of Colorado Colorado Springs or University of Northern Colorado earn more?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,659 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 Colorado Springs and University of Northern Colorado require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs and University of Northern Colorado look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1220 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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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