University of Northern Colorado (UNC)

Founded in the year 1889, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s striking high plains. As a public doctoral research university, UNC is devoted to ensuring the success of its students, with a student body of nearly 7,000 undergraduates in over 100 undergraduate programs, and 2,900 graduate students enrolled in 113 graduate programs, including education and health.
 
UNC’s ideal size, distinguished faculty, and rich legacy of research and hands-on learning offer students outstanding opportunities for a personalized education. UNC students receive a tailored education, grounded in liberal arts and enriched with critical and creative inquiry. They develop long-lasting relationships with the faculty and staff that foster their individual growth, acquire the skills and knowledge that result in upward mobility among alumni, and espouse a commitment to the principles of inclusivity, equity, and diversity.
 
UNC’s students are diligent and multifaceted, with no singular label that can define them. Over a third of UNC's undergraduate students are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Furthermore, more than a quarter of UNC students identify as individuals of color, and UNC is making strides towards becoming a designated “Hispanic Serving Institution.” Our alumni frequently express that the connections they forged with faculty members during their tenure at UNC made a significant difference not only while they were on campus but also throughout their careers and personal journeys. This partnership and sense of community is an aspect of which we take great pride – a university culture that is welcoming, collaborative, supportive, and steadfastly committed to student success, service, and education.
 
The University of Northern Colorado's campus is situated in the city of Greeley, roughly 50 miles northeast of Denver, and 20 miles east of Fort Collins. UNC is also home to the Office of Global Engagement, which supports 200 international students from over 50 nations around the world. UNC is located in a suburban setting with a campus that spans 260 acres, and it operates on a semester-based academic calendar.
 
In the 2022-2023 edition of U.S. Best Colleges, the University of Northern Colorado is ranked in the category of National Universities, #331-440. UNC's in-state tuition and fees are $10,666, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $23,785.


Academics

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The Intensive English Program (IEP)  is one of the highly rated and long-standing language training programs in the country, fully accredited by CEA. It fuses cross-cultural immersion with focused English language instruction to create a unique and distinctive college preparatory experience to ensure our students' future academic success and career readiness. 

UNC’s Intensive English Program sets you up for success and is recognized as a highly ranked and longstanding language training program, fully accredited by the U.S. Commision on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). It fuses cross-cultural immersion with focused English instruction to create a distinctive college preparatory experience. Our experienced, student-focused faculty instructors are all multilingual and have graduate degrees in TEFL/TESL and Applied Linguistics and related fields. Students will find themselves in an intimate, friendly, and supportive environment.  UNC offers five levels of classes to intermediate and advanced students in eight-week sessions. We offer Conditional Admission. TOEFL or IELTS are not required after completion.

100+ Undergraduate Programs

What sets UNC apart from other universities? Our faculty connects innovative teaching with relevant research for an education that not only prepares you for your future career but sets you apart from the crowd. At UNC, our professors don’t have to choose between teaching and research because they have the opportunity to work closely with students while sharing their research in the classroom. And that makes for an exceptionally different approach to education for our students.

120+ Graduate Programs

UNC is a doctoral research university, so we can help you start or advance your professional or academic career with small class sizes, nationally-recognized faculty, sophisticated facilities and affordable tuition with more than high-quality, cutting edge programs of study.

Certificate Programs

We additionally offer many certificate programs that will help you propel your knowledge and your career to the next level.

Popular Programs of Study at UNC

Business Administration, Nursing, Elementary Education, Psychology, Sport & Exercise Science, Music, Applied Statistics/Research Methods, Environmental Science, Software Engineering, and Special Education, among many others. 

2022-2023 Cost Estimates (tuition costs, living expenses, books, room and board, international insurance)

• Intensive English Program: cost varies depending on the length of time in the program, online or in-person delivery. For more information, please go to the UNC Intensive English Program webpage.
• Undergraduate: $45,824
• Graduate (Master’s) $40,498-46,168 depending on the program
• Graduate (Doctoral): $46,978

*International student scholarships and graduate assistantships are available to help you to finance your studies.

Student Life

Local Activities and UNC Organizations

There's a lot that makes life at UNC great. From sporting events to campus arts and other amenities like modern facilities—not to mention everything Greeley and Colorado have in store through our phenomenal location at the base of the Rocky Mountains—you're sure to find plenty of opportunities that will make you feel right at home, including local area activities along with 100+ UNC clubs and organizations to choose from.

Athletics

The UNC Student ID card is your ticket to UNC athletics, and with 19 NCAA Division I teams to root for, you’ll have a lot of chances to show Bear pride.

Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor), and Wrestling

Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor), and Volleyball

On-Campus Housing and Dining

A variety of residence halls, apartments and university-owned houses are available on campus. Living on-campus means you’re a campus community member. You’ll have opportunities to meet people, understand and appreciate new cultures and backgrounds, make life-long friends, develop interpersonal skills, be open to a wider range of ideas and develop a sense of community. Living on-campus is also a great way to develop life strategies and gain independence while having added conveniences such as dining halls, restaurants, and cafes that will make your transition to college life as smooth as possible.

Services for Students and Cross-Cultural Programs

Office of Global Engagement (OGE)

Equipped with top-quality international and educational expertise, our staff provides services and assistance to international students at UNC. Our programs and services include:

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Our team supports students and scholars by providing assistance with cultural adjustment, academic and professional growth, immigration services, and personal support.

Global Buddies Program

Global buddies help international students adjust to living in the United States through support and friendship that begins before international students arrive on campus.

English Conversation Groups

English conversation groups are opportunities to practice English on a variety of topics in a casual and comfortable environment. Specific vocabulary building and speaking confidence are emphasized.

International Exchange Store

The International Exchange Store offers the loan of gently used donated items like sheets, blankets, and kitchenware to international students and scholars at no cost on a first-come, first served basis. The Exchange Store reduces the impact of global mobility on the environment and reduce costs for international students and scholars at UNC.