Greeley, CO · Private University
Is University of Northern Colorado Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$52,231
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,010
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,204
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$104,816
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.99x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
51.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,470
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,457
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Northern Colorado graduates earn $7,231 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Northern Colorado ranked by graduate earnings
274 graduates
206 graduates
25 graduates
16 graduates
27 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Northern Colorado
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Northern Colorado, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $66,000) and the lowest (Music: $25,751) is $40,249/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $66,000 | 2.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $60,368 | 2.3x |
| Chemistry | $57,636 | 2.2x |
| Computer Engineering(1yr data) | $56,557 | 2.2x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $52,921 | 2.0x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,725 | 1.9x |
| Mathematics | $48,902 | 1.9x |
| Sustainability Studies | $48,875 | 1.9x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $48,757 | 1.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $47,866 | 1.8x |
| Economics(1yr data) | $45,257 | 1.7x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $45,211 | 1.7x |
| Political Science and Government | $45,185 | 1.7x |
| History | $43,954 | 1.7x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $43,800 | 1.7x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $43,512 | 1.7x |
| Journalism | $43,381 | 1.7x |
| Biology, General | $41,539 | 1.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $41,413 | 1.6x |
| Sociology | $40,911 | 1.6x |
| Nutrition Sciences | $40,333 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, General | $40,282 | 1.5x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $40,136 | 1.5x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $39,440 | 1.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $39,251 | 1.5x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $37,706 | 1.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,357 | 1.4x |
| Geography and Cartography(1yr data) | $36,996 | 1.4x |
| Physics(1yr data) | $34,373 | 1.3x |
| Anthropology | $31,562 | 1.2x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $28,493 | 1.1x |
| MusicLowest | $25,751 | 1.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Northern Colorado offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,231 10 years after starting, $7,231 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.1 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.