N
#6 Best Public Universities in Colorado

University of Northern Colorado Admission Requirements

Greeley, Colorado

 0 Reviews

Your chances of getting into University of Northern Colorado

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

78.5%
Admission Difficulty for University of Northern Colorado
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Moderate 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at University of Northern Colorado is 78.5%.  Its admission rate is the 10th lowest in Colorado.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into University of Northern Colorado and can you get accepted?

University of Northern Colorado is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 7,938 out of the 10,107 who applied were admitted.

University of Northern Colorado typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.53. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 15% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into University of Northern Colorado?

79% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to University of Northern Colorado you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.53 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1100 on the SAT
  • Score 23 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

University of Northern Colorado GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.53

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into University of Northern Colorado?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into University of Northern Colorado are to have around a 3.53 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.53 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as University of Northern Colorado accepts 79% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at University of Northern Colorado is 3.53 on the 4.0 scale. 21% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #9 in Colorado for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since University of Northern Colorado is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted University of Northern Colorado students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 20.97% Good
3.75 to 3.99 18.74% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 17.78% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 16.19% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 13.72% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 11.24% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 1.36% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0% Reach
less than 1.00 0% Reach

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

University of Northern Colorado SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to University of Northern Colorado. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 36% of students submitted SAT scores and 7% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

990-1200

Applicants Submitting SAT 

36%
SAT Scores for University of Northern Colorado
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 500
Math 25th Percentile 490
Composite 25th Percentile 990
SAT Scores for University of Northern Colorado
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 610
Math 75th Percentile 590
Composite 75th Percentile 1200
Average SAT Score 1100

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of Northern Colorado?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at University of Northern Colorado is 1100 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 990-1200. Students who get into University of Northern Colorado score in the top 62 percent of all SAT test takers..  University of Northern Colorado ranks #12 in the state of Colorado for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1100 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. University of Northern Colorado regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 990 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 990, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 880, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

University of Northern Colorado is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1100 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1095, you have around a 79% chance of being admitted. A 1200 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 88% chance of getting in.

University of Northern Colorado admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1200 and Above Good >88%
1095 to 1200 Avg + 79%-88%
990 to 1095 Avg - 66%-79%
885 to 990 Reach 51%-66%
Less than 885 Low <51%
Calculate My Chances 

University of Northern Colorado ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

20-27 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

7%
ACT Scores for University of Northern Colorado
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 21
Math 25th Percentile 18
Composite 25th Percentile 20
ACT Scores for University of Northern Colorado
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 26
Math 75th Percentile 28
Composite 75th Percentile 27
Average ACT Score 23

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into University of Northern Colorado?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to University of Northern Colorado is 23, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 20 and 27.  The school ranks #10 in Colorado for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 23. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 20 and score in the score in the top 49 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.

7 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of Northern Colorado.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of Northern Colorado is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into University of Northern Colorado for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 23 score has around 79% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 89% with a 27 ACT score.

University of Northern Colorado admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
27 and Above Good >89%
23 to 27 Avg + 79%-89%
20 to 23 Avg - 68%-79%
17 to 20 Reach 56%-68%
Less than 17 Low <56%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

78% of University of Northern Colorado freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 41% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted University of Northern Colorado students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 12.94%
Top 25% of class 41.07%
Top 50% of class 78%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

University of Northern Colorado admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 6,525 3,575 10,107
Accepted 5,226 2,712 7,938
Acceptance Rate 80% 76% 79%
Enrolled 775 418 1,193
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 15% 15% 15%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 1, 2024

Days left to Apply

107

Applicants have 107 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2024.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of Northern Colorado is $50.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of Northern Colorado and what student information is used for admission decisions?

University of Northern Colorado Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at University of Northern Colorado
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because University of Northern Colorado is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.53 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1100 and ACT of 23 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to University of Northern Colorado often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=127741 IPEDS survey data for University of Northern Colorado.

FAQs

Does University of Northern Colorado prefer SAT or ACT?

36% of students submit their SAT scores to University of Northern Colorado. 7% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into University of Northern Colorado?

79% of those who apply are granted admission to University of Northern Colorado. Admission competition is and the college has moderate admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.

What SAT score is required for University of Northern Colorado?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 990 and 1200. The average SAT score is 1095. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for University of Northern Colorado?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 20 and 27. The average ACT score is 23. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.