University of Northern Colorado Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~94%
- Middle 50% SAT: ~960 – 1170
- Average HS GPA: ~3.52
Source: UNC published data via admissions profiles and third-party aggregators. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UNC at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Northern Colorado gives many students merit boosts via its **First-Year Admission Scholarships**, which consider students by the March 1 deadline and do not require SAT/ACT scores for many awards. Departmental / talent scholarships (arts, music, etc.) add additional paths. Nonresidents will rely more heavily on those institutional awards to offset higher tuition.
Use this guide to see exactly what’s possible and what it takes. If you’re comparing offers across Colorado publics—or want to layer in state grants and donor funds—start with Colorado’s aid framework then dive into UNC’s awards line by line.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? UNC’s scholarships and admissions pathways do not require SAT/ACT in many cases; scores are considered if submitted. Source: First-Year Admission Scholarships page.
What is the middle 50% SAT / GPA? SAT: ~960–1170; average GPA ~3.52.
What’s the average net price? ~$18,457 (after aid, average across all students).
Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? Yes — UNC participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program for eligible non-residents. Out-of-state tuition remains higher.
https://www.unco.edu/admissions/costs-aid/
https://www.unco.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works/student-budgets.aspx
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-northern-colorado/admissions
https://unco.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/first-year.aspx
https://www.unco.edu/costs/undergraduate/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Northern Colorado
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits, full year) | $11,874 | $26,886 |
| Housing & Meals (standard plan) | $15,516 | $15,516 |
| Estimated Total (before aid) | $27,390 | $42,402 |
* Other expenses not included in this table: books & supplies (~$1,200), transportation, personal/miscellaneous, and other living costs. These are not billed directly by the university and vary significantly by student.
Average Net Price: $18,457 per year (latest College Scorecard). That’s what families actually paid on average after grants and scholarships—loans not included. Because federal reporting lags, use this as a benchmark rather than a current bill.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Eligible students from participating western states receive a reduced tuition rate. At UNC in 2025–26, the WUE tuition & mandatory fees amount is $19,026 for the year (on-campus). Learn more about how WUE works here.
Who qualifies?
Students admitted from participating WUE states (AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY). Eligibility is based on admission and state residency.
How much do families really save?
Roughly $7,800–$8,000 per year versus the standard out-of-state tuition & fee rate (comparing $26,886 nonresident to $19,026 WUE).
Is WUE automatic?
Yes. If you’re from a WUE-eligible state and admitted, the reduced tuition rate is applied automatically.
University COA page (Resident UG per-semester 12 credits): https://www.unco.edu/costs/undergraduate/resident.aspx
University COA page (Nonresident UG per-semester 12 credits): https://www.unco.edu/costs/undergraduate/non-resident.aspx
Housing rates (Suite-Style Double annual rate): https://www.unco.edu/living-on-campus/rates/
Dining rates (250 Meal Plan per semester): https://www.unco.edu/living-on-campus/dining/meal-plans.aspx
WUE costs (2025–26 on-campus): https://www.unco.edu/costs/undergraduate/wue.aspx
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?127741-University-of-Northern-Colorado=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UNC awards first-year admission-based scholarships automatically from your application—no separate form. Awards are based on your weighted high school GPA; test scores are not used for these awards. Submit your admission application by March 1 for guaranteed full consideration.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee | Resident: $4,500/yr WUE: $6,000/yr Nonresident/Intl: $8,000/yr |
First-time, first-year; weighted HS GPA = 4.00; enrolled 12+ credits/term | No (via admission) | Yes — maintain full-time & continuous enrollment | Students with a 4.00 weighted GPA on the transcript | Mar 1 |
| Presidential | Resident: $3,500/yr WUE: $5,000/yr Nonresident/Intl: $7,000/yr |
Weighted HS GPA: 3.80–3.99; 12+ credits/term | No | Yes — same conditions | Admits around 3.8–3.99 weighted GPA | Mar 1 |
| Provost | Resident: $2,000/yr WUE: $3,500/yr Nonresident/Intl: $5,500/yr |
Weighted HS GPA: 3.40–3.79; 12+ credits/term | No | Yes — same conditions | Admits around 3.4–3.79 weighted GPA | Mar 1 |
| Bear | Resident: $1,000/yr WUE: $2,500/yr Nonresident/Intl: $4,500/yr |
Weighted HS GPA: 3.00–3.39; 12+ credits/term | No | Yes — same conditions | Admits around 3.0–3.39 weighted GPA | Mar 1 |
Note: Award amounts differ by residency category (Resident vs. WUE vs. Nonresident/International). UNC is test-optional and does not use SAT/ACT for these admission-based scholarships. All awards use the March 1 application deadline for full consideration.
First-Year Admission-Based Scholarships – https://www.unco.edu/financial-aid/first-year-scholarships.aspx
UNC Bear/Provost/Presidential/Trustee details – https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-northern-colorado-scholarships/
UNC Scholarships Office – https://unco.academicworks.com/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UNC has a limited number of scholarships that require an extra application, essay, or interview beyond admission. These awards are more selective than automatic merit and are designed to recognize students with exceptional leadership, service, or academic distinction.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Leadership Program (PLP) Scholarship | $3,000/year (renewable up to 4 years) | First-year undergraduates; strong record of leadership and service; typically 3.5+ GPA | Yes — separate PLP application (essays required) | Yes — maintain good standing and PLP participation | Students with high GPA and leadership/service; essay and interview are key selection factors | Feb 1–Mar 15 |
FAQ
What makes these scholarships competitive?
Unlike automatic merit, you’ll need a separate application, essays, and sometimes interview. PLP is a leadership cohort with limited annual slots.
Are these awards stackable with merit scholarships?
Yes—PLP and similar scholarships can be layered on top of GPA-based awards. Award letters outline stacking.
Any essay or test score tips?
Strong writing and leadership/service are emphasized. Awards use GPA; test scores are not required for PLP selection.
What is the application timing?
PLP applications open early spring, with a typical window from February 1 to March 15. Confirm exact dates on the UNC scholarships portal each year.
President’s Leadership Program – https://unco.academicworks.com/
Leadership/PLP eligibility & deadlines – https://www.unco.edu/leadership/
UNC Scholarship FAQ – https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-northern-colorado-scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College
UNC’s University Honors Program is built for students who want more than just classes—it’s for those who want to dig deeper, take on a thesis or capstone, and have closer connections with faculty mentors. It’s not automatic; you apply directly, and if admitted, you’ll join a cohort of curious, motivated peers who thrive on challenge and collaboration.
What a Typical UNC Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA around 3.5+* in high school, strong writing skills, leadership or service experiences, and the drive to complete a senior thesis or creative capstone. *GPA range is an estimate based on Honors program norms; official minimum to remain in Honors at UNC is a 3.0 college GPA.
Why Honors Matters:
Priority advising and registration, small seminars with faculty, eligibility for special research and travel stipends, Honors housing options, and the chance to graduate with Honors on your transcript and diploma.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Scholarship Fund | $1,000–$2,500+ (committee-set) | Full-time Honors Program students; UNC GPA 3.25+ (after ≥2 semesters); progress toward thesis/capstone | Yes — UNC Scholarship Application portal | Annual; renewable with progress | Honors students with strong academics who stay on track with Honors curriculum | Feb 1 |
* Range note: Award amounts are set each year by the Honors committee; confirm current amounts and full conditions in the UNC portal.
- Travel & Research Stipends: Stipends for conferences, study abroad, or research require separate applications, generally due in February or by program-specific deadlines.
- Departmental Honors Scholarships: Offered by some majors for Honors thesis/project; details vary by department.
FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Prospective Honors students must apply separately, including essays and references.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. Honors requirements are built to fit inside standard degree timelines.
What’s the application timing?
Rolling for program entry, but Feb 1 is the main Honors Scholarship deadline for continuing and new students.
Extra money?
Stipends and research/travel awards are available, with competitive applications reviewed in late winter to spring.
Honors Scholarship Fund – https://unco.academicworks.com/
Honors Program application/timing – https://www.unco.edu/honors/
Honors/undergraduate deadlines – https://unco.edu/financial-aid/
⭐ College Specialty
If you’ve heard of the University of Northern Colorado, chances are it’s because of the programs that have shaped generations of teachers and artists across the state. UNC isn’t an R1 research university, but it has carved out a statewide and national reputation in certain fields that consistently attract recognition and funding. For families, this means degrees that come with built-in credibility and strong career pipelines.
Top Program Highlight:
Teacher Education — UNC is widely recognized as Colorado’s premier educator training university, with roots as the state’s original normal school. The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences has prepared more teachers for Colorado’s classrooms than any other institution.
- Music & Performing Arts: The College of Performing and Visual Arts hosts nationally recognized music and theatre programs, with UNC ensembles frequently earning national performance invitations.
- Monfort College of Business: Only business college to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (2004), a national recognition for performance excellence and accountability.
- Nursing & Health Sciences: Known regionally for nursing programs with strong clinical placements across Colorado’s hospitals and healthcare systems.
- Sport & Exercise Science: Offers well-regarded kinesiology and athletic training programs, often ranked among Colorado’s best for preparing future coaches and trainers.
📎 Official Links
- University of Northern Colorado Homepage
- UNC University Honors Program
- UNC Scholarships & Financial Aid