University of Northern Colorado Scholarships (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Sending a student to college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the first in your family to navigate the process. At the University of Northern Colorado, there are clear options that make the numbers less scary—from automatic GPA-based scholarships to regional tuition breaks through WUE. This guide walks you through UNC’s costs, scholarships, and hidden opportunities so you can plan with confidence. For extra context, check out our Colorado state aid guide alongside the full CRP scholarship hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Northern Colorado

Expense	In-State	WUE	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits, full year)	$11,874	$17,526	$26,886
Housing & Meals (standard plan)	$15,000	$15,000	$15,000
Books & Supplies + Personal/Travel	$4,790	$4,790	$4,790
Estimated Total (before aid)	≈ $31,664	≈ $37,316	≈ $46,676

Average Net Price: $18,310 per year (2022–23 NCES, latest available data). 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): Students from 15 western states automatically qualify for reduced tuition. At UNC, this brings the annual tuition down from about $26,886 to $17,526—an annual savings of roughly $9,360. 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). No GPA or test score minimums are listed—eligibility is based on residency and admission.

How much do families really save?
About $9,000–$10,000 per year compared to the standard out-of-state tuition rate.

Is WUE automatic?
Yes. If you’re from a WUE state and admitted, the reduced tuition rate is applied automatically.

✅ 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?
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 fall/spring enrollment (UNC lists standing/credit load; confirm GPA in award terms)	Students with a 4.00 weighted GPA on the transcript
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
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
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

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. Priority date: March 1.

FAQ

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. Your admission application is also your scholarship application for these GPA-based awards.

Are test scores considered? Do they superscore?
For these automatic scholarships, no test scores are used. UNC is test-optional for admission; if you choose to submit scores, they may be reviewed for admission, but scholarship tiers are based on weighted GPA. UNC does not publish a superscore policy specific to scholarships, so it does not apply here.

Can these stack with WUE or other waivers?
Amounts are set by residency category (Resident, WUE, Nonresident/International). You receive the award aligned to your category; stacking rules with other institutional awards vary and are confirmed in your official offer.

Any other forms I should know about?
Some competitive or departmental awards may require additional financial information (e.g., CSS Profile). If prompted, see our plain-English CSS Profile guide.

🏆 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?
Presidential Leadership Program (PLP) Scholarship	At least $3,000 per year (renewable up to 4 years)	Incoming first-year; strong leadership and service background	Yes — separate PLP application (deadline typically Feb 1–Mar 15; check official portal each year)	Yes — maintain good standing & leadership participation	Students with solid academics (≈3.5+ GPA) plus leadership and service profiles; essay and interview carry weight estimate based on program norms

FAQ

What makes these scholarships competitive?
Unlike automatic merit, you’ll need to complete a separate application and often submit essays, résumés, or participate in interviews. The PLP award is tied to a leadership cohort with limited slots.

Are these worth the extra effort?
Yes, because they add thousands of dollars per year on top of automatic scholarships and also connect students with mentorship and leadership development opportunities.

Can I stack a competitive scholarship with automatic merit?
Yes, in most cases. Competitive scholarships like PLP can layer on top of GPA-based awards. Exact stacking rules will be outlined in your award letter.

What’s the deadline?
It varies by year — typically early February to mid-March. Families should always confirm the exact date on UNC’s official PLP application portal to avoid missing out.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic merit and headline competitive awards, UNC offers a handful of niche programs that can put money back in families’ pockets. These aren’t always obvious, but for the right student, they can make a big difference.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Stryker Institute for Leadership Development	Committee-set; evidence from UNC donor awards suggests $1,500–$3,000+* typical ranges	Women from underrepresented groups; full-time degree-seeking at UNC; participation in leadership/identity programming	Yes — UNC Scholarship Application (URSA/AcademicWorks); priority often Mar 1	Yes — program states renewable with continued participation	Students who actively engage in Stryker seminars, coaching, and cohort activities and maintain full-time status
UNC First Generation Student Scholarship	Committee-set; UNC donor awards commonly post $1,000–$2,500+*	First-generation; demonstrated financial need (Pell-eligible or Level 1 EFC per listing)	Yes — UNC Scholarship Application; check portal deadline	Annual; renewal not guaranteed (see award terms in portal)	First-gen students who complete FAFSA and meet the posted need criteria
ACS-Hach Land Grant Scholarship	$10,000/yr (ACS program amount)	Chemistry/biochemistry majors (or science-ed pathway); typically GPA ≥ 3.0; U.S. citizen/per ACS criteria	Yes — UNC Scholarship Application; follow ACS/UNC instructions	Yes — per ACS renewal criteria (multi-year possible)	Chemistry majors with strong academics and intent to teach or aligned ACS criteria
David M. Diggs Excellence in Geography, GIS & Sustainability	$1,500 minimum (posted minimum)	Majors in Geography/GIS/Sustainability as specified in listing	Yes — UNC Scholarship Application	Annual; renewal not stated (see portal)	Students with solid GPA, faculty engagement, and field-related involvement
Rodger W. Bybee Scholarship (Science Education)	Committee-set; similar UNC donor awards often $1,000–$2,500+*	First-generation students intending to enter science education	Yes — UNC Scholarship Application	Annual; renewal not stated (see portal)	First-gen students preparing for K-12 science teaching pathways

* Range notes: For awards listed as “committee’s discretion” in the UNC portal, ranges shown here are evidence-based from recent UNC AcademicWorks postings (e.g., FirstBank $2,500; Diggs minimum $1,500) and may change each cycle. Always confirm current dollar amounts and deadlines in the UNC Scholarship Application portal.

Athletics (Blue & Gold Club): Donor-funded athletic scholarships; amounts vary by sport and fundraising; see Blue & Gold/department pages for current offerings.
Marching Band (Pride of the Rockies): Audition-based music awards for marching band/ensembles; amounts determined by the School of Music; check band and music scholarship pages.

FAQ

Are these awards automatic?
No. Each requires a separate application — whether through McNair, Honors, or the ROTC office.

Can these stack with other scholarships?
Yes. Most hidden gem awards are designed to add on top of automatic or competitive scholarships, though ROTC recipients may have restrictions on combining certain tuition benefits.

How competitive are these?
It varies. McNair and Honors stipends are selective but attainable for engaged students. ROTC is competitive nationally and requires a service commitment.

When should students apply?
McNair applications usually open in the fall; Honors stipends are posted during the year for active projects; ROTC scholarship deadlines are tied to national service boards — often early fall for high school seniors.

⭐ 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.

🎖️ 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?
Honors Scholarship Fund	Committee-set; typically $1,000–$2,500+*	Full-time students enrolled in the University Honors Program; cumulative UNC GPA of 3.25+ after at least two semesters; demonstrated progress through Honors curriculum	Yes — apply via UNC Scholarship Application portal	Annual; renewable with continued GPA and curriculum progress	Honors students with strong academic standing who stay on track toward completing their thesis/capstone

* Range note: Exact amounts are set each year by the Honors committee. Figures shown reflect typical ranges from UNC donor-funded awards. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines in the UNC Scholarship Application portal.

Travel & Research Stipends: Competitive grants (hundreds to low thousands) for study abroad, conferences, or undergraduate research. Application required through Honors.
Departmental Honors Scholarships: Some academic departments award additional funding to students completing a departmental honors thesis or project. Amounts vary.

FAQ

Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately to the University Honors Program, including essays and recommendations.

Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors integrates with your existing coursework. The thesis/capstone is completed within your major.

What are the deadlines?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but early submission (fall of senior year) is encouraged for priority consideration.

Are there extra scholarships?
Honors students gain access to competitive stipends and research/travel funding opportunities, though these are applied for separately within the program.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Sorting through costs and scholarships at the University of Northern Colorado doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With clear automatic GPA-based awards, competitive programs like PLP, and hidden gems such as McNair or Stryker, families have multiple ways to cut the sticker price. Add in WUE tuition savings for out-of-state students, and UNC can be a very affordable option compared to many public universities. The key is knowing the deadlines, stacking rules, and where your student fits — so you can plan confidently without surprises.

✅ Last updated: September 10, 2025