Head-to-head · 2026
University of Northern Colorado vs Western Colorado University
Compare average net price ($17,760 at University of Northern Colorado; $16,425 at Western Colorado University), ROI score (7.35 vs 7.13), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($52,231 vs $46,833), and admissions selectivity (85.9% acceptance at University of Northern Colorado; 99.7% at Western Colorado University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | University of Northern Colorado | Western Colorado University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.35 ✓ | 7.13 |
| Avg net price | $17,760 | $16,425 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $71,040 | $65,700 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $12,416 | $11,318 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,266 | $24,434 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $52,231 ✓ | $46,833 |
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% | 99.7% |
| Graduation rate | 51.2% ✓ | 50.5% |
| Retention rate | 75.9% ✓ | 72.4% |
| Median debt | $20,470 | $20,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,598 | 1,586 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1082 | 1230 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | University of Northern Colorado | Western Colorado University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $12,695 | $11,490 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,290 | $10,868 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,038 | $13,908 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,441 | $16,928 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $24,306 | $21,396 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | University of Northern Colorado | Western Colorado University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 7.7% | 17.8% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 6.2% | 6% |
| Biology, General | 4.1% | 7.7% |
| Education, General | 2.7% | 8.6% |
| Psychology, General | 5.8% | 5.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 6.4% | 2.1% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 2.3% | 5.4% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 6.2% | 1.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Western Colorado University reports the lower average net price by $1,335 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $5,340 difference over four years ($65,700 vs $71,040).
University of Northern Colorado reports $5,398 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($52,231 vs $46,833). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 75.9% at University of Northern Colorado and 72.4% at Western Colorado University. Median federal debt among completers is $20,470 vs $20,250, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
University of Northern Colorado vs Western Colorado University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Colorado University is cheaper — average net price $16,425 per year vs $17,760 at University of Northern Colorado. The annual difference of $1,335 adds up to about $5,340 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Northern Colorado reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $52,231 vs $46,833 at Western Colorado University. The gap in the federal data is $5,398. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Northern Colorado is more selective at 85.9% acceptance vs 99.7% at Western Colorado University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.