Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Northern Colorado

Boulder, CO · Greeley, CO · Source: IPEDS federal database

University of Colorado BoulderUniversity of Northern Colorado
Acceptance Rate83.3%86.4%
In-State Tuition$16,430$12,010
Out-of-State Tuition$41,943$26,204
Average Net Price$22,640$19,115
Graduation Rate75.0%51.0%

GradFax Analysis

University of Colorado Boulder accepts 83.3% of applicants. University of Northern Colorado accepts 86.4%. University of Colorado Boulder's in-state tuition is $16,430. University of Northern Colorado's is $12,010. University of Northern Colorado is cheaper. University of Colorado Boulder graduates 75% of students in 6 years. University of Northern Colorado graduates 51%.

Bottom Line

After aid, the average student pays $22,640/year at University of Colorado Boulder and $19,115/year at University of Northern Colorado. University of Northern Colorado is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of Colorado Boulder profileUniversity of Northern Colorado profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, University of Colorado Boulder or University of Northern Colorado?

University of Colorado Boulder. It accepts 83.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is University of Colorado Boulder or University of Northern Colorado more affordable?

University of Northern Colorado, on average. After aid, students pay $19,115/year versus $22,640/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of Colorado Boulder: 75% of students finish in 6 years. University of Northern Colorado is at 51%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

University of Colorado Boulder vs University of Northern Colorado: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax