Colorado Mesa vs UNC-Greeley

Colorado Mesa University and University of Northern Colorado, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Colorado, offer distinct educational experiences. Colorado Mesa University, nestled in the scenic Grand Valley, boasts a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community feel. With an acceptance rate of 86%, it welcomes a diverse group of students from various backgrounds. In contrast, University of Northern Colorado, situated in Greeley, accommodates a larger student population, providing a vibrant and diverse campus environment. Its acceptance rate of 79% reflects its commitment to providing accessible education. While both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, Colorado Mesa University excels in fields like Business, Education, and Nursing, while University of Northern Colorado shines in areas such as Education, Health Professions, and the Arts. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Colorado Mesa University logo

Colorado Mesa University

University of Northern Colorado logo

University of Northern Colorado

Overview

Location Grand Junction, Colorado Greeley, Colorado
Campus setting City: Small City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 72.0% 69.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 80.2% 91.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 948 - 1200 970 - 1210
ACT range 19 - 26 19 - 27
Students submitting SAT score 45.0% 29.0%
Students submitting ACT score 13.0% 8.0%
Total number of applicants 8,082 10,152
Total number of admissions given out 6,485 9,252
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,855 1,256
Yield rate 28.6% 13.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $22,148

Out of state: $35,470
In state: $27,308

Out of state: $40,427
Average net price $15,324 $17,128
Tuition
In state: $8,020

Out of state: $21,342
In state: $8,127

Out of state: $21,246
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,100

Meal plan: $5,165
Room/dormitory: $6,546

Meal plan: $5,606
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

81.0%
Average amount $7,228
98.0%
Average amount $8,308
Students receiving federal student loan 42.0%
Average amount $4,950
49.0%
Average amount $4,866
Students taking out private loans 4.0%
Average amount $12,590
5.0%
Average amount $12,652

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 8,712
Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
7,357
Men 32.9% Women 67.1%
Graduate students 195
Men 34.9% Women 65.1%
2,991
Men 24.5% Women 75.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 16.8% 15.4%
International students 1.1% 1.6%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 2,661 3,542
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Colorado California Texas Washington Utah Colorado California Texas Arizona New Mexico

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 38.1% 51.9%
Dropout rate 31.0% 12.7%
Transferred out 27.0% 33.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,879
  • Year 2: $63,997
  • Year 3: $67,005
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,281
  • Year 2: $59,485
  • Year 3: $64,998
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,101
  • Year 2: $60,746
  • Year 3: $63,677
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,946
  • Year 2: $47,260
  • Year 3: $59,293
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $58,361
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $43,240
  • Year 3: $57,344
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,940
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $52,944
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,215
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $52,774
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $39,153
  • Year 3: $48,680
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,157
  • Year 2: $39,504
  • Year 3: $46,603
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,592
  • Year 2: $93,076
  • Year 3: $97,134
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,550
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $71,265
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,692
  • Year 2: $59,688
  • Year 3: $64,765
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,641
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $62,395
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,682
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: $60,883
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,199
  • Year 2: $50,231
  • Year 3: $52,879
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,408
  • Year 2: $45,665
  • Year 3: $52,808
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,601
  • Year 2: $48,198
  • Year 3: $49,964
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,018
  • Year 2: $46,738
  • Year 3: $48,853
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,825
  • Year 2: $42,979
  • Year 3: $46,903

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC)?

    CMU, located in Grand Junction, offers a more intimate, polytechnic-focused learning environment with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and career readiness. UNC, situated in Greeley, is a larger, research-oriented university with a broader range of graduate programs and a historical strength in education. CMU is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and smaller class sizes, while UNC boasts a more diverse student body and a wider array of academic disciplines.

  • Which university is larger: Colorado Mesa University or the University of Northern Colorado?

    The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is significantly larger than Colorado Mesa University (CMU). UNC typically has a higher total enrollment, including both undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Where are Colorado Mesa University and the University of Northern Colorado located?

    Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is located in Greeley, Colorado, which is on the eastern plains, about an hour north of Denver.

  • How do the academic programs at CMU and UNC compare?

    UNC offers a wider range of academic programs, particularly at the graduate level, with strong programs in education, nursing, and business. CMU focuses on career-oriented programs, including engineering, health sciences, and business, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and applied learning. While both offer a variety of undergraduate degrees, UNC has a more extensive selection of graduate programs and research opportunities.

  • What is the student life like at Colorado Mesa University versus the University of Northern Colorado?

    CMU offers a vibrant student life centered around outdoor recreation, with easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing. The campus community is close-knit, with numerous clubs and organizations. UNC has a more diverse student body and a wider range of student activities, including a strong Greek life presence and a variety of cultural and social events. UNC's location near Denver also provides access to a broader range of entertainment and cultural opportunities.

  • How do the tuition and fees compare between CMU and UNC?

    Tuition and fees can vary depending on residency status and program of study. Generally, UNC tends to have slightly higher tuition rates than CMU, especially for out-of-state students. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and specific cost information based on your individual circumstances.

  • What are the admission requirements for Colorado Mesa University and the University of Northern Colorado?

    Both CMU and UNC consider factors like GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and high school coursework. UNC may place a slightly greater emphasis on academic rigor and test scores, while CMU may consider a broader range of factors, including extracurricular activities and personal essays. Check each university's admissions website for the most current requirements and application deadlines.

  • Which university is better for students interested in outdoor recreation?

    Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is generally considered a better choice for students highly interested in outdoor recreation. Its location in Grand Junction provides immediate access to the mountains and numerous outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, and skiing. While UNC also offers outdoor opportunities, CMU's location gives it a distinct advantage in this area.

  • Does either university have a strong focus on a particular academic area?

    Yes. The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has a long-standing and well-regarded reputation for its programs in education. Colorado Mesa University (CMU) has a strong focus on polytechnic programs, including engineering, health sciences, and business, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and career preparation.

  • What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at CMU and UNC?

    Both CMU and UNC offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal grants, state grants, loans, and institutional scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are often based on academic merit, financial need, or specific program of study. It's recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore the scholarship opportunities listed on each university's financial aid website.

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