University of Northern Colorado Greenlights Medical School Admissions

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has received approval to begin recruiting and admitting students to its new college of osteopathic medicine, marking a significant milestone in its five-year journey to establish the program in Greeley. The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) granted pre-accreditation status last week, allowing UNC to start its search for students to begin classes in the fall of 2026.

Andy Feinstein, UNC’s president, expressed his emotions during the announcement, stating, “There were tears in my eyes… it was a wonderful experience in many respects.” The new medical college will be the third of its kind in Colorado, joining the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora and Rocky Vista College of Medicine in Parker.

The COCA’s approval signifies that UNC has met the necessary standards in governance, administration, and curriculum, among other areas, as outlined on its website. This accreditation process is crucial, as the college will not achieve full accreditation until its first class graduates, anticipated for 2030 if all goes according to plan.

Construction and Capacity Plans

In April 2024, the state of Colorado approved funding for the college’s new facility, a $127.5 million building situated on the former site of Bishop-Lehr Hall. Designed to accommodate 150 medical students annually, the three-story structure is on track for completion, with furniture expected to be moved in by May. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for July 27, 2024, coinciding with UNC’s homecoming festivities.

Until now, the college had been referred to as a proposed institution. The pre-accreditation status confirms that UNC will indeed have a medical college. The plan includes an inaugural class of 75 students in 2026, followed by 120 in 2027, and reaching full capacity by 2028.

Recruitment and Financial Aid

Feinstein noted that the university’s application for the college will soon be accessible through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine application system. To enhance awareness of the new college, UNC will initiate a comprehensive marketing campaign, including social media outreach, advertising at Denver International Airport, and commercials across Colorado and beyond.

To support students financially, the university will offer scholarships covering approximately 60% of tuition costs for two students from the initial class with a UNC degree who meet specific academic criteria. The tuition for the program has been set at $55,000 per year, in addition to student fees.

Feinstein acknowledged the challenges of a condensed timeline, explaining that the university would typically have started recruiting about a year earlier. He stated, “We are a little behind in traditional timing… so that is something we are aware of and that we are going to focus more heavily on ensuring this cohort is successful.”

In response, the college plans to implement a “pre-matriculation boot camp” for incoming students to prepare them for the rigorous medical curriculum. Classes will commence on July 27, 2026, with orientation starting on July 20.

Future Evaluations and Expectations

Feinstein also mentioned that COCA representatives would conduct a site visit in early 2026 to assess the college’s progress. He confirmed that construction is progressing on schedule and within budget. The college currently employs 17 staff members, including founding dean Dr. Beth Longenecker and several faculty members. Plans are in place to hire an additional 30 staff and faculty members by July 1.

The first cohort will undergo a comprehensive support system to prepare for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exams, which they will take after their second, third, and fourth years. Feinstein emphasized the importance of this inaugural class, stating, “It is of paramount importance that our first cohort of students knock it out of the park. That’s going to set the tone for this university moving forward, and that’s what we intend to do.”

The establishment of UNC’s college of osteopathic medicine is poised to address the anticipated physician shortages in Colorado, and the administration is committed to ensuring the program’s success from the outset.