Colorado’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. Nursing employment in Colorado is projected to grow by 29% between 2020-2030, with 4,430 registered nurse (RN) job openings annually. This means there will be no shortage of employment opportunities for RNs in Colorado.
Colorado offers a four-season climate with rugged mountains, forests, canyons, rivers, and desert towns. The state has become a desirable place to live for its casual culture, economic opportunities, and endless outdoor activities. It offers skiing in the winter, hiking and camping in the summer, among many other outdoor activities. Colorado is also filled with history, having previously been the center of the gold rush. There are over 25 natural hot springs in Colorado, and the state is home to some of the oldest and largest commercial spas. It is the birthplace of the first rodeo and is home to the National Western Stock Show. Colorado has something to offer for everyone.
A study conducted by The Senior List has ranked Colorado the seventh-best state in the nation to work as a nurse. WalletHub ranks Colorado seventh in the nation for its healthcare systems, making this state a great place to work as an RN.
The Best Nursing Schools in Colorado
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Colorado to help you determine which college may be the best fit for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Colorado based on the NCLEX-RN pass rate posted on the Colorado State Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Colorado ADN Nursing Program
Front Range Community College-Westminster
Front Range Community College (FRCC), Westminster campus, is located between Denver and Boulder. FRCC has several nursing program options to choose from. They offer a practical nursing certificate that can be completed in one year, preparing students to be licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
They also offer an Associate Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing and an LPN to ADN program that allows current LPNs to complete their RN. FRCC also offers an online RN to BSN program that students can apply to if they have already earned their ADN or if they have successfully completed the first semester of an ADN program and continue to be enrolled in that program. Students get to experience state-of-the-art equipment in their training and simulation labs in addition to working with local health agencies for clinical rotations. Their Westminster campus graduated 88 nursing students in 2022 and achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time testers. To be admitted to the AAS program, students must complete their prerequisite coursework with a grade of a C or higher, and complete the HESI A-2 entrance exam with a cumulative score of 80% or higher.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,754
Out-of-State: $15,403
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,754 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,403 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
87% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
11,953 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
53% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Colorado ADN Nursing Program
Trinidad State College-Alamosa Campus
Trinidad State College, located in Alamosa, is situated on the eastern edge of the Colorado Rockies. They offer an Associate Degree in Nursing program, a BSN through dual enrollment, and an LPN to ADN program option. Their ADN program on their Alamosa campus graduated 11 students in 2022 and achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time testers. Admission to the ADN program requires a high school diploma or equivalent, satisfactory performance on the HESI nursing admission test, and completion of any required foundations courses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,194
Out-of-State: $8,314
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,194 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,314 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,621 |
| Institution Type |
Public College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
23% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Colorado ADN Nursing Program
Front Range Community College-Larimer Campus
Front Range Community College, (FRCC) Larimer campus, is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Offering advanced, hands-on training through their new Health Care Career Center (HCCC), this state-of-the-art facility has the latest technology to allow nursing students to prepare for their careers by practicing in the simulation rooms and skills labs. FRCC offers a practical nursing certificate that can be completed in one year, which prepares students to be LPNs.
Their AAS in nursing prepares students to become RNs through rigorous classwork, simulation and skills labs, and clinical experiences. This program takes four semesters to complete. In addition to this, they offer an RN to BSN program that allows students to earn their BSN if they currently have their ADN or if they have successfully completed their first semester of an ADN program and continue to be enrolled in the program. To be admitted to the AAS program, students must successfully complete their prerequisite coursework with a grade of a C or higher and complete the HESI A-2 entrance exam with a minimum average score of 80% or higher.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,754
Out-of-State: $15,403
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,754 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,403 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.21% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
86% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
11,953 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
53% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Colorado BSN Nursing Program
University of Colorado-Accelerated BSN
The University of Colorado Accelerated Nursing program (UCAN) is a full-time, on-campus program that allows students to complete their nursing degree in 12 months. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree and have healthcare experience to be considered for this program. The UCAN program admits about 72 students each fall and spring semester and is typically offered at the Colorado University South Denver Location in Lone Tree, CO, although students may be required to attend some classes or labs on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
Average Tuition
In-State: $12,496
Out-of-State: $38,314
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$12,496 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$38,314 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.01% |
| Admission Rate |
72% |
| Retention Rate |
88% |
| Students Enrolled |
15,000 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
51% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Colorado BSN Nursing Program
Metropolitan State University of Denver-Traditional BSN
Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver offers a very competitive traditional BSN program. Prior to applying to the program, students must complete their general studies requirements and nursing program prerequisites, including achieving an 80% or higher on the HESI A2 exam.
MSU uses the four concepts of the nursing paradigm: Patient, nursing, health, and environment, to guide their curriculum in the nursing program. The goal of the nursing program is to prepare diverse and inclusive professional nurses who can provide equitable care for patients in current and future healthcare systems.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,021
Out-of-State: $27,502
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,021 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$27,502 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96% |
| Admission Rate |
88% |
| Retention Rate |
65% |
| Students Enrolled |
15,682 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Colorado BSN Nursing Program
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs-Accelerated BSN Helen and Arthur E. Johnsons-EI College of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Colorado Springs campus of the University of Colorado offers an accelerated BSN program. This 16-month program is designed for students with bachelor’s degrees in another field who wish to earn their BSN.
The accelerated BSN program is available online, on campus, or as a hybrid of online and on-campus courses. To be eligible for this program, applicants must submit an online transfer student application, supplement application, accelerated nursing program prerequisite worksheet, and the application fee. The HESI A-2 pre-admission assessment exam must be completed, and competitive scores are required to be considered for the accelerated option. Students must also have a current background check completed according to guidelines.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,766
Out-of-State: $21,222
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,766 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$21,222 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.01% |
| Admission Rate |
79.6% |
| Retention Rate |
88% |
| Students Enrolled |
10,812 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
51% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Colorado
When choosing a nursing program in Colorado, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs that consistently have a high NCLEX-RN rate show that they provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept programs that are accredited. If you are thinking about continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program. Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Colorado
Colorado is home to 14 healthcare facilities that have received magnet hospital designations, which is an award from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence. It is a beautiful state filled with endless outdoor opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Many nursing positions are currently open, and more are predicted to open, with a 29% increase in the employment of RNs in Colorado from 2020-2030. Colorado is predicted to have 4,430 RN job openings annually, which means there will be numerous employment opportunities for nurses
In Colorado, a program called the Labor Peace Act aims to establish fair conduct standards in the workplace to protect the rights of the public, employees, and employers. This program enables employees to receive similar compensation and benefits as union members.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Colorado
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Colorado is $86,590, and it employs 52,390 nurses. Colorado employs 3,630 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $116,440.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Colorado Cities for RNs |
| Boulder, CO |
$92,710 |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area |
$89,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO |
$87,790 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Colorado
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Each candidate will be required to complete a program approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. Colorado has 21 fully approved ADN programs and 20 BSN programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Colorado, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Colorado:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Colorado, you will be required to renew it every two years prior to September 30th Colorado does not require continuing education credits to renew your RN license.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Colorado:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Colorado (or another compact license state).
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs need to enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Midwife
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Registered Anesthetist
- APRNs may apply for prescriptive authority. This does require the completion of 750 hours of prescribing experience while engaging in a mutually structured mentorship with a Colorado-licensed physician or APRN with full prescriptive authority. You must have held an active RN license for three years prior to being given prescriptive authority. Colorado Board of Nursing does not require continuing education credits to renew your APRN license. License renewal occurs every two years prior to September 30th and must be completed with the renewal of your RN license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Colorado
Is Colorado a good place for nurses to work?
Colorado is a great place to work. Colorado has 14 magnet hospital designations, which means that these hospitals consistently deliver high-quality nursing care. With a growth rate in Colorado for nurses predicted to be 29% between 2020-2030, there will be many job opportunities to choose from.
Is Colorado a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Colorado is a compact state. You can practice nursing in Colorado if you hold an active RN compact license in another compact state. Likewise, you can practice nursing in another compact state with an active Colorado compact nursing license.
What are the requirements for RNs in Colorado?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years. Colorado does not require continuing education credits to renew your RN license.
How much does a Colorado RN license cost?
The application fee to receive your RN license in Colorado costs $88, and there is a $200 examination fee. It costs $108 to renew your Colorado license every two years.
