2023 Best ADN Programs in Colorado

In a state like Colorado, where there are 35 ADN programs offered, all accredited by the ACEN, how does one navigate through the options to find the best schools to apply to? With the focus on active verbs and varied sentence structures, the task may seem daunting. However, fear not, for we have some insights to share.

When it comes to ADN programs in Colorado, it’s essential to consider the average NCLEX passing rate range, typically falling between 62.66% and 99.58%. This passing rate serves as an indicator of a program’s effectiveness in preparing students for licensure.

Additionally, keep in mind that an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) generally takes between 18 to 24 months to complete. This time frame ensures a comprehensive education and adequate preparation for the demanding field of nursing.

So, when seeking out ADN programs in Colorado, ensure you assess the program’s accreditation by ACEN and review their NCLEX passing rates. It’s a prudent approach to finding the best educational path for your nursing career.

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Discover information on start dates, credit transfer processes, initial salary expectations, financial aid opportunities, GRE requirements, tuition fees, student-to-faculty ratios, and average post-graduation employment rates.

2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Colorado

Best Ranked Rn Programs In

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Colorado?

First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Colorado and then rank the best school based on the following factors:

  • Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
  • RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
  • The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
  • Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade

More about our ranking methodology.

#1 Associate Degree in Nursing

Front Range Community College-Westminster

RN-to-BSN Completion Program

99.58% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO - 80031
  • Tel1
    (303) 404-5000
Person
Nurse Admin: Jessica Halas, MSN, RN, CENP
Title: Chief Nursing Administrator
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.58%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 240
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,032
  • Book Book and Supplies: $1,460
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 64%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,243
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 2,025%

Nursing instructors at Front Range Community College prepare students to provide safe, quality, and patient-centered nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. The nursing program is ideal for students who want to provide quality nursing care to patients while adhering to evidence-based practices.

The nursing program at Front Range Community College is available at the Larimer Nursing Department and Westminster Nursing Department. Different programs are available according to the campus. Both the colleges have classrooms and labs equipped with the most advanced technology in the state. Students gain clinical experience in some of the most prominent acute care centers, long-term care, home health, and community agencies of the state. The nursing course is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly changing global healthcare delivery system. Students here learn to promote and practice the culture of caring to provide support, compassion, and culturally competent holistic care. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Practical Nursing course is a three-semester-long program available at the Larimer campus. It prepares students to take their NCLEX-PN exam and practice in long-term care facilities, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Similarly, there is an LPN to ADN course available at Westminster campus for LPNs practicing in Colorado who wish to complete their associate degree.

Both the Larimer and Westminster Campuses have an AAS in nursing degree that prepares nurses for their NCLEX-RN and embark on a Registered Nurse career. There is also an online RN to BSN Completion Program designed for graduates of ADN degrees or those who wish to complete both their ADN and BSN degrees simultaneously.

#2 Associate Degree in Nursing

Arapahoe Community College

Arapahoe Community College

98.99% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO - 80160-9002
  • Tel1
    (303) 797-4222
Person
Nurse Admin: Kari Hyland, DNPc, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, CHSE
Title: Interim Director of Nursing
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.99%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, RN to BSN

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 109
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,080
  • Book Book and Supplies: $2,200
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 47%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,118
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 26%

Arapahoe Community College is located in Littleton, Colorado.  Arapahoe Community College offers an LPN program, an ADN program, and an LPN to ADN program.  They also have partnerships with three neighboring universities, which allows their graduates to easily gain entrance into a BSN program after completion of the ADN program.

The nursing program at Arapahoe Community College is an award-winning program that is a recognized leader in nursing education. The college ranks as one of the nation's and state's best when it comes to the quality of nursing education. 

The program boasts high professional standards, a superior reputation in the community, and accessible faculty and staff. The graduates have had excellent rates of hire in some of the most reputed healthcare facilities in the state and the nation. Students participate in active learning in classrooms, high-quality simulation labs, and supervised clinical experiences in multiple healthcare facilities.

The college itself is committed to affordability by providing low tuition and multiple financial aids and scholarship opportunities. Also, to ensure that the students never feel alone and confused about their career, Arapahoe Community College provides supports like advising, career/transfer counseling, tutoring, counseling, and more, all of which are completely free of cost.

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree in Arapahoe Community College paves the way for students to become professional RNs who are qualified to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation units, and other clinical settings.

For licensed RNs who want to advance their career further, the RN to BSN program offers online classes so that they can further build their skills, enhance their leadership skills, and open doors for further education.

Similarly, the students who successfully complete the first two semesters of the AAS Nursing program are eligible to earn their Practical Nursing Certificate. Arapahoe Community College also accepts admissions from LPNs who wish to complete their ADN.

#3 Associate Degree in Nursing

Pikes Peak Community College

Pikes Peak Nursing Department

97.64% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO - 80906-5498
  • Tel1
    (719) 502-2000
Person
Nurse Admin: Bethany Copper, DNP, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
Title: Director of Nursing Education Practices
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.64%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 189
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,981
  • Book Book and Supplies: $1,460
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 68%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,991
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: N/A

Pikes Peak Community College is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  They offer an RN program and a dual enrollment RN to BSN program.  Their RN program is unique in that students enrolled may exit with their LPN at a designated point in the program rather than continuing for the full program if they so choose.  The dual enrollment program allows the RN student to also take classes towards their BSN while working towards their ADN.  This would allow the student to first obtain their ADN but still have credits for their BSN after completion of the program.

The nursing program at Pikes Peak Community College prepares the students with the skills, technical competence, and the skills they need for a successful nursing career. The college is diverse both in terms of its students and the programs offered. At PPCC, the average class size is 16, allowing for personal mentorship and guidance by experienced faculty.

Pikes Peak Community College leaves no stone unturned when it comes to taking care of the students. About $1 million scholarships are awarded annually along with affordable tuition, and the college's nationally accredited Child Development Center provides quality care and educational services to children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. 

Similarly, nursing graduates receive a quality education that prepares them to be leaders and care providers to a diverse population. The course work is designed to provide a better life to the students by understanding them physically, educationally, and financially.

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides the students with core competence in caring intervention, health-illness, holistic care, teaching/learning, nursing process, professionalism, communication, and leadership.

Similarly, the LPN to RN bridge program and the RN to BSN program allow nursing professionals to obtain a bachelor's degree, thereby opening new doors in terms of nursing education, research skills, and leadership. Students of these programs take the classes on campus and have clinical rotations in some of the best healthcare facilities in the community.

#4 Associate Degree in Nursing

Aims Community College

93.08% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    5401 W. 20th St., Greeley, CO - 80634
  • Tel1
    (970) 330-8008
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.08%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 118
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,826
  • Book Book and Supplies: $10,418
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 80%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,486
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 35%

Nursing students at Aims Community College learn the scientific and practical hands-on skills required to become a registered nurse and successfully practice as one. The graduates from the college have gone on to work in different hospitals, medical offices, home healthcare facilities, dialysis centers, healthcare agencies, and more. 

In their years in Aims Community College, nursing students learn theory in classrooms taught by specialized faculty, and apply that knowledge practically in simulation labs. They also practice their critical thinking skills, quality patient care delivery, and multitasking during their internship in various healthcare facilities in the community. 

The college offers small class sizes with one-on-one instruction and guided practice at an affordable price. Students can also apply for and benefit from the various scholarship opportunities that the college offers.

Undergraduate Programs: Aims Community College offers a two year long Nursing Associate Degree that teaches the students the basics of pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical and surgical nursing concepts, and nursing specialities like maternal-child and psychiatry.

In addition to the associate degree, students can also enroll in a dual degree program with University of Northern Colorado School of Nursing to simultaneously earn their BSN degree along with an associate degree at Aims.

Similarly, for students who want to become a LPN or nurse aide, the college offers nursing certificates to ensure they acquire the necessary skills to practice as such. The certificates provided include the Healthcare Readiness and Professionalism Certificate and Practical Nursing Certificate.

#5 Associate Degree in Nursing

Colorado Mountain College

Colorado Mountain College

90.83% 3-Year
Pass Rate
Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    802 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO - 81601-0233
  • Tel1
    (800) 621-8559
Person
Nurse Admin: Whitney Erickson, DNR RN, CEN
Title: Program Director, Chief Nursing Officer
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.83%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 114
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,460
  • Book Book and Supplies: $11,484
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 77%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,414
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 25%

Colorado Mountain College is located in various locations throughout Colorado.  They offer both an ADN and a BSN program at their Breckenridge and Spring Valley locations.  Having the BSN program on-campus allows their students to continue for their BSN degree immediately after obtaining their ADN degree.

The nursing programs at Colorado Mountain College are focused on teaching the students patient-centered care at every level of life. The graduates have gone on to work in some of the most demanding, high-quality healthcare facilities all around the world. Being one of the top-ranked nursing schools in both Colorado and the nation, Colorado Mountain College leaves no stone unturned to provide the best nursing education that is in step with the ever-changing global healthcare scenario.

The college offers low-cost tuition paired with a small class atmosphere of 13:1 student to teacher ratio. Students graduate with surprisingly low student debt and high-quality education that helps them make a positive change in the society, as demonstrated by the success of the alumni. 

The nursing programs at Colorado Mountain College are available online and are as relevant as they are competitive. The program emphasizes on nursing theory, community health, population-focused care, research, evidence-based practices, and leadership.

Undergraduate Programs: Colorado Mountain College offers a BSN degree for RNs who have completed their AAS degree and are currently working. This online course is designed to add to the practical knowledge that a working RN possesses and the theoretical knowledge that they acquired through their AAS degree.

The AAS degree prepares nurses to sit for their NCLEX-RN examination and start a career as a successful RN. The students learn through clinical rotations in acute care hospitals, ambulatory care settings, clinics, and home health, long-term care facilities, and so on.

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Nursing Programs Offered by Colorado Nursing Schools

  • Registered Nursing: 32
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 5
  • Nurse Educator: 3
  • Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • CNL: 1
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Nursing Administration: 1
  • Research or Clinical Nursing: 1

Colorado Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

Additional Colorado ADN Programs

Grade
University
Colorado Rank
Degree
88.25 Morgan Community College 6 ADN
88.24 Denver College of Nursing 7 ADN
86.91 Pueblo Community College 8 ADN
85.00 Trinidad State Junior College 9 ADN
82.15 Colorado Northwestern Community College 10 ADN
76.08 Lamar Community College 11 ADN
70.72 Otero Junior College 12 ADN
62.66 Northeastern Junior College 13 ADN

Adn Programs In Colorado

ADN Programs in Colorado

ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Colorado Nurses

Students pursuing Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in Colorado have various options for financial aid. These options span across Loans, Grants, and Scholarships. The key to unlocking these resources is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Loans form a significant part of the financial aid landscape. Students can opt for Federal Direct Loans, available at low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Yet, loans should be considered a last resort due to their nature as borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information.

Grants, unlike loans, are forms of aid that don’t require repayment. The Federal Pell Grant is the most common for undergraduate students, offering significant assistance based on financial need. Discover more about Pell Grants on the Federal Pell Grant Program page.

Scholarships offer another form of aid that doesn’t require repayment. Numerous scholarships cater to Colorado ADN students, each with its unique eligibility criteria and award amount. Check the College in Colorado website to explore local scholarships.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens doors to these financial aid resources. By providing details on a student’s financial situation, the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal loans, grants, and many scholarships. Remember to submit your FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your aid opportunities.

H2: ADN Scholarships for Colorado Nurses

Each scholarship is a golden opportunity for students to reduce the financial burden of their ADN Programs in Colorado.

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Adn Programs In Colorado

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Colorado Resources for ADNs

Individuals pursuing ADN programs in Colorado have access to numerous state and organizational resources that can help guide them through their nursing education journey. These resources offer valuable information on nursing programs, educational institutions, and job prospects within the state. Here are some key resources for those seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Colorado:

  • The Colorado Board of Nursing: This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of nurses in the state, ensuring adherence to high standards of care and professionalism.
  • Colorado Nurses Association (CNA): The CNA is a professional organization that supports nurses by offering continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the nursing profession in Colorado.
  • Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Colorado: This tool allows prospective students to find and compare colleges offering ADN programs in Colorado based on various factors such as location, size, and cost.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Colorado: The BLS provides data on employment, wages, and job outlook for registered nurses in the state, helping aspiring nurses make informed career decisions.
  • Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence: This resource aims to promote excellence in nursing by providing information on nursing education programs, workforce data, and leadership development opportunities in Colorado.

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