RN Programs in Colorado
Colorado RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in Colorado
- ADN Programs: 21
- BSN Programs: 17
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 85%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 70% to 100%
- Average Net-Price $12,338.50
- Net-Price Range: $8,456.00 to $24,031.00
- Average Student Loan: $10,132.95
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 87%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 63% to 96%
- Average Net-Price $17,239.88
- Net-Price Range: $9,646.00 to $37,350.00
- Average Student Loan: $16,932.76
Colorado RN Program Guide
The new healthcare reform is helping to transform the healthcare system across Colorado. Some of the best nursing schools can be here. These schools are responding by offering programs nurses need in order to be the most successful in their careers.
Many nurses are seeking out RN to BSN programs in Colorado in order to meet the demands of the evolving market. Up until recently nurses took a backseat position in terms of health care. In today’s market, nurses are making more and more healthcare decisions.
The RN to BSN programs in Colorado offer flexible hours in order to avoid conflict with work schedules. There are also online nursing programs available, which make returning to school even more attainable.
In our Colorado RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key Colorado RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The State of Colorado offers 33 RN programs in 19 different cities. Public institutions offer 20 of the RN programs in the state while there are 10 private, for-profit and 3 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.
In the State of Colorado, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to Colorado RN Programs.
ADN Programs in Colorado
The state of Colorado promotes continuing education. While they do offer quite a few RN programs, most of their RN programs have partnerships with neighboring universities. These partnerships allow the student to enroll immediately upon graduation with their ADN; this allows the student to work as an RN while continuing their education as a BSN.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Colorado ADN Programs
Pikes Peak Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Colorado of 99.58%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $10,360.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Colorado: 21
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 84.50%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 69.95% to 99.58%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Colorado?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Colorado so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Colorado is offered by Aims Community College at about $8,456.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.86%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Colorado Christian University and it will cost about $24,031.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A*%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inColorado: $12,338.50
- Net-Price Range for Colorado ADN Programs: $8,456.00 to $24,031.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Colorado Schools: $10,132.95
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Colorado: $5,500.00 to $24,364.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 14
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 5
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 2
BSN Programs in Colorado
Patients are coming down with more complex chronic conditions. BSN programs in Colorado provide nursing students with education courses in nursing science, theory and diagnostic reasoning for a better understanding of nursing. The courses that are required help nurses to build on existing foundational skills. Some of the BSN courses may include:
- The transition to professional nursing
- Nursing theory, research and evidenced-based practice
- Healthcare ethics and legalities
- Informatics, medical technology and computer literacy
- Advanced practice in maternal, pediatric and geriatric nursing
- Imperatives for individuals, families and community health
NCLEX Passing Rates for Colorado BSN Programs
Metropolitan State University of Denver wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Colorado with a score of 95.65%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $9,646.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Colorado: 17
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 87.19%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 62.67% to 95.65%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Colorado?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Colorado to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Colorado is offered by Metropolitan State University of Denver and will cost you about $9,646.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 95.65%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Platt College-Aurora and will cost you about $37,350.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 85.93%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Colorado: $17,239.88
- Net-Price Range for Colorado BSN Programs: $9,646.00 to $37,350.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Colorado Schools: $16,932.76
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Colorado: $6,587.00 to $42,625.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 8
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 7
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 2
MSN Programs in Colorado
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Colorado offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online Programs in Colorado
Today there are very few disadvantages to earning an online RN degree in Colorado. With advances in online learning coupled the need to educate more nurses because of the nursing shortage, many nursing schools are offing online nursing programs.
For nurses needing to complete clinicals, nursing programs usually help a nurse to find one.
Be sure to choose an accredited program that meets quality standards set by either the ACEN or CCNE accrediting agencies. An accredited online RN Nursing program will help ensure that your units pass can transfer to another accredited college and help you in gain employment. Learn more about online RN programs.
Colorado RN Licensing Requirements
RN License by Exam
There a few different ways one can obtain licensure in the state of Colorado. One of the easy ways to gain licensure is through the NCLEX examination. Along with a passing score, you also need to provide verification of graduation from an approved pre-licensure RN nursing education program.
RN License by Endorsement
Colorado allows candidates who are licensed from one of the fifty states to gain licensure through endorsement. Colorado is also a member of a nurse license compact in other compact states. The bordering states of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nebraska do not need to get a Colorado license if they take a position there. However, this changes if and when they move to the state. Nurses with license in non-compact states are not authorized to work in Colorado without first getting a new license. Out of state candidates may be required to take a refresher course. This applies to those who do not have a current license or have not taken the NCLEX-RN in the past two years.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who are not licensed in the United States must apply for license by examination. There are some steps that must be completed prior to this. First of all, all candidates need a Healthcare Profession and Science Report. This will determine if their education program meet the equivalent requirements. In countries where English is not the native language, nurses will need to demonstrate English competency.
RN Salaries in Colorado
There is a large expected increase of citizens who are over the age of 65. The healthcare reform will increase the patient load, which will require registered nurses to possess a high level of influence and knowledge of their skill. Hospitals are more likely to hire nurses with a BSN in order to meet the demanding needs of the industry. On average, an RN in Colorado makes more than $68,980.
Colorado Registered Nursing Salaries
Bolder, CO has the highest annual wage followed closely by Denver and surrounding area. And Denver, by a very large percentage, has the largest number of employed nurses in Colorado. Hourly salary range is between $27.98 and $34.69.
| Area | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 2,570 | $34.69 | $72,150 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 5,230 | $29.93 | $62,250 |
| Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO | 25,420 | $34.20 | $71,130 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | 2,130 | $30.45 | $63,330 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 1,400 | $31.98 | $66,520 |
| Greeley, CO | 1,460 | $32.44 | $67,470 |
| Pueblo, CO | 2,000 | $30.25 | $62,910 |
| East and South Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 1,170 | $27.98 | $58,210 |
| West Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 1,720 | $29.27 | $60,880 |
| Northcentral Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 880 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| Central Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 390 | $30.56 | $63,560 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Best RN Programs in Colorado
Ranked Schools: 16
Evaluated Schools: 21
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Colorado’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs Colorado.
With more than 21 Colorado associate degree in nursing programs to choose from, we hope to provide some of the critical information you need before applying to a ADN program. We ranked the top 16 ADN degree programs in the Colorado. Research the best BSN Degrees Colorado.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
ADN
Overall Score: 99.58%
Pikes Peak Community College
- 5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO - 80906-5498
- (719) 502-2000
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.
- Campus: Colorado Springs, CO
- Net Price: $10,360.00
- Enrollment: 14,634
- Transfer Out Rate: 6.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 14.61%
- Graduation Rate: 14.40%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 94.34%
Arapahoe Community College
- 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO - 80160-9002
- (303) 797-4222
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.
- Campus: Littleton, CO
- Net Price: $8,508.00
- Enrollment: 11,621
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.88%
- Graduation Rate: 17.90%
- Median Borrowing: $5,500.00
- Median Payment: $57.43
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 3
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 91.15%
Colorado Mountain College
- 802 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO - 81601-0233
- (800) 621-8559
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.
- Campus: Glenwood Springs, CO
- Net Price: $9,946.00
- Enrollment: 5,893
- Transfer Out Rate: 42.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 262.99%
- Graduation Rate: 20.10%
- Median Borrowing: $6,587.00
- Median Payment: $68.78
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 89.86%
Aims Community College
- 5401 W. 20th St., Greeley, CO - 80632
- (970) 330-8008
- Campus: Greeley, CO
- Net Price: $8,456.00
- Enrollment: 4,955
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -0.41%
- Graduation Rate: 28.60%
- Median Borrowing: $6,750.00
- Median Payment: $70.48
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 87.08%
Lamar Community College
- 2401 S Main St, Lamar, CO - 81052-3999
- (719) 336-2248
- Campus: Lamar, CO
- Net Price: $10,456.00
- Enrollment: 902
- Transfer Out Rate: 6.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 3.27%
- Graduation Rate: 28.40%
- Median Borrowing: $8,409.00
- Median Payment: $87.80
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 6
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 87.07%
Colorado Mesa University
- 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO - 81501-3122
- (970) 248-1020
- Campus: Grand Junction, CO
- Net Price: $13,717.00
- Enrollment: 9,576
- Transfer Out Rate: 34.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.08%
- Graduation Rate: 32.70%
- Median Borrowing: $13,030.00
- Median Payment: $136.05
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post-Master Doctorate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 86.30%
Morgan Community College
- 920 Barlow Road, Fort Morgan, CO - 80701
- (970) 542-3100
Morgan Community College is located in Fort Morgan, Colorado. They offer an RN program and an advanced placement option, which allows LPNs to apply for entrance into the RN program, skipping the initial semester. They also offer an exit option, allowing the student to exit at a designated point in the program with a licensed practical nursing certificate.
- Campus: Fort Morgan, CO
- Net Price: $10,499.00
- Enrollment: 1,851
- Transfer Out Rate: 6.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 27.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 5.23%
- Graduation Rate: 34.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,540.00
- Median Payment: $78.73
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 8
ADN
Overall Score: 84.81%
Front Range Community College
- 3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO - 80031
- (303) 404-5000
- Campus: Westminster, CO
- Net Price: $9,643.00
- Enrollment: 19,619
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 19.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -12.15%
- Graduation Rate: 18.10%
- Median Borrowing: $8,777.00
- Median Payment: $91.64
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 9
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 84.48%
Denver School of Nursing
- 1401 19th St, Denver, CO - 80202
- (303) 292-0015
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Enrollment: 696
- Loan Default Rate: 1.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $24,364.00
- Median Payment: $254.39
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 84.24%
Colorado Northwestern Community College
- 500 Kennedy Drive, Rangely, CO - 81648-3598
- (970) 675-2261
- Campus: Rangely, CO
- Net Price: $10,406.00
- Enrollment: 1,138
- Transfer Out Rate: 7.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 32.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.73%
- Graduation Rate: 32.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,881.00
- Median Payment: $82.29
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 83.23%
Otero Junior College
- 1802 Colorado Ave, La Junta, CO - 81050
- (719) 384-6831
- Campus: La Junta, CO
- Net Price: $10,997.00
- Enrollment: 1,449
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.69%
- Graduation Rate: 30.00%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 12
ADN
Overall Score: 81.90%
Pueblo Community College
- 900 West Orman Avenue, Pueblo, CO - 81004-1499
- (719) 549-3200
Pueblo Community College is located in Pueblo, Colorado, although they have multiple campuses. Their nursing program is located in three out of four of their campuses. They offer an RN program and an LPN to RN program. Their programs are offered once yearly and they admit 36 students into their program.
- Campus: Pueblo, CO
- Net Price: $9,083.00
- Enrollment: 6,718
- Transfer Out Rate: 3.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 27.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -6.85%
- Graduation Rate: 23.60%
- Median Borrowing: $7,500.00
- Median Payment: $78.31
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 79.96%
Trinidad State Junior College
- 600 Prospect St, Trinidad, CO - 81082
- (719) 846-5011
- Campus: Trinidad, CO
- Net Price: $10,429.00
- Enrollment: 1,791
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 27.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -3.61%
- Graduation Rate: 39.20%
- Median Borrowing: $6,112.00
- Median Payment: $63.82
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 14
ADN
Overall Score: 76.07%
Northeastern Junior College
- 100 College Avenue, Sterling, CO - 80751-2944
- (970) 521-6600
- Campus: Sterling, CO
- Net Price: $11,706.00
- Enrollment: 1,962
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 11.64%
- Graduation Rate: 35.90%
- Median Borrowing: $6,220.00
- Median Payment: $64.94
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 15
ADN
Overall Score: 72.02%
Concorde Career College-Aurora
- 111 N. Havana Street, Aurora, CO - 80010-4314
- (303) 861-1151
- Campus: Aurora, CO
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 16
ADN
Overall Score: 69.95%
College America-Denver
- 1385 S Colorado Blvd., 5th Floor, Denver, CO - 80222
- (303) 300-8740
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Net Price: $15,777.00
- Enrollment: 497
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -8.66%
- Graduation Rate: 33.90%
- Median Borrowing: $20,215.00
- Median Payment: $211.07
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED N/A*
ADN
Overall Score: N/A*
Community College of Denver
- 1111 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO - 80204-2026
- (303) 556-2600
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Net Price: $8,618.00
- Enrollment: 10,432
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 31.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -9.11%
- Graduation Rate: 10.40%
- Median Borrowing: $8,952.00
- Median Payment: $93.47
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED N/A*
ADN
Overall Score: N/A*
National American University-Colorado Springs
- 1915 Jamboree Drive, Suite 185, Colorado Springs, CO - 80920
- (719) 590-8300
- Campus: Colorado Springs, CO
- Net Price: $21,868.00
- Enrollment: 281
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 18.62%
- Graduation Rate: 20.00%
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED N/A*
ADN
Overall Score: N/A*
National American University-Denver
- 1325 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 100, Denver, CO - 80222-3308
- (303) 876-7100
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Enrollment: 258
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Graduation Rate: 10.00%
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
Colorado Christian University
- 8787 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO - 80226
- (303) 963-3000
Colorado Christian University is located in Lakewood, Colorado. They offer a pre-license BSN program (designed for students without a nursing degree) and an RN to BSN program, which is offered online. This program is offered online as a courtesy to its students, so that they do not have to travel to class as these students often have busy lives.
- Campus: Lakewood, CO
- Net Price: $24,031.00
- Enrollment: 4,973
- Loan Default Rate: 6.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.49%
- Graduation Rate: 36.50%
- Median Borrowing: $10,500.00
- Median Payment: $109.63
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
- 4435 N Chestnut Street, Colorado Springs, CO - 80907-3812
- (719) 598-0200
- Campus: Colorado Springs, CO
- Net Price: $17,593.00
- Enrollment: 1,216
- Loan Default Rate: 19.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -3.98%
- Graduation Rate: 25.90%
- Median Borrowing: $19,048.00
- Median Payment: $198.88
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | RN Salary Guide: Registered Nurse Salary | LPN Salary Guide: LPN Salary | Online Associates Nursing Program | Nursing Schools in Arizona | Nursing Schools in Maryland | RN Programs in the United States | For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 880
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821
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Ranked Schools: 12
Evaluated Schools: 17
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Colorado’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best BSN degree programs Colorado.
With more than 17 Colorado BSN degree programs to choose from, we hope to provide you some of the critical information you may need before applying to a BSN degree program. We ranked the top 12 BSN degree programs in the Colorado. Research the best ADN Programs in Colorado.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 95.65%
Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Speer Blvd and Colfax Ave, Denver, CO - 80217-3362
- (303) 556-3058
Metropolitan State University of Denver is located in Denver, Colorado. They offer various BSN choices: a traditional nursing option (TNO), an accelerated nursing option (ANO) and baccalaureate registered nurse completion option (BRNCO). The ANO option is designed for students with a previous bachelor’s degree (non-nursing) and the BRNCO option is designed or students already holding an ADN degree and RN license.
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Net Price: $9,646.00
- Enrollment: 22,289
- Transfer Out Rate: 33.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 16.92%
- Graduation Rate: 26.00%
- Median Borrowing: $13,750.00
- Median Payment: $143.57
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 93.76%
University of Colorado Denver
- 1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400, Denver, CO - 80217-3364
- (303) 556-5600
University of Colorado Denver is located in Denver, Colorado. They offer a few different options for their BSN students. They offer a traditional BSN program. They also offer an RN to BSN program, which is an online program. This online program is also available to non-Colorado residents. They also offer their “integrated nursing pathway” program, which is a collaboration with various local community colleges. This allows students with an ADN to take their first two semesters of their BSN program at their local college, finishing up at the main campus.
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Net Price: $12,580.00
- Enrollment: 13,010
- Transfer Out Rate: 35.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.90%
- Graduation Rate: 41.30%
- Median Borrowing: $18,757.00
- Median Payment: $195.84
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 93.45%
Regis University
- 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, CO - 80221-1099
- (8.0) 038-8E+13
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Net Price: $23,873.00
- Enrollment: 5,172
- Loan Default Rate: 3.20%
- Programs: Adult Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -7.11%
- Graduation Rate: 58.10%
- Median Borrowing: $21,875.00
- Median Payment: $228.40
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Masters, Post-Baccalaureate Doctorate, Post-Master Doctorate
- Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE
RANKED 4
BSN
Overall Score: 92.74%
University of Northern Colorado
- Carter Hall - Rm 4000, Greeley, CO - 80639
- (970) 351-1890
University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC has a diverse student population; 87% of its population is from Colorado, with 58 of its 64 counties represented. 47 out of 50 states currently have students studying there. In addition, 34 countries are represented at UNC. In addition, their nursing program is over 50 years old. Their nursing program offers a BSN option and an RN to BSN option.
- Campus: Greeley, CO
- Net Price: $13,311.00
- Enrollment: 9,947
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.90%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.90%
- Graduation Rate: 46.40%
- Median Borrowing: $17,520.00
- Median Payment: $182.93
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master, Post-Baccalaureate Doctorate, Post-Master Doctorate
- Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 91.43%
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO - 80918
- (719) 255-3000
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Beth-El College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN option and an Allied Health Completion Program, which allows those who hold a degree in an Allied Health to enroll for a BSN degree.
- Campus: Colorado Springs, CO
- Net Price: $12,167.00
- Enrollment: 9,220
- Transfer Out Rate: 35.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 2.70%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -8.01%
- Graduation Rate: 46.00%
- Median Borrowing: $15,000.00
- Median Payment: $156.62
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master, Post-Baccalaureate Doctorate, Post-Master Doctorate
- Program Accreditation(s): AANP, CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 90.45%
Colorado State University-Pueblo
- 2200 Bonforte Blvd, Pueblo, CO - 81001-4901
- (719) 549-2100
Colorado State University – Pueblo is located in Pueblo, Colorado. This university offers various options for their BSN students – they offer a traditional option and an ADN to BSN option. However, they also have an LPN to BSN program, a Degree Plus to BSN option (allows students with prior degrees to obtain a BSN degree) and a paramedic to BSN option.
- Campus: Pueblo, CO
- Net Price: $12,484.00
- Enrollment: 5,207
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 28.05%
- Graduation Rate: 33.10%
- Median Borrowing: $13,343.00
- Median Payment: $139.32
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 7
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 90.29%
Colorado Mesa University
- 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO - 81501-3122
- (970) 248-1020
- Campus: Grand Junction, CO
- Net Price: $13,717.00
- Enrollment: 9,576
- Transfer Out Rate: 34.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.08%
- Graduation Rate: 32.70%
- Median Borrowing: $13,030.00
- Median Payment: $136.05
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post-Master Doctorate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 8
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 88.93%
Colorado Christian University
- 8787 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO - 80226
- (303) 963-3000
Colorado Christian University is located in Lakewood, Colorado. They offer a pre-license BSN program (designed for students without a nursing degree) and an RN to BSN program, which is offered online. This program is offered online as a courtesy to its students, so that they do not have to travel to class as these students often have busy lives.
- Campus: Lakewood, CO
- Net Price: $24,031.00
- Enrollment: 4,973
- Loan Default Rate: 6.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.49%
- Graduation Rate: 36.50%
- Median Borrowing: $10,500.00
- Median Payment: $109.63
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 9
BSN
Overall Score: 85.93%
Platt College-Aurora
- 3100 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO - 80014-3141
- (303) 369-5151
- Campus: Aurora, CO
- Net Price: $37,350.00
- Enrollment: 209
- Transfer Out Rate: 53.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Graduation Rate: 46.70%
- Median Borrowing: $42,625.00
- Median Payment: $445.05
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 10
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 85.92%
Denver School of Nursing
- 1401 19th St, Denver, CO - 80202
- (303) 292-0015
- Campus: Denver, CO
- Enrollment: 696
- Loan Default Rate: 1.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $24,364.00
- Median Payment: $254.39
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 75.11%
University of Phoenix-Colorado Campus
- 10004 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree, CO - 80124-5453
- (866) 766-0766
- Campus: Lone Tree, CO
- Net Price: $18,298.00
- Enrollment: 1,662
- Loan Default Rate: 19.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -13.70%
- Graduation Rate: 15.60%
- Median Borrowing: $17,476.00
- Median Payment: $182.47
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 12
BSN
Overall Score: 62.67%
Adams State University
- 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, CO - 81101
- (719) 587-7011
- Campus: Alamosa, CO
- Net Price: $11,293.00
- Enrollment: 2,284
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 9.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.48%
- Graduation Rate: 25.40%
- Median Borrowing: $13,660.00
- Median Payment: $142.63
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED N/A*
BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
National American University-Colorado Springs South
- 1079 Space Center Drive, Suite 140, Colorado Springs, CO - 80915-3612
- (719) 208-3800
- Campus: Colorado Springs, CO
- Net Price: $20,235.00
- Enrollment: 262
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 1.84%
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
- 4435 N Chestnut Street, Colorado Springs, CO - 80907-3812
- (719) 598-0200
- Campus: Colorado Springs, CO
- Net Price: $17,593.00
- Enrollment: 1,216
- Loan Default Rate: 19.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -3.98%
- Graduation Rate: 25.90%
- Median Borrowing: $19,048.00
- Median Payment: $198.88
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED N/A*
BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
Colorado Technical University-Online
- 4435 N Chestnut, Suite E, Colorado Springs, CO - 80907
- (866) 813-1836
- Campus: Colorado Springs, CO
- Net Price: $16,852.00
- Enrollment: 18,061
- Loan Default Rate: 19.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -25.50%
- Graduation Rate: 40.00%
- Median Borrowing: $19,048.00
- Median Payment: $198.88
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
Colorado Mountain College
- 802 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO - 81601-0233
- (800) 621-8559
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.
- Campus: Glenwood Springs, CO
- Net Price: $9,946.00
- Enrollment: 5,893
- Transfer Out Rate: 42.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 262.99%
- Graduation Rate: 20.10%
- Median Borrowing: $6,587.00
- Median Payment: $68.78
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED N/A*
BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
National American University-Centennial
- 8242 South University Blvd, Suite 100, Centennial, CO - 80122-3157
- (303) 542-7000
- Campus: Centennial, CO
- Net Price: $22,462.00
- Enrollment: 139
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | RN Salary Guide: Registered Nurse Salary | LPN Salary Guide: LPN Salary | Online Associates Nursing Program | Nursing Schools in Arizona | Nursing Schools in Maryland | RN Programs in the United States | For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 880
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821
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There is a large expected increase of citizens who are over the age of 65. The healthcare reform will increase the patient load, which will require registered nurses to possess a high level of influence and knowledge of their skill. Hospitals are more likely to hire nurses with a BSN in order to meet the demanding needs of the industry. On average, an RN in Colorado makes more than $68,980.
Colorado Registered Nursing Salaries
Bolder, CO has the highest annual wage followed closely by Denver and surrounding area. And Denver, by a very large percentage, has the largest number of employed nurses in Colorado. Hourly salary range is between $27.98 and $34.69.
| Area | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 2,570 | $34.69 | $72,150 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 5,230 | $29.93 | $62,250 |
| Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO | 25,420 | $34.20 | $71,130 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | 2,130 | $30.45 | $63,330 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 1,400 | $31.98 | $66,520 |
| Greeley, CO | 1,460 | $32.44 | $67,470 |
| Pueblo, CO | 2,000 | $30.25 | $62,910 |
| East and South Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 1,170 | $27.98 | $58,210 |
| West Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 1,720 | $29.27 | $60,880 |
| Northcentral Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 880 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| Central Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 390 | $30.56 | $63,560 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data