RN Programs in Colorado
Ranked RN and BSN Programs in Colorado
After evaluating 1,209 ADN, 794 BSN, 2,022 campus and 383 online RN programs, we ranked RN programs against criteria nurses found to be most valuable. We spent $27,700 on this unique list that has helped tens-of-thousands of nurses apply to the right program for their career goals. Find NCLEX passing scores, tuition rates, nursing program accreditation, institution accreditation and more. Explore our RN-ADN and RN-BSN rankings for Colorado in the listings below.The new healthcare reform is helping to transform the healthcare system across Colorado. Some of the best nursing schools can be found in the state of Colorado. 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.
Using the following information, write about registered nursing (RN) programs for the state of Colorado
Total RN Program Program Count
Total number of RN Programs in State: 33
RN Program Count by Accreditation:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Count: 16
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Count: 7
NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Worst School: College America-Denver.
- Worst School Passing Passing Rate: 69.95%
- Best School: Pikes Peak Community College.
- Best School Passing Passing Rate: 98.63%
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Colorado 85.30%.
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate Nationwide: 84.01%.
NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Bachelor Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Worst School: Adams State University.
- Worst School Passing Rate: 68.33%
- Best School: Metropolitan State University of Denver.
- Best School Passing Rate:98.63%
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Colorado BSN programs: 87.48%
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Nationwide BSN programs: 86.18%
Net-Price for Colorado Programs
- Lowest Net-Price School: Aims Community College.
- Lowest Net-Price: $8,456.00 from
- Highest Net-Price School: Platt College-Aurora.
- Highest Lowest Net-Price: $37,350.00
- Average Net-Price for Schools in Colorado $14,421.47.
- Average Net-Price for U.S. Schools: $13,064.91.
Online RN Programs in Colorado
- Number of Online RN Programs: 10
- Number of Online ADN Programs: 3
- Number of Online BSN Programs: 8
Colorado Public or Private Institutions
- RN Programs from Public Institutions: 20
- RN Programs from Private For-Profit Institutions: 10
- RN Programs from Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 3
Colorado Median Student Borrowing for Schools Offering an RN
- Least Amount of Student Borrowing for a School: $5,500.00
- Highest Amount of Student Borrowing for a School: $42,625.00
- Average Student Borrowing for Colorado Schools: $13,030.84
- Average Student Borrowing for Nationwide: $13,691.88
Colorado Cities Where RN Programs Are Offered
- Number of Colorado Cities: 19
- Colorado City List: Denver, Aurora, Pueblo, Fort Morgan, Sterling, Greeley, La Junta, Colorado Springs, Rangely, Westminster, Lamar, Grand Junction, Littleton, Lakewood, Glenwood Springs, Alamosa, Centennial, Lone Tree and Trinidad.
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/logo_head.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org"){kind=logo}
Ranked Schools : 16
Evaluated Schools : 21
RN 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.
RANKED 1
![Pikes Peak Community College RN Programs in CO [state_name]](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/template1.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 "Pikes Peak Community College RN Programs in CO [state_name]")
ADN
Overall Score: 98.63%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 96.03%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 90.27%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 89.06%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 88.21%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 6
ADN
Overall Score: 88.17%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 87.74%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 8
ADN
Overall Score: 86.82%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 86.24%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 85.81%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 84.72%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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 12
![Denver School of Nursing RN Programs in CO [state_name]](https://www.rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/cds_screenshots/454856_sc.jpg "Denver School of Nursing RN Programs in CO [state_name]")
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 82.47%
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/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $24,364.00
- Median Payment: $254.39
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 82.29%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 14
ADN
Overall Score: 74.64%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 15
ADN
Overall Score: 73.73%
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 Nursin
- 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%
- Institution Accreditation: ACCSC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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 / 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/Registered Nurse
- 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
- 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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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/Registered Nurse
- 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/Registered Nurse
- 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/Registered Nurse
- 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) : CCNE
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Colorado | BSN Programs in Colorado | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Colorado 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.
More Colorado Nursing Resources
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 880
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821
Helpful Nursing Resources
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i0.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BSNseal-1.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org")
Ranked Schools : 11
Evaluated Schools : 16
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
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 95.13%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 94.32%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : CCNE
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 93.64%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.90%
- Graduation Rate: 46.40%
- Median Borrowing: $17,520.00
- Median Payment: $182.93
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 4
BSN
Overall Score: 92.08%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -8.01%
- Graduation Rate: 46.00%
- Median Borrowing: $15,000.00
- Median Payment: $156.62
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 92.01%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 6
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 90.36%
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/Registered Nurse
- 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) : CCNE
RANKED 7
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 89.61%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 8
![Platt College-Aurora RN Programs in CO [state_name]](https://www.rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/cds_screenshots/260813_sc.jpg "Platt College-Aurora RN Programs in CO [state_name]")
BSN
Overall Score: 88.40%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: ACCSC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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) : ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 85.79%
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/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $24,364.00
- Median Payment: $254.39
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 72.59%
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/Registered Nurse
- 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 11
BSN
Overall Score: 68.33%
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%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- 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-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/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
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/Registered Nurse
- 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
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
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: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- 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: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
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/Registered Nurse
- 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
- Program Accreditation(s) :
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/Registered Nurse
- 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) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Colorado | BSN Programs in Colorado | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Colorado 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.
More Colorado Nursing Resources
Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 880
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821
Helpful Nursing Resources
Colorado Job Outlook
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 Nursing Jobs
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