Best Nursing Programs in Colorado (2026)

Compare 164 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Colorado. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

164

Programs

39

Schools

$85,670

Avg RN Salary

11 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

Explore Nursing in Colorado

Fastest ProgramsMost Affordable ProgramsOnline ProgramsPrograms for Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSN ProgramsNurse Practitioner ProgramsMSN ProgramsDNP ProgramsCRNA ProgramsAdmission RequirementsNCLEX Pass RatesNursing License RequirementsRN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

62

MSN Programs

23

DNP Programs

10

BSN Programs

3

ADN Programs

2

LPN Programs

Nursing Education in Colorado

Colorado offers 164 accredited nursing programs across 39 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in Colorado earn an average of $85,670 per year, with 8.7% job growth projected through 2032. 93 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs licensed in the state to practice across all compact member states without additional licensure. All nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain licensure.

Tuition for nursing programs in Colorado starts at $13,500, with community college ADN programs generally offering the lowest cost pathway to an RN license. With an average RN salary of $85,670, even the most expensive programs typically deliver a strong return on investment within 2–4 years of graduation.

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Nursing Schools in Colorado

39 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
Denver College of Nursing3
BSNADNLPN
82.0%View
Arizona College of Nursing1
BSN
88.3%View
University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus3
BSNDNPMSN
96.7%View
Concorde Career College2
ADNLPN
75.5%View
Excelsior University2
ADNBSN
N/AView
Western Governors University3
BSNMSN
91.8%View
National University4
BSNMSN
N/AView
Aspen University2
BSNMSN
N/AView
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences2
BSNMSN
91.2%View
Southern New Hampshire University1
BSN
N/AView
American Public University System1
BSN
N/AView
University of Pennsylvania3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Capella University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Michigan State University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Maryville University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Gonzaga University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Grand Canyon University4
DNPMSN
N/AView
George Washington University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Simmons University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Drexel University4
DNPMSN
N/AView

All Nursing Programs in Colorado

Sorted by school name. Filter by degree type, cost, and duration using the links above.

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Showing 30 of 30 programs
BSNOn Campus

Denver College of Nursing

Accelerated BSN

$52,000 total19 mo program84% NCLEX pass rate72% grad rate
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Arizona College of Nursing logo
BSNOn Campus

Arizona College of Nursing

Accelerated BSN

$56,000 total28 mo program88% NCLEX pass rate78% grad rate
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University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus logo
BSNOn Campus

University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus

Accelerated BSN

$45,000 total15 mo program97% NCLEX pass rate85% grad rate
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ADNOn Campus

Concorde Career College

ADN

$35,000 total22 mo program76% NCLEX pass rate64% grad rate
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ADNOn Campus

Denver College of Nursing

ADN

$34,000 total24 mo program80% NCLEX pass rate72% grad rate
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Excelsior University logo
ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate
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Western Governors University logo
BSNOnline

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

$35,700 total36 mo program92% NCLEX pass rate55% grad rate
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National University logo
BSNOnline

National University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
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Aspen University logo
BSNOnline

Aspen University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$28,800 total36 mo program60% grad rate
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Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences logo
BSNOnline

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)

$52,000 total36 mo program91% NCLEX pass rate82% grad rate
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Excelsior University logo
BSNOnline

Excelsior University

BSN Completion

$30,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate
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Southern New Hampshire University logo
BSNOnline

Southern New Hampshire University

BSN Completion

$50,400 total48 mo program70% grad rate
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American Public University System logo
BSNOnline

American Public University System

BSN Completion

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate
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University of Pennsylvania logo
DNPOnline

University of Pennsylvania

DNP

$108,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate
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Capella University logo
DNPOnline

Capella University

DNP

$46,800 total42 mo program58% grad rate
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Michigan State University logo
DNPOnline

Michigan State University

DNP

$39,600 total36 mo program79% grad rate
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Maryville University logo
DNPOnline

Maryville University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate
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Gonzaga University logo
DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

DNP

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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Grand Canyon University logo
DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

DNP

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate
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DNPOnline

George Washington University

DNP

$78,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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Simmons University logo
DNPOnline

Simmons University

DNP

$75,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate
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DNPOnline

Drexel University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program75% grad rate
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Johns Hopkins University logo
DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

DNP

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate
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Sacred Heart University logo
DNPOnline

Sacred Heart University

DNP

$65,000 total36 mo program78% grad rate
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Penn State World Campus logo
DNPOnline

Penn State World Campus

DNP

$36,960 total36 mo program72% grad rate
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Regis College logo
DNPOnline

Regis College

DNP

$60,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus logo
DNPOnline + Campus

University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus

DNP

$43,200 total36 mo program85% grad rate
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Chamberlain University logo
DNPOnline

Chamberlain University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
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University of Michigan — Flint logo
DNPOnline

University of Michigan — Flint

DNP

$31,104 total36 mo program78% grad rate
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Arizona State University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

DNP

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate
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Showing 30 of 164 programs. View all programs in Colorado

Start Your Nursing Career in Colorado

Get matched with accredited programs that fit your budget and schedule.

How many nursing programs are available in Colorado?
There are 164 accredited nursing programs available in Colorado, spanning LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degree levels. Programs are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
How much does nursing school cost in Colorado?
Nursing program tuition in Colorado starts as low as $13,500. Costs vary widely by degree level and institution type. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable, while private BSN programs may cost $30,000–$70,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Colorado?
The fastest nursing programs in Colorado can be completed in as little as 11 months. LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree can be completed in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Colorado?
Registered nurses in Colorado earn an average of $85,670 per year ($41/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Colorado is projected to grow 8.7% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Colorado?
Yes. There are 93 online and hybrid nursing programs available to Colorado residents. Online programs deliver lectures and coursework digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Many programs arrange clinical placements within Colorado.
What are the nursing license requirements in Colorado?
To practice nursing in Colorado, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Colorado Board of Nursing. Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Colorado?
Yes. Like most states, Colorado is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 8.7% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Colorado?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Colorado vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.

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Explore Nursing in Colorado

Fastest ProgramsMost AffordableOnline ProgramsFor Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSNNurse Practitioner ProgramsFNP ProgramsPMHNP ProgramsNurse Midwife ProgramsMSN ProgramsDNP ProgramsCRNA ProgramsNCLEX Pass RatesAdmission RequirementsLicense RequirementsRN Salary Data

Nearby States

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