Best Nursing Programs in Colorado (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 168 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Colorado. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 85.4% first-time pass rate. RNs in Colorado earn $85,670/year on average (BLS).
168
Programs
38
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
85.4%
Avg NCLEX (8)
93
Online / Hybrid
$86K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Colorado nursing programs at a glance
- 168 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Colorado (2 LPN, 3 ADN, 10 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 96.67% (University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus).
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Colorado students (7 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Colorado: $85,670 (BLS) · 8.7% projected job growth through 2032.
Colorado nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 168 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 2 LPN · 3 ADN · 10 BSN · 62 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 85.4% average across 8 programs with published data · high: 96.67% (University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus) |
| Delivery formats | 87 online · 6 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $85,670/yr (BLS) · 8.7% projected growth through 2032 |
All Nursing Programs in Colorado
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Showing 100 of 168 programs from our directory for Colorado.
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How to choose a nursing program in Colorado
Colorado is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (168 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. Registered nurses in Colorado earn $85,670/year on average (BLS), close to the national benchmark. RN employment in Colorado is projected to grow 8.7% through 2032 (BLS) — above the 6% national baseline. Choosing a nursing program in Colorado means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Colorado directory, the fastest listed completion time is 11 months. We track 168 accredited nursing programs in Colorado — including 13 entry-level RN, 2 LPN/LVN pathways. Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Colorado is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska.
Key takeaways
- Screen Colorado programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Colorado.
- Colorado is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Colorado offers both LPN (2) and entry-level RN (13) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Colorado spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Colorado students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $85,670 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Colorado
Programs by Degree Type
62
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
10
BSN Programs
3
ADN Programs
2
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Colorado
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 96.7% | View |
| Denver College of Nursing | 3 | BSNADNLPN | 82.0% | View |
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 88.3% | View |
| Concorde Career College | 2 | ADNLPN | 75.5% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Colorado?
There are 168 accredited nursing programs available in Colorado across 38 schools — including 2 LPN, 3 ADN, 10 BSN, 62 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Colorado?
Nursing program tuition in Colorado starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Colorado?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Colorado can be completed in 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College). 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 can finish 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 (87 fully online, 6 hybrid) available to Colorado residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Colorado.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Colorado?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus leads at 96.67% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 8 programs with data: 85.4%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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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