Nursing Schools in Colorado: Campus & Online Programs (2026)
Compare 14 campus-based nursing schools in Colorado — plus accredited online programs open to Colorado residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.
Colorado has 14 campus-based nursing schools plus 42 accredited online programs open to residents (2026). Registered nurses in Colorado earn about $95,470/year (BLS). Verify each program's ACEN or CCNE accreditation before enrolling.
Key takeaways — nursing schools in Colorado
- Colorado has 14 campus-based nursing schools and 42 accredited online programs available to residents.
- Registered nurses in Colorado earn an average of $95,470 per year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Verify each program's ACEN or CCNE accreditation before enrolling — it is the baseline for federal financial aid, NCLEX eligibility, and graduate nursing study.
- Online pre-licensure programs must hold Colorado Board of Nursing approval and arrange in-state clinical placements — verify both before enrolling.
Campus-Based Nursing Schools in Colorado
Accredited nursing schools with a campus in Colorado. Outcome data is added as state boards publish it.
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Acceptance Rate | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Arizona College of Nursing – Aurora | N/A | — | CCNE (Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, Arizona College of Nursing); ABHES (institutional, all campuses) | View School |
| Aspen University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| Colorado Mountain College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Community College of Denver | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Concorde Career College – Denver | N/A | — | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). BSN accredited by ACEN (initial accreditation); Colorado State Board of Nursing has granted INTERIM approval to the BSN. | View School |
| Concordia University, St. Paul – Denver | N/A | — | CCNE (baccalaureate degree program in nursing, via Concordia University, St. Paul); Colorado Board of Nursing approved; Colorado Commission on Higher Education Full Authorization | View School |
| Denver College of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| Front Range Community College | N/A | 100% | ACEN | View School |
| Grand Canyon University – Denver (Englewood) | N/A | — | Higher Learning Commission (institutional, Grand Canyon University). NO national nursing accreditation at this location — disclosed by GCU under Colorado Board of Nursing rule 3 CCR 716-1. | View School |
| Pikes Peak State College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| Pueblo Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| University of Colorado — Anschutz Medical Campus | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| University of Colorado College of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Colorado Residents
These accredited schools are based outside Colorado but enroll Colorado residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and Colorado Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in Colorado
We separate schools with a physical campus in Colorado from accredited online programs that enroll Colorado residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from Colorado. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.
What to Look for in a Colorado Nursing School
The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN), down from 91.2% in 2024. Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.
Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.
Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in Colorado often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside Colorado, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within Colorado and is approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.
Nursing Career Outlook in Colorado
Registered nurses in Colorado earn an average of $95,470 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. Colorado is expected to see strong demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health settings.
BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving Coloradooffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.
Request Info From Nursing Programs in Colorado
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Advertiser DisclosureBelow are programs currently accepting applications from Colorado residents. Each will send tuition details, start dates, and admission requirements directly — useful for comparing schools and formats beyond the tables above.