Nursing Schools in Colorado: Campus & Online Programs (2026)

Compare 10 campus-based nursing schools in Colorado — plus accredited online programs open to Colorado residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.

Campus-Based Nursing Schools in Colorado

Accredited nursing schools with a campus in Colorado. Outcome data is added as state boards publish it.

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 average for first-time test-takers sits around 87–89% (NCSBN, 2023). 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.

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