Colorado Nursing Schools And Programs

Gayle Morris, MSN

Colorado has a projected growth rate for nurses higher than the national average. Discover the state requirements and choose from among these top schools.

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Featured ImageCredit: Pete Lomchid / Moment / Getty Images

Are you looking for a tax-friendly state that offers stunning natural landscapes and a healthy lifestyle? Colorado may be the place for you, with cities boasting high-performing hospitals and healthcare organizations that appeal to working nurses.

World-class skiing and outdoor recreation encourage nurses to find a solid work-life balance that helps prevent burnout. Just outside of Denver and south of Fort Collins is Rocky Mountain National Park, a mecca for interesting wildlife. Museums, professional sports, and optimal shopping and dining options mean there is something in Colorado for nearly everyone.

This page explores how to become a nurse in Colorado, job outlook for nurses and Colorado RN salary information. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools in Colorado and how to choose the program that’s right for you.

The Best Nursing Schools in Colorado

Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Colorado, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

#1 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Morgan Community College

  • Location-markerFort Morgan, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$3,680
  • Out-of-state$15,102
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled1,376
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Regis University

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$38,208
  • Out-of-state$38,208
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled6,310
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Aims Community College

  • Location-markerGreeley, CO
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$2,544
  • Out-of-state$10,200
  • Retention Rate52%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled5,981
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

University of Northern Colorado

  • Location-markerGreeley, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$7,596
  • Out-of-state$19,854
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled11,460
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Colorado Mesa University

  • Location-markerGrand Junction, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$7,787
  • Out-of-state$21,336
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled9,110
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Trinidad State Junior College

  • Location-markerTrinidad, CO
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$3,680
  • Out-of-state$6,135
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled1,404
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment17%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  • Location-markerColorado Springs, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$19,572
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled12,380
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Northeastern Junior College

  • Location-markerSterling, CO
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$4,601
  • Out-of-state$6,902
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled1,293
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Community College of Aurora

  • Location-markerAurora, CO
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online

Average Tuition

  • In-State$3,680
  • Out-of-state$15,102
  • Retention Rate52%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled7,835
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment25%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Top Nursing Schools in Colorado

Otero Junior College

  • Location-markerLa Junta, CO
  • 2 year
  • Campus

Average Tuition

  • In-State$3,680
  • Out-of-state$6,136
  • Retention Rate49%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled1,216
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes

Featured Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Colorado

The level of education and preparation must be balanced against the program’s tuition. However, students may also have unique financial opportunities to help offset the costs. The Colorado Nurses Association offers several nursing scholarships, and most colleges and universities have a list of external scholarships available to students not administered by the school.

Many nursing programs in Colorado offer online options to give working students scheduling flexibility. It is important to note that while much of the coursework may be completed online, state accreditation standards have in-person clinical requirements.

Clinical opportunities vary by program and licensure status. For example, first-year nursing students receive help finding clinical placements. However, online nursing programs for advanced nursing degrees may require the student to find their own clinical setting. The school must approve the placement.

Why Become a Nurse in Colorado

The 2020 NCLEX-RN pass rate is 4% higher than the national average, an overall indication of the quality of the nursing schools in Colorado.

Although Colorado is not a right-to-work state, they have a hybrid program called the Labor Peace Act. This authorizes the establishment of standards for fair conduct in the workplace and means that most employees enjoy the same compensation and benefits as union members.

Colorado has not yet passed mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios, but the Colorado Nurses Association has established Principles for Nurse Staffing that emphasize:

  • The need for nurses to have input in staffing decisions
  • Healthcare facilities to include staffing guidelines with measurable outcomes
  • Needs based on multiple factors
  • Flexible staffing and teamwork initiatives to meet the needs of the patients

Finally, as you evaluate the healthcare environment in Colorado, note that the state is a part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows nurses to hold one multistate license that allows them to practice in their home state and other participating NLC states. Many surrounding states are NLC states, except Nevada, Oregon, and California.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Colorado

Projections Central expects a job growth rate for RNs and nurse practitioners (NPs) comparable to or higher than the national average, placing Colorado as the second fastest-growing state in the U.S. for RNs and NPs.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Colorado

Some of the top-performing hospitals in Colorado are located in Aurora, Loveland, Denver, and Fort Collins. They are also some of the top-paying metro areas in the state.

High-Paying Cities in Colorado
Top Paying Metropolitan AreasMedian Salary for RNs
Boulder$85,020
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood$82,860
Fort Collins$78,660
Pueblo$76,930
Colorado Springs$78,520

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Colorado

Other Top Nursing Programs in Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Colorado


question-mark-circleHow long does it take to become an RN in Colorado?

question-mark-circleIs there a nursing shortage in Colorado?

As in other areas of the country, there is a shortage of nurses. Additionally, Colorado’s Center for Nursing Excellence reports that 32% of nurses in the state are over age 55. This means within 10 years, nearly one-third of the nurses working in Colorado will retire. This could result in a greater shortage.

question-mark-circleHow do I transfer my nursing license to Colorado?

Since Colorado is an NLC state, you may practice in Colorado if you come from a state that is also part of the compact. If you want to change your state of residence to Colorado and transfer your license from another state, you should apply for endorsement through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Submit a fingerprint and background check, license verification, and applicable fees. You must also answer criminal history screening questions and complete a Health Professions Profile.

question-mark-circleHow much do BSN nurses make in Colorado?

According to ZipRecruiter, which gathers information from job postings, the average annual salary for a nurse with a BSN is $78,270. The average salary is higher in certain metropolitan areas and may be lower in rural areas. The top-paying Colorado cities include Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs.

Find Nursing Programs in Other States

Choose Your State Below

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

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