Colorado has a strong mix of nursing pathways: a flagship academic medical campus, private and public BSN programs, accelerated BSN options, community-college ADN programs, RN-to-BSN routes, and regional programs serving rural and mountain communities.

That variety is helpful, but it also makes comparison tricky.

A Denver-area BSN, a Colorado Springs accelerated program, a Greeley second-degree BSN, a Western Slope pathway, and a Front Range community-college ADN can all lead to RN licensure, but they are not the same experience, cost, timeline, or long-term career strategy.

This guide compares Colorado nursing schools using the factors that matter before you apply: Colorado Board of Nursing approval, NCLEX performance, accreditation, degree pathway, clinical access, total cost, location, and RN-to-BSN or graduate-school mobility.

How we selected these Colorado nursing schools

This guide does not copy third-party rankings. It uses public signals nursing students can verify.

We prioritized:

  1. Colorado Board of Nursing approval
  2. Recent NCLEX-RN performance
  3. Programmatic accreditation
  4. Degree pathway and flexibility
  5. Clinical access and regional fit
  6. Cost and transfer options
  7. Long-term BSN, MSN, DNP, and career mobility

Official starting points:

Colorado nursing pathways at a glance

Colorado nursing applicants usually compare four main RN routes.

ADN / Associate Degree in Nursing

An ADN is usually the faster and lower-cost route to RN licensure. Colorado community colleges and state colleges offer many ADN pathways.

Best for: Students who want to become RNs sooner, reduce upfront tuition, and complete an RN-to-BSN later.

Main caution: Some Denver-metro hospitals, academic medical centers, specialty units, leadership tracks, and graduate programs may prefer or require BSN preparation.

Traditional BSN

A traditional BSN is usually a four-year university route to RN licensure.

Best for: Students who want a full bachelor’s route and the broadest long-term mobility.

Main caution: It usually takes longer and costs more upfront than ADN.

Accelerated BSN / second-degree BSN

Accelerated BSN programs are for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Best for: Career changers who want RN licensure with BSN preparation.

Main caution: These programs are intense. Ask how many hours students can realistically work while enrolled.

RN-to-BSN

RN-to-BSN programs are for licensed RNs who already completed an ADN, ASN, or diploma pathway.

Best for: ADN-prepared RNs who want hospital mobility, leadership options, public health roles, or graduate-school eligibility.

Best BSN and accelerated BSN programs in Colorado

1. University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus

Location: Aurora / Denver metro, with several pathway models School type: Public academic medical campus Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated UCAN BSN, integrated pathways, RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want Colorado’s flagship academic medical nursing environment and strong long-term mobility

CU Anschutz College of Nursing is one of Colorado’s most important nursing education pipelines. It offers multiple undergraduate routes, including the traditional BSN and UCAN accelerated BSN for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

CU Anschutz reported a 96.02% NCLEX pass rate for first-time BS in Nursing test takers in 2025. CU’s program pages also highlight that same 96.02% NCLEX pass rate for bachelor’s students.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Flagship public academic medical campus
  • Traditional and accelerated BSN routes
  • Integrated pathways with partner community colleges
  • Major simulation and academic-health environment
  • Strong 2025 NCLEX result
  • Strong pathway into graduate nursing, research, advanced practice, and leadership

Potential drawbacks

  • Competitive admission
  • Denver/Aurora cost of living and commute
  • Accelerated UCAN pathway is intense
  • Students should compare pathway-specific costs and timelines

2. Regis University Loretto Heights School of Nursing

Location: Denver School type: Private Jesuit university Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, CHOICE BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate options Best for: Students who want a private Denver BSN option with multiple schedule models

Regis University offers several nursing routes, including a traditional BSN, accelerated options, and CHOICE, an evening/weekend path designed for working adults. Regis states that its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are accredited by CCNE.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Multiple BSN formats
  • Denver location
  • CCNE accreditation noted on Regis program page
  • CHOICE pathway for students who need evenings/weekends
  • Strong fit for students who want a private university environment

Potential drawbacks

  • Private tuition
  • Admissions can be competitive
  • Accelerated and CHOICE schedules still require serious time management
  • Students should verify current NCLEX trends through Colorado Board data

3. University of Northern Colorado School of Nursing

Location: Greeley, with second-degree delivery using Greeley/Loveland-area clinical access School type: Public university Program type: Traditional BSN, second-degree BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students in northern Colorado who want a public BSN option with strong clinical preparation

UNC has long-standing nursing pathways and offers both traditional BSN and second-degree BSN routes. UNC’s second-degree BSN page states that BSN graduates have first-time NCLEX pass rates between 95% and 100% each year.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Public university option
  • Traditional and second-degree BSN routes
  • Northern Colorado clinical exposure
  • Strong self-reported NCLEX range
  • Good fit for students in Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, and northern Colorado

Potential drawbacks

  • Admission to the clinical nursing major is separate from general university admission
  • Commute and clinical locations may vary
  • Students should verify the latest Colorado Board NCLEX data before applying

4. Metropolitan State University of Denver Department of Nursing

Location: Denver School type: Public university Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, graduate options Best for: Denver-area students who want a public urban BSN option

MSU Denver is a strong option for students who want a Denver-based public university nursing program. Its nursing page lists recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates: traditional BSN 94% and accelerated BSN 90% for 2025, with prior-year results also shown. MSU Denver also states that its baccalaureate nursing program is CCNE-accredited.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Public urban campus
  • Traditional and accelerated options
  • Strong Denver clinical-market fit
  • CCNE accreditation noted by the school
  • Published program-level NCLEX rates

Potential drawbacks

  • Urban commute and parking planning matter
  • Accelerated pathway still requires careful workload planning
  • Admission processes and assessment requirements should be checked early

5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Location: Colorado Springs School type: Public university Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want a Colorado Springs BSN or accelerated option

UCCS Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Its traditional BSN page describes the four-year option as preparation for entry-level professional nursing practice, with clinical-seat application requirements after prerequisite coursework.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Public university in Colorado Springs
  • Traditional and accelerated options
  • Good fit for southern Colorado students
  • Long nursing history in the Pikes Peak region
  • Graduate nursing options available

Potential drawbacks

  • Clinical-seat admission is competitive
  • Applicants should compare traditional vs accelerated outcomes separately
  • Students should verify current NCLEX data on Colorado Board resources

6. Colorado State University Pueblo School of Nursing

Location: Pueblo School type: Public university Program type: BSN and graduate nursing options Best for: Students in southern Colorado who want a public university BSN route

CSU Pueblo is a regional public option serving southern Colorado. Its student-outcomes page notes that NCLEX-RN pass-rate results are posted through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies resources.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Public university route in Pueblo
  • Regional clinical-market relevance
  • Good fit for southern Colorado students
  • Useful option for students who want to stay outside the Denver metro

Potential drawbacks

  • Applicants should compare current NCLEX trend and cohort size
  • Location may be less convenient for Denver/northern Colorado students

7. Colorado Mesa University Nursing

Location: Grand Junction, with additional regional relevance on the Western Slope School type: Public university Program type: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, graduate options Best for: Students on the Western Slope who want a regional public nursing pathway

Colorado Mesa University is a key Western Slope nursing option. It is especially relevant for students who want to train and work outside the Front Range.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Public university serving western Colorado
  • Strong regional fit for Grand Junction and Western Slope students
  • BSN and LPN-to-BSN options
  • Useful pathway for students who want to work in rural, community, or regional healthcare settings

Potential drawbacks

  • Outcomes should be reviewed carefully by current year
  • Fewer Denver-metro clinical connections than Front Range schools
  • Students should verify accreditation and Board status for the exact pathway

8. Colorado Mountain College Nursing

Locations: Mountain-region campuses School type: Public college Program type: AAS nursing and BSN completion options Best for: Students in mountain and western Colorado who need regional access

Colorado Mountain College can be a good fit for students who want a nursing pathway connected to mountain communities rather than Denver or Colorado Springs. CMC states that its AAS and BSN exam pass rates surpass national averages.

Official program link:

Why students choose it

  • Regional access for mountain communities
  • AAS and BSN options
  • Good fit for students outside major metro areas
  • Rural and mountain healthcare relevance

Potential drawbacks

  • Applicants should verify exact campus/pathway details
  • Clinical placements and commute may look very different from metro programs
  • Compare transfer and RN-to-BSN options carefully

# Best ADN programs in Colorado

Colorado has many ADN options. The programs below are strong places to start because they combine public access, regional relevance, and publicly visible outcomes or program data.

1. Front Range Community College Nursing

Campuses: Larimer and Westminster School type: Public community college Program type: Practical nursing certificate, AAS in Nursing, LPN-to-ADN, RN-to-BSN Best for: Students along the Front Range who want a strong ADN-to-BSN path

Front Range Community College offers the AAS in Nursing at Larimer and Westminster. Its nursing page lists a 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate of 98.65%, sourced to the Colorado State Board of Nursing, and an 85% on-time program completion rate. FRCC also offers an online RN-to-BSN option.

Official program link:

Why students choose it

  • Strong 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate
  • Larimer and Westminster campus options
  • ADN, LPN-to-ADN, and RN-to-BSN options
  • Public community-college cost structure
  • Strong route for ADN now, BSN later

Potential drawbacks

  • Competitive admission
  • Campus choice matters
  • ADN graduates may still need BSN completion for some employers

2. Pikes Peak State College Nursing

Location: Colorado Springs School type: Public state college Program type: ADN and RN-to-BSN options Best for: Colorado Springs-area students seeking a high-performing ADN pathway

Pikes Peak State College announced in March 2025 that its ADN program had another 100% NCLEX pass rate and was recognized as a top ADN program by Board-based NCLEX performance.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Strong recent NCLEX announcement
  • Public state-college pathway
  • Colorado Springs location
  • ADN route with BSN-completion potential

Potential drawbacks

  • Strong outcomes can make admissions competitive
  • Students should check current cohort size, completion rate, and latest Board data

3. Arapahoe Community College Nursing

Location: Littleton / Castle Rock area School type: Public community college Program type: AAS in Nursing and RN-to-BSN Best for: Denver-south students who want a strong public ADN option

Arapahoe Community College announced a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate during the 2023-2024 reporting period, with 73 of 73 students passing. ACC also said its graduates recorded a 95.15% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the previous 10 years.

Official program links:

Why students choose it

  • Strong recent NCLEX outcome
  • South Denver access
  • AAS and RN-to-BSN pathways
  • Public community-college route

Potential drawbacks

  • Competitive admission
  • HESI/entrance and prerequisite requirements should be checked early
  • Students should compare RN-to-BSN transfer planning

4. Pueblo Community College Nursing

Campuses: Pueblo, Fremont, and Southwest Colorado access through PCC structures School type: Public community college Program type: ADN and nursing pathways Best for: Students in southern Colorado seeking a public ADN option with regional reach

Pueblo Community College states that its 2024 first-time NCLEX pass rate across all three campuses averaged 92.63%, with an 85.6% on-time graduation rate and 83.3% employment within six months.

Official program link:

Why students choose it

  • Regional access across southern Colorado
  • Public community-college cost structure
  • Solid 2024 NCLEX and completion indicators
  • Clinical relationships with local hospitals

Potential drawbacks

  • Compare outcomes by campus when available
  • Students should ask about clinical travel and transfer into BSN completion

5. Aims Community College Nursing

Location: Greeley / northern Colorado School type: Public community college Program type: ADN Best for: Northern Colorado students comparing ADN options near Greeley and Fort Collins

Aims Community College is worth comparing for students who want an ADN pathway in northern Colorado. Verify the latest Colorado Board NCLEX data, campus-specific requirements, and transfer options before applying.

Official program link:

Why students compare it

  • Northern Colorado access
  • Public community-college route
  • Useful option near Greeley/Fort Collins labor markets

Potential drawbacks

  • Confirm current NCLEX trend directly through Colorado Board resources
  • Compare transfer agreements and clinical logistics

6. Red Rocks Community College Nursing

Location: Lakewood / Arvada area School type: Public community college Program type: ADN Best for: West Denver-area students comparing ADN routes

Red Rocks Community College is a relevant option for students on the west side of the Denver metro. It is also connected to some CU Anschutz integrated pathway structures.

Official program link:

Why students compare it

  • Denver-west access
  • Public ADN pathway
  • Useful for students considering later BSN completion
  • Potential fit with integrated transfer planning

Potential drawbacks

  • Verify the latest NCLEX results through Colorado Board resources
  • Compare clinical sites and application competitiveness

ADN vs BSN in Colorado: which should you choose?

Choose ADN if:

  • You want the fastest lower-cost RN route
  • You need to work sooner
  • You have a strong community college nearby
  • You plan to complete RN-to-BSN later
  • Your local employers hire ADN-prepared new grads
  • You want to reduce upfront debt

Choose BSN if:

  • You want the broadest first nursing credential
  • You are targeting major Denver-metro hospitals
  • You want leadership, public health, school nursing, military nursing, or graduate nursing later
  • You already have a bachelor’s degree and can complete an accelerated BSN
  • You want to avoid returning for RN-to-BSN later

Choose accelerated BSN if:

  • You already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
  • You can handle a compressed, full-time schedule
  • You have prerequisites completed
  • You can manage the cost and reduced work hours
  • You want a BSN rather than ADN

Colorado nursing career outlook

Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses had a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024 and projects RN employment to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings per year on average.

Official source:

For Colorado, use current state and regional wage tables from BLS OEWS or Colorado labor-market resources before making a school debt decision. Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Grand Junction, mountain communities, and rural hospitals are different markets.

Useful sources:

Colorado and the Nurse Licensure Compact

Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

Colorado’s nursing news page notes a compact rule change effective January 2, 2024: if a nurse with a multistate license changes primary state of residence to another compact state, they must apply for a license in the new state within 60 days.

Official sources:

Colorado clinical markets to think about

Colorado is not just Denver.

When choosing a school, think about where you want to work.

Denver / Aurora / Boulder

Strong fit for students targeting:

  • Academic medical centers
  • Children’s hospitals
  • High-acuity specialty units
  • Trauma care
  • Large health systems
  • Research-connected practice
  • Nurse residency programs

Colorado Springs / Pueblo

Strong fit for students targeting:

  • Southern Colorado hospitals
  • Military-connected communities
  • Regional medical centers
  • Community health
  • ADN-to-BSN pathways

Northern Colorado

Strong fit for students targeting:

  • Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, and surrounding hospitals
  • Community-based care
  • Public university or community-college pathways

Western Slope / mountain communities

Strong fit for students targeting:

  • Rural health
  • Critical access hospitals
  • Community hospitals
  • Mountain-region healthcare
  • Primary care, public health, and regional workforce needs

How to compare Colorado nursing programs

Build a spreadsheet with:

  • School name
  • Exact campus
  • Program type: ADN, BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN
  • Colorado Board approval status
  • Accreditation: ACEN, CCNE, or other recognized nursing accreditor
  • Latest NCLEX pass rate
  • Cohort size
  • Completion rate
  • Attrition rate
  • Total tuition and fees
  • Prerequisites
  • Entrance exam: TEAS, HESI, Casper, or none
  • Application deadline
  • Clinical sites
  • Simulation hours
  • Ability to work during the program
  • RN-to-BSN or graduate options
  • Commute and parking
  • Scholarship or employer tuition help

Questions to ask every Colorado nursing school

Approval and accreditation

  • Are you currently approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing?
  • Is the exact program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized nursing accreditor?
  • Is my campus included in that accreditation?
  • Are there any warnings, conditions, or pending accreditation issues?

NCLEX and outcomes

  • What were your first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the last three years?
  • How many students tested each year?
  • What is your on-time completion rate?
  • What is your attrition rate?
  • What remediation support is available?

Clinical placement

  • Which hospitals and clinical agencies do students use?
  • Are placements arranged by the school?
  • How far do students travel?
  • Are evening or weekend clinicals required?
  • Are specialty rotations guaranteed or competitive?
  • What happens if a clinical site cancels?

Cost and transfer

  • What is the total estimated program cost?
  • What fees are not included in tuition?
  • Are books, uniforms, testing packages, and supplies included?
  • Can ADN credits transfer into RN-to-BSN?
  • Do local employers offer tuition reimbursement?
  • Can I realistically work during the program?

Suggested Colorado shortlists by student goal

If you want a flagship academic-health pathway

Start with:

  • University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus

If you want a Denver-area BSN

Compare:

  • CU Anschutz
  • Regis University
  • MSU Denver
  • Denver College of Nursing

If you want an accelerated BSN

Compare:

  • CU Anschutz UCAN
  • Regis Accelerated BSN
  • UCCS Accelerated BSN
  • UNC second-degree BSN
  • MSU Denver accelerated BSN

If you want a public university BSN outside Denver

Compare:

  • University of Northern Colorado
  • UCCS
  • CSU Pueblo
  • Colorado Mesa University
  • Colorado Mountain College

If you want the lowest-cost RN route

Compare:

  • Front Range Community College
  • Pikes Peak State College
  • Arapahoe Community College
  • Pueblo Community College
  • Aims Community College
  • Red Rocks Community College
  • Community College of Denver
  • Community College of Aurora

If you want rural or mountain healthcare

Compare:

  • Colorado Mountain College
  • Colorado Mesa University
  • Pueblo Community College
  • Fort Lewis/CU Nursing collaborative pathways where available
  • Community colleges with regional clinical placements

Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in Colorado

What is the best nursing school in Colorado?

There is no single best program for every student. CU Anschutz is the strongest flagship academic-health option. Regis is a strong private Denver option. UNC, MSU Denver, UCCS, CSU Pueblo, Colorado Mesa, and Colorado Mountain College are public BSN options worth comparing. Front Range, Pikes Peak, Arapahoe, and Pueblo are strong ADN options.

Which Colorado nursing program had a strong recent NCLEX result?

CU Anschutz reported a 96.02% NCLEX pass rate for first-time BS in Nursing test takers in 2025. FRCC lists a 98.65% 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate for its AAS nursing program. Pikes Peak announced another 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2025. ACC announced a 100% first-time pass rate for the 2023-2024 reporting period.

Does Colorado have ADN nursing programs?

Yes. Colorado has multiple ADN options, including Front Range Community College, Pikes Peak State College, Arapahoe Community College, Pueblo Community College, Aims Community College, Red Rocks Community College, Community College of Denver, and others listed through Colorado nursing education resources.

Does Colorado have accelerated BSN programs?

Yes. Accelerated or second-degree options include CU Anschutz UCAN, Regis Accelerated BSN, UCCS Accelerated BSN, UNC second-degree BSN, and MSU Denver accelerated BSN.

Is ADN or BSN better in Colorado?

ADN can be better if cost and speed are your top priorities. BSN can be better if you want the broadest access to hospitals, specialty units, leadership, public health, graduate school, or competitive nurse residency programs.

Can I start with ADN and get a BSN later?

Yes. Many Colorado ADN students complete RN-to-BSN after licensure. Some community colleges also offer RN-to-BSN options or transfer pathways.

Is Colorado a Nurse Licensure Compact state?

Yes. Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Eligible nurses with Colorado as their primary state of residence may qualify for multistate licensure.

How much do registered nurses make in Colorado?

Use current BLS OEWS or Colorado labor-market tables for the most accurate wage data by state and metro area. Nationally, BLS lists RN median annual pay at $93,600 in May 2024. Colorado wages vary by metro, rural, mountain, specialty, shift, and employer.

Are Colorado nursing schools accredited?

Many are accredited by CCNE or ACEN, but you should verify each exact program and campus in the official accreditation directories. State Board approval and programmatic accreditation are different checks.

How do I check Colorado nursing school approval?

Start with the Colorado Nursing Education Resources page, which links to approved RN associate and baccalaureate programs and NCLEX-RN pass-rate resources.

What should I ask before applying?

Ask about Board approval, accreditation, NCLEX pass rates for the last three years, cohort size, completion rate, clinical sites, total cost, transfer options, remediation support, and whether graduates are hired by your target employers.

Final thoughts

Colorado has strong nursing pathways, but the right choice depends on your starting point.

If you want a flagship BSN or accelerated route, start with CU Anschutz. If you need a flexible private Denver pathway, compare Regis. If you want a public BSN outside Denver, look closely at UNC, MSU Denver, UCCS, CSU Pueblo, Colorado Mesa, and Colorado Mountain College. If cost matters most, compare ADN programs like Front Range, Pikes Peak, Arapahoe, Pueblo, Aims, and Red Rocks, then map your RN-to-BSN plan early.

The best Colorado nursing school is the one you can finish, afford, pass NCLEX from, and use as a launchpad into the nursing career you actually want.

Sources and references