Best Nursing Schools in Colorado for 2025
Top Nursing Programs in Colorado for 2025
1. University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
- Location: Greeley, CO
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%
- Annual Tuition: Approximately $10,947
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Highlights: UNC provides a broad range of clinical experiences, culminating in a 225-hour practicum tailored to students' interests.
2. University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS)
- Location: Colorado Springs, CO
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95% (Traditional BSN), 83% (Accelerated BSN)
- Annual Tuition: Approximately $8,540
- Programs Offered: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Highlights: UCCS boasts state-of-the-art simulation labs and partnerships with local healthcare facilities, providing students with hands-on experience. Research.comResearch.com
3. University of Colorado, Denver (CU Denver)
- Location: Aurora, CO
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.67%
- Annual Tuition: Approximately $11,520 (Resident), $20,780 (Non-resident)
- Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Highlights: CU Denver's College of Nursing is nationally recognized, ranking in the top 15% by U.S. News & World Report.
4. Denver College of Nursing (DCN)
- Location: Denver, CO
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.81% (BSN), 100% (ADN)
- Annual Tuition: Approximately $12,835
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Programs Offered: ADN, BSN, RN to BSN
- Highlights: DCN focuses exclusively on nursing education, offering a concentrated environment for nursing students.
5. Colorado State University, Pueblo (CSU Pueblo)
- Location: Pueblo, CO
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 78.04%
- Annual Tuition: Approximately $10,664 (In-state), $18,862 (Out-of-state)
- Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Highlights: CSU Pueblo offers a range of nursing programs with a focus on serving diverse populations.
Choosing the Right Nursing Program
When selecting a nursing program in Colorado, consider the following factors:
- Location: Proximity to clinical sites and personal preferences for urban or rural settings.
- Tuition and Financial Aid: Evaluate the cost of attendance and explore scholarship opportunities.
- NCLEX Pass Rates: Higher pass rates may indicate better preparation for licensure exams.
- Program Offerings: Ensure the school offers the specific nursing degree or specialization you seek.
- Graduation Rates: Higher rates can reflect student satisfaction and program effectiveness.
For more information on nursing careers and opportunities, visit GoodWork.