Nursing in Colorado 2026

Best Colleges for Nursing in Colorado 2026

With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in Colorado. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.

We analyzed 33 colleges and universities in Colorado offering Nursing programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Nursing Programs in Colorado

Detailed School Profiles

1. Platt College-Aurora

Location: Aurora, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 22%
• In-State Tuition: $17,066 | Out-of-State: $19,286
• Enrollment: 239 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $53,500
• Average Financial Aid: $2,589

View full Platt College-Aurora profile →

2. Colorado Christian University (CCU)

Location: Lakewood, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 57%
• In-State Tuition: $41,342 | Out-of-State: $41,342
• Enrollment: 5,549 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 64% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,200
• Average Financial Aid: $18,455

View full Colorado Christian University (CCU) profile →

3. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Location: Denver, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 59%
• In-State Tuition: $6,245 | Out-of-State: $20,847
• Enrollment: 20,192 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,100
• Average Financial Aid: $6,160

View full Metropolitan State University of Denver profile →

4. University of Colorado Denver (CU)

Location: Denver, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 74.7%
• In-State Tuition: $10,383 | Out-of-State: $29,391
• Enrollment: 10,519 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,500
• Average Financial Aid: $7,172

View full University of Colorado Denver (CU) profile →

5. Colorado Mesa University (CMU)

Location: Grand Junction, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• In-State Tuition: $9,927 | Out-of-State: $25,124
• Enrollment: 8,143 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Graduation Rate: 41% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,700
• Average Financial Aid: $6,515

View full Colorado Mesa University (CMU) profile →

6. University of Northern Colorado (UNC)

Location: Greeley, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 85.9%
• In-State Tuition: $12,416 | Out-of-State: $27,266
• Enrollment: 5,598 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,800
• Average Financial Aid: $8,554

View full University of Northern Colorado (UNC) profile →

7. Regis University

Location: Denver, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 86.5%
• In-State Tuition: $46,340 | Out-of-State: $46,340
• Enrollment: 2,627 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Earnings (6yr): $50,000
• Average Financial Aid: $22,404

View full Regis University profile →

8. Colorado State University (CSU), Pueblo

Location: Pueblo, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 94.9%
• In-State Tuition: $9,720 | Out-of-State: $17,944
• Enrollment: 3,042 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 40% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,900
• Average Financial Aid: $7,529

View full Colorado State University (CSU), Pueblo profile →

9. University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 97.4%
• In-State Tuition: $10,149 | Out-of-State: $24,336
• Enrollment: 8,697 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,600
• Average Financial Aid: $6,035

View full University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) profile →

10. Adams State University

Location: Alamosa, Colorado • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 99%
• In-State Tuition: $9,824 | Out-of-State: $21,944
• Enrollment: 1,250 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 39% | Median Earnings (6yr): $26,700
• Average Financial Aid: $8,846

View full Adams State University profile →

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in Colorado

Selecting the best Nursing program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Colorado residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Nursing.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Nursing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Nursing in Colorado?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Nursing programs in Colorado include Platt College-Aurora, Colorado Christian University (CCU), and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

How much does a Nursing degree cost in Colorado?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in Colorado averages around $17,341 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Nursing degree from a Colorado school?
Graduates from Colorado's Nursing programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.