7 Best Nursing Schools in Denver, Colorado Today

Are you looking for the best nursing schools in Denver? Whether you are interested in a BSN, MSN, DNP, or a bridge/accelerated nursing program, you will find a match among the best nursing programs in Denver.

Below, we list what we consider to be the very best nursing schools in Denver today. We also highlight the different programs they offer, their NCLEX-RN pass rates, alumni salary data, and students’ ratings.

Our rankings consider factors like the average NCLEX pass rates from the last 4 years, typical federal debt upon graduation, reported alumni salaries, and the school’s overall reputation.

Here’s a List of the 7 Best Nursing Schools in Denver

1. Regis University- Loretto Heights School of Nursing

Regis University is a private Jesuit university in Denver, Colorado. It was founded in 1877 and its Loretto Heights School of Nursing is considered one of the best nursing schools in Denver and Colorado.

The school, following the Jesuit tradition, encourages students from all backgrounds to strive for academic excellence and develop a comprehensive view of nursing and healthcare.

Regis Nursing has a simulated health center for students to practice real-world hospital and outpatient care scenarios. Its location in Denver gives you access to a variety of clinical settings in a city known for healthcare innovation, including the HealthONE system- the largest health system in Denver.

In terms of financial aid, Regis University is a Title IV institution, meaning students can get federal funding. The university also offers scholarships and grants to new and transfer students, adult undergraduates, and graduate or doctoral students.

List of Regis University Undergraduate Nursing Programs:

• Traditional BSN Program
• Accelerated BSN Program
• CHOICE BSN Program- CHOICE means Connecting Health Occupations with Innovative Curriculum Experiences. It’s for individuals in the healthcare industry who want to join the nursing profession

List of Regis University Graduate Nursing Programs:

• RN to MSN: Leadership in Health Care Systems (Dual Degree)
• MSN Program
• DNP Program
• Post-BSN to DNP Program

List of Regis University Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Programs:

• Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship (Post-Master’s)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master’s)
• Health Care Education (Graduate Certificate)
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master’s)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master’s)

Regis University NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Salary Data for Regis University Nursing Graduates

Overall Regis University Student Ratings

2. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus- College of Nursing

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz) is part of the public University of Colorado System. It’s located in Aurora, within the Denver Metro area. The CU College of Nursing has a history dating back to 1898. It’s focused on training leaders in clinical nursing, research, and community service.

At CU College of Nursing, you get to learn through clinical simulation, where you can make (and learn from) mistakes without causing harm to patients. Plus, you’ll have direct clinical experiences that prepare you to provide safe, high-quality patient care.

The College is affiliated with top healthcare organizations in the community and on the Anschutz Medical Campus, including UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

In terms of financial aid, federal aid is available, plus CU Nursing also offers scholarships based on need and competitiveness, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

List of CU Anschutz Undergraduate Nursing Programs:

• Traditional Pathway BSN Program
• Integrated Nursing Pathway BSN Program- offers simultaneous application and admission to either of 3 local community colleges (Community College of Aurora, the Community College of Denver, and Red Rocks Community College Arvada) and the CU College of Nursing
• Accelerated BSN Program
• Online RN to BSN Program
• RN to BS Program- Early Decision Option for ADN Students

List of CU College of Nursing Graduate Programs:

• MSN Program
• BSN-DNP Program
• DNP Program
• PhD Program

List of CU College of Nursing Post-Graduate Certificate Programs:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Adult-Gerontology
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Health Care Informatics
• i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems
• Nurse-Midwifery
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Veteran and Military Health Care
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

CU College of Nursing NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Overall CU Anschutz Student Ratings

3. Metropolitan State University of Denver- MSU Denver Nursing

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), is a public university located in Denver, Colorado. It was founded in 1965. It’s known for having one of the lowest tuitions among Colorado’s four-year colleges and universities.

MSU Denver was the first university to support DREAMers by offering in-state tuition rates under the ASSET bill.

The MSU Denver Department of Nursing is consistently ranked among the best nursing schools in Denver and Colorado. Its mission is to make nursing education accessible, enriching, and inclusive for everyone.

As for financial aid, MSU Denver offers grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships to make your college education more affordable.

List of MSU Denver Undergraduate Nursing Programs:

• Traditional BSN Program (TNO- Traditional Nursing Option)
• Accelerated BSN Program (ANO- Accelerated Nursing Option)
• Online RN to BSN and Dual Enrollment Option

MSU Denver NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Overall MSU Denver Student Ratings

4. Denver College of Nursing

Denver College of Nursing is a private, for-profit college that only focuses on nursing, which enhances their dedication to this field. The college was originally named Denver School of Nursing but changed its name in July 2017.

Denver College of Nursing offers both on-campus and online programs. It’s located in downtown Denver, Colorado, in the “Lodo” area.

The college’s vision is to train excellent healthcare providers and leaders who can transform lives and communities through innovative education and healthcare.

Based on student reviews, a significant number of graduates were content with the school; however, a few found the school’s clinical experiences a bit wanting- with one claiming that only a select few lucky students end up in actual hospitals.

As for financial aid, the college is approved by the Federal Department of Education to participate in Title IV funding programs, so you can apply for federal student loans.

List of Denver College of Nursing Undergraduate Programs:

• ADN program
• BSN Completion Option program- for students with prior bachelor’s degrees or who have completed required prerequisites
• RN to BSN program- Online

List of Denver College of Nursing Graduate Programs:

• MSN program- Online

Denver College of Nursing NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Overall Denver College of Nursing Student Ratings

5. AdventHealth University Denver- AHU Denver Nursing

AdventHealth University (AHU) is a healthcare-focused institution founded in 1992 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It has locations in Orlando, Florida, and Denver, Colorado. The AHU Denver site was established in 2009.

At AHU Denver, you’ll be right next to Porter Adventist Hospital, a part of the Centura Health System. This is great for gaining hands-on experience during your clinical placements. A majority of AHU Denver nursing graduates land jobs with Centura Health upon graduation.

As for financial aid, options include scholarships, grants, and federal loans, to subsidize tuition.

List of AdventHealth University Denver Undergraduate Nursing Programs:

• BSN Program- with a cohort of 24 students per intake

AdventHealth University Denver NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Salary Data for AdventHealth University Nursing Graduates

Overall AdventHealth University Student Ratings

6. Colorado Christian University- CCU Nursing

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a private Christian university in Lakewood, Colorado. It was founded in 1914. CCU requires all traditional undergraduate students to sign a ‘Lifestyle Covenant’ as a commitment to live by biblical principles and reflect their faith.

At CCU, faith and learning are integrated. All nursing courses are taught with a Christian perspective and classes can be taken online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.

The CCU nursing curriculum offers a rich educational experience, combining theory, lab work (including skills and simulation), and clinical learning to give you a well-rounded nursing education.

List of Colorado Christian University Undergraduate Nursing Programs:

• BSN Traditional Student Pathway- for freshmen right after high school or transfer after their freshman or sophomore year
• BSN Adult Student Pathway- for adult students who previously obtained a high school diploma or GED
• RN to BSN Program (Online)

List of Colorado Christian University Graduate Nursing Programs:

• MSN Program (Online)- Clinical Care Management & Nursing Education Tracks
• DNP Program (Online)

Colorado Christian University NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Overall Colorado Christian University Student Ratings

7. Front Range Community College- Nursing

Front Range Community College (FRCC) is a public college in Colorado with campuses in Westminster, Longmont, and Fort Collins.

Established in 1968, it’s the largest community college in Colorado and a popular choice for students who want to transfer to universities like the University of Colorado-Boulder, Colorado State University, or Metropolitan State University of Denver.

If you’re just starting in nursing, you can get an associate’s degree at FRCC. If you’re already a nurse, you can earn your bachelor’s degree through their online RN-to-BSN program. FRCC also has partnerships with local health agencies and clinics for practical experiences.

As for financial aid, since FRCC is a community college, tuition is low. Many students get free grants and scholarships. In fact, 80% of students don’t need to take out student loans, according to FRCC.

List of FRCC Undergraduate Nursing Programs:

• AAS in Nursing Program
• LPN to ADN Bridge Program
• RN to BSN Completion Program

FRCC (Westmister Campus) NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Salary Data for FRCC Nursing Graduates

Overall FRCC Student Ratings

Nurse Salary in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Area

Wrapping Up on Best Nursing Schools in Denver

With Colorado facing a behavioral health crisis and needing more nurses, it’s a crucial time to consider joining the nursing profession.

The Colorado Department of Human Services has even offered a $14,000 hiring bonus to nurses willing to work in mental health facilities in Pueblo and the Fort Logan facility in Denver, as they aim to fill around 200 positions.

These openings arose as workers left to pursue better pay or due to burnout during the pandemic. By attending one of the best nursing programs in Denver, you can help fill this gap and make a real difference in your community, while also earning a good wage.

Disclaimer:

• Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
• Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
• If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.

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