Rankings / By State

Best Nursing Colleges in Colorado

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 13 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$49,928

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

44%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$16,173

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right nursing program can be a pivotal decision for students looking to enter a rewarding field. In Colorado, various colleges offer nursing programs, but their outcomes can vary significantly, impacting long-term career success.

What sets the best nursing schools apart are key metrics like earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and overall program effectiveness. The list below highlights institutions that not only prepare students for their nursing careers but also support their financial well-being after graduation.

For example, Regis University leads with an average earning of $72,105 and a graduation rate of 61%, while Community College of Aurora, with earnings of $44,592 and a 31% graduation rate, presents a different trade-off. This contrast illustrates the importance of weighing both financial outcomes and completion rates as you consider your options.

Key Findings

Regis University graduates earn an average of $72,105, the highest in this ranking.

Colorado State University Pueblo has a graduation rate of just 39%, compared to Regis's 61%.

Community College of Aurora has the lowest net price on the list at $8,656.

The average earnings across all listed schools is $49,928.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 13

Avg. earnings at 10yr $49,928

Avg. graduation rate 44%

Avg. net price $16,173

Avg. median debt $19,510

How We Ranked

Nursing programs in Colorado ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Regis University

Denver, CO

Graduation61%

Earnings$72,105

Net Price$18,397

View full profile →

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO

Graduation41%

Earnings$45,823

Net Price$15,103

View full profile →

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

Graduation51%

Earnings$52,231

Net Price$17,760

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Regis University

Denver, CO · 2,627 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $72,105 at ten years post-graduation, Regis University positions its graduates for financial success in the workforce. Located in the vibrant city of Denver, this private nonprofit institution combines a strong academic foundation with a commitment to fostering a supportive community for its nearly 2,600 students.

86% accepted 61% graduate $72,105 earnings

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · 8,143 students · Public

Colorado Mesa University serves over 8,100 students in Grand Junction, creating a vibrant campus life that encourages diversity and engagement. Although the graduation rate is 41%, the university’s supportive resources help students navigate their academic journey, contributing to a well-rounded college experience.

82% accepted 41% graduate $45,823 earnings

Colorado's full profile

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · 5,598 students · Public

In Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado supports over 5,500 students in a broad range of academic fields. With a graduation rate of 51%, it reflects a dedication to student success and a diverse student population that engages in a variety of extracurricular activities and community projects.

86% accepted 51% graduate $52,231 earnings

University's full profile

Lamar Community College

Lamar, CO · 400 students · Public

With around 400 students, Lamar Community College fosters a close-knit environment where personalized attention is part of the experience. The graduation rate is 48%, reflecting a commitment to student support and success in a setting that encourages hands-on learning and community involvement.

48% graduate $38,719 earnings

Colorado Northwestern Community College

Rangely, CO · 504 students · Public

Nestled in Rangely, Colorado Northwestern Community College caters to around 500 students, emphasizing a supportive educational journey. Despite a graduation rate of only 34%, the college’s emphasis on personalized learning helps students find their footing in higher education, fostering resilience and growth in a smaller campus setting.

34% graduate $43,526 earnings

Colorado's full profile

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · 15,002 students · Public

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a vibrant urban campus that serves over 15,000 students, making it an appealing option for those who thrive in a bustling environment. With a remarkable acceptance rate of 99%, this school is accessible to a wide range of applicants, and graduates earn a median income of $52,093 ten years after completing their degrees.

99% accepted 31% graduate $52,093 earnings

Metropolitan's full profile

Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO · 3,079 students · Public

Nestled in the scenic town of Durango, Fort Lewis College offers a unique blend of academic rigor and outdoor adventure. With a graduation rate of 39% and a student body of just over 3,000, it fosters a close-knit atmosphere where students can form strong connections and pursue their goals in a supportive environment, even as they face challenges in completing their degrees.

77% accepted 39% graduate $46,349 earnings

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · 3,042 students · Public

Colorado State University Pueblo is a welcoming public university where 95% of applicants are admitted, making it accessible for many students. With a graduation rate of 39%, the campus focuses on supporting students through personalized attention and programs designed to help them succeed.

95% accepted 39% graduate $55,563 earnings

Colorado's full profile

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO · 10,519 students · Public

With a diverse student population of over 10,500, the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a rich educational experience in a thriving urban environment. The 47% graduation rate suggests a commitment to student success, and the university's strong focus on health and science prepares graduates for in-demand careers.

75% accepted 47% graduate $64,270 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO · 5,549 students · Private nonprofit

Colorado Christian University, located in Lakewood, brings a faith-based perspective to higher learning, drawing in students who value a spiritual environment alongside their academic pursuits. With a graduation rate of 60%, this school has a solid track record of helping students complete their degrees, which can lead to a median income of $50,416 after ten years in the workforce.

60% graduate $50,416 earnings

Colorado's full profile

#11

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · 8,697 students · Public

With a large student body of nearly 8,700, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs has a welcoming community for those looking to pursue higher education. Its acceptance rate of 97% means that many students find a place here, and the median earnings of $54,659 a decade after graduation suggest that graduates are finding success in their careers.

97% accepted 46% graduate $54,659 earnings

University's full profile

#12

Community College of Aurora

Aurora, CO · 3,250 students · Public

Community College of Aurora provides a unique opportunity for students seeking an affordable and flexible education. With a student body of over 3,200, this public college emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, helping students find their path in higher education.

31% graduate $44,592 earnings

Community's full profile

#13

Naropa University

Boulder, CO · 339 students · Private nonprofit

With a 100% acceptance rate, Naropa University welcomes all students eager to explore their passions. Nestled in Boulder, Colorado, this private nonprofit school offers a unique environment focused on contemplative education, which attracts those interested in holistic practices and the arts. Here, students can expect to be part of a small community, with just 339 students enrolled, fostering intimate class sizes and close relationships with faculty.

100% accepted 42% graduate $28,720 earnings

Naropa's full profile

When comparing nursing programs, it's essential to consider why one school might outperform another. For instance, Regis University not only has the highest earnings at $72,105 but also boasts a graduation rate of 61%. In contrast, Colorado State University Pueblo shows earnings of $55,563 but has a much lower graduation rate of 39%. This indicates that while earnings are crucial, completion rates also play a significant role in long-term success.

As you sift through the various nursing programs, think about your personal priorities. Consider location, the specific nursing specialties offered, and overall campus vibe alongside financial metrics. Are you willing to incur more debt for a program with higher earnings potential? Determine what balance of cost, debt, and outcomes makes the most sense for your situation.

Ultimately, this data reflects the critical link between education and career stability. For many families, choosing the right nursing school can lead to a fulfilling career and financial security. Each decision made now can significantly impact your future, so weigh your options carefully.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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