# Best Nursing Colleges in Colorado

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 13 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-colorado

## Methodology

Nursing programs in Colorado ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Regis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/regis-university) | Denver, CO | 61% | $72,105 | $18,397 | $25,000 | 0.35x |
| 2 | [Colorado Mesa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-mesa-university) | Grand Junction, CO | 41% | $45,823 | $15,103 | $22,000 | 0.48x |
| 3 | [University of Northern Colorado](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-northern-colorado) | Greeley, CO | 51% | $52,231 | $17,760 | $20,470 | 0.39x |
| 4 | [Lamar Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lamar-community-college) | Lamar, CO | 48% | $38,719 | $9,161 | $8,750 | 0.23x |
| 5 | [Colorado Northwestern Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-northwestern-community-college) | Rangely, CO | 34% | $43,526 | $12,131 | $12,000 | 0.28x |
| 6 | [Metropolitan State University of Denver](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/metropolitan-state-university-of-denver) | Denver, CO | 31% | $52,093 | $15,327 | $21,500 | 0.41x |
| 7 | [Fort Lewis College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fort-lewis-college) | Durango, CO | 39% | $46,349 | $17,296 | $18,389 | 0.4x |
| 8 | [Colorado State University Pueblo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-state-university-pueblo) | Pueblo, CO | 39% | $55,563 | $10,051 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 9 | [University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-colorado-denveranschutz-medical-campus) | Denver, CO | 47% | $64,270 | $11,900 | $20,500 | 0.32x |
| 10 | [Colorado Christian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-christian-university) | Lakewood, CO | 60% | $50,416 | $29,500 | $28,312 | 0.56x |
| 11 | [University of Colorado Colorado Springs](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-colorado-colorado-springs) | Colorado Springs, CO | 46% | $54,659 | $15,788 | $20,000 | 0.37x |
| 12 | [Community College of Aurora](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/community-college-of-aurora) | Aurora, CO | 31% | $44,592 | $8,656 | $10,500 | 0.24x |
| 13 | [Naropa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/naropa-university) | Boulder, CO | 42% | $28,720 | $29,179 | $24,712 | 0.86x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Nursing Colleges in Colorado." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-colorado

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.