Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Colorado

Colorado Mountain College delivers the state's most affordable nursing program at just $6,342 net cost, representing a dramatic $36,000 savings compared to private options that can exceed $42,000 annually. This pricing gap reflects Colorado's strong public education investment through the Colorado Opportunity Fund, which provides direct tuition support to state residents. The state's 17 nursing programs serve a healthcare system that has expanded rapidly alongside Colorado's aerospace and tech growth, with major employers like Presbyterian Saint Joseph Hospital and National Jewish Health creating steady demand for nursing professionals. While community colleges dominate the affordable tier with costs under $12,000, graduation rates vary significantly from 23% at Pikes Peak State College to 61% at Regis University, suggesting that program structure and support services differ substantially across institutions.

Programs

$6,342 – $42,287

Net Price Range

$61,853

Avg. Program Earnings

37.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, Colorado	$6,342	$2,700	25.9%
2	Morgan Community College Fort Morgan, Colorado	$7,161	$4,127	46.1%
3	Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, Colorado	$9,682	$4,302	23.0%
4	Arapahoe Community College Littleton, Colorado	$10,790	$4,308	26.8%
5	Front Range Community College Westminster, Colorado	$10,854	$4,740	30.1%
6	Pueblo Community College Pueblo, Colorado	$11,063	$4,883	37.5%
7	Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, Colorado	$12,948	$9,401	38.0%	98.8%
8	Adams State University Alamosa, Colorado	$14,173	$9,776	31.6%	99.2%
9	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$14,294	$10,780	29.9%	97.9%
10	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Colorado	$14,954	$12,760	17.6%
11	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, Colorado	$15,331	$9,712	41.5%	81.8%
12	University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Colorado	$16,431	$9,712	45.3%	84.8%
13	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado	$18,457	$12,010	51.3%	78.5%
14	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, Colorado	$19,133	$10,017	47.4%	74.6%
15	Regis University Denver, Colorado	$22,689	$43,980	61.1%	76.1%
16	Colorado Christian University Lakewood, Colorado	$25,458	$39,266	55.3%
17	Platt College-Aurora Greenwood Village, Colorado	$42,287	$20,590	20.0%	64.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $36,000 cost difference between Colorado's cheapest and most expensive nursing programs?

Colorado Mountain College charges $6,342 net compared to private institutions reaching $42,287, primarily due to state funding and the Colorado Opportunity Fund. Public community colleges benefit from local tax support and state appropriations that keep tuition low. Private schools like Regis University offer smaller class sizes and additional support services that justify higher costs. The 17 programs span this range because institutional missions vary from open-access community education to specialized private university training.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Colorado nursing schools?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with Regis University at $22,689 achieving 61% graduation compared to 23% at $9,682 Pikes Peak State College. However, exceptions exist like Colorado Mesa University, which combines moderate $15,331 costs with strong 41.5% graduation rates. Community colleges often serve working adults and first-generation students who face additional completion challenges. The pattern suggests that financial resources for student support services impact success rates significantly.

Is the earnings potential worth the higher costs at Colorado's more expensive nursing programs?

Colorado Technical University graduates earn $73,446 despite moderate $14,954 program costs, while expensive Regis University graduates earn $63,140. The highest earners from affordable Adams State University make $57,318, creating only a $16,000 annual difference across the range. Colorado's healthcare job market appears to value nursing credentials broadly rather than favoring specific institutions. Most programs generate positive returns given that even the lowest earnings exceed $57,000 annually.

Where should students focus when choosing between Colorado's affordable nursing programs?

Graduation rates matter more than small cost differences among community colleges, where prices cluster between $6,342 and $11,063. Programs like Pueblo Community College balance reasonable $11,063 costs with solid 37.5% completion rates. Students should examine clinical partnerships, faculty ratios, and NCLEX pass rates rather than focusing solely on sticker price. Geographic location affects living costs and job opportunities, making local programs often the most economical choice overall.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.