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Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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2023 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

35 Schools Ranked
$4,922 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$20,852 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 35 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which associate degree programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students. The factors used to develop this ranking include those related to how in-demand the school us, the overall quality of the school, and post-graduation wages, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

North Idaho College

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
$4,960 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,016 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named North Idaho College the best school in the Rocky Mountains Region for nursing students working on their associate degree.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NIC is $4,960. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,736. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,016 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at NIC. In 2019-2020 about 80% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on North Idaho College

#2

Otero Junior College

La Junta, Colorado
$4,107 Average Tuition & Fees
$30,299 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 35 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Otero Junior College landed the # 2 spot on the list.

Students from Colorado who attend Otero JC full time pay an average of $4,107 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,563. On average, associate degree students take out $30,299 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Otero JC. In 2019-2020 about 28% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Otero Junior College

#3

Miles Community College

Miles City, Montana
$6,090 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,682 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Miles Community College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

Full-time students from Montana pay an average of $6,090 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Miles Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,840. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,682 in student loans.

Miles Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 73% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Miles Community College

$6,010 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,381 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 35 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Utah Valley University landed the # 4 spot on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $6,010 in tuition and fees if they attend UVU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,092. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,381 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UVU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 70% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Utah Valley University Report

#5

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah
$6,228 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,128 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 35 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Weber State University landed the # 5 spot on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $6,228 in tuition and fees if they attend WSU full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $16,644. Associate Degree recipients from WSU accumulate an average of $20,128 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WSU. In fact, around 59% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Weber State University Report

#6

Laramie County Community College

Cheyenne, Wyoming
$4,613 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,970 Avg Student Debt

Laramie County Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

Students from Wyoming who attend LCCC full time pay an average of $4,613 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,913. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,970 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since LCCC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 45% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#7

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, Idaho
$4,336 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,617 Avg Student Debt

College of Western Idaho came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,617 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CWI. During the 2019-2020 year, about 51% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full College of Western Idaho Report

#8

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, Utah
$4,086 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,550 Avg Student Debt

Salt Lake Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

Full-time students from Utah pay an average of $4,086 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Salt Lake Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,734. Associate Degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College accumulate an average of $13,550 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Salt Lake Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Salt Lake Community College Report

$6,022 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,000 Avg Student Debt

Montana State University - Billings landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs.

In-state students pay an average of $6,022 in tuition and fees if they attend Montana State University - Billings full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,352. On average, associate degree students take out $20,000 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Montana State University - Billings, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Montana State University - Billings

#10

College of Eastern Idaho

Idaho Falls, Idaho
$4,126 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,007 Avg Student Debt

College of Eastern Idaho landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CEI is $4,126. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,222. On average, associate degree students take out $23,007 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CEI. In fact, around 76% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full College of Eastern Idaho Report

$4,590 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,163 Avg Student Debt

Northern Wyoming Community College District ranked #11 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

Students from Wyoming who attend Northern Wyoming Community College District full time pay an average of $4,590 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,890. Associate Degree recipients from Northern Wyoming Community College District accumulate an average of $13,163 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Northern Wyoming Community College District does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 37% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Northern Wyoming Community College District Report

#12

Morgan Community College

Fort Morgan, Colorado
$3,852 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,598 Avg Student Debt

Morgan Community College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Morgan Community College is $3,852. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,274. Associate Degree recipients from Morgan Community College accumulate an average of $16,598 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Morgan Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 68% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

$4,140 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,852 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Northwestern Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs.

Full-time students from Colorado pay an average of $4,140 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CNCC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,596. On average, associate degree students take out $17,852 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at CNCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 25% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Colorado Northwestern Community College Report

#14

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana
$7,492 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,709 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, The University of Montana did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree.

Students from Montana who attend UM full time pay an average of $7,492 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $28,476. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,709 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UM. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 47% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on The University of Montana

#15

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado
$4,860 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,827 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Mountain College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Colorado Mountain College is $4,860. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,484. Associate Degree recipients from Colorado Mountain College accumulate an average of $16,827 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Colorado Mountain College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 33% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$3,477 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,735 Avg Student Debt

Helena College University of Montana did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list.

Students from Montana who attend Helena College full time pay an average of $3,477 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,570. On average, associate degree students take out $21,735 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Helena College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 40% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Helena College University of Montana Report

#17

Utah State University

Logan, Utah
$8,960 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,148 Avg Student Debt

Utah State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list.

Students from Utah who attend USU full time pay an average of $8,960 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $23,435. On average, associate degree students take out $16,148 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at USU. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Utah State University

#18

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado
$3,981 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,176 Avg Student Debt

Pikes Peak Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

Full-time students from Colorado pay an average of $3,981 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend PPCC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,403. Associate Degree recipients from PPCC accumulate an average of $15,176 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since PPCC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 47% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#19

Northwest College

Powell, Wyoming
$4,862 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,640 Avg Student Debt

Northwest College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #19 on the list.

Full-time students from Wyoming pay an average of $4,862 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northwest Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,162. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,640 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Northwest Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#20

Casper College

Casper, Wyoming
$3,480 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,284 Avg Student Debt

Casper College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Casper College is $3,480. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,520. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,284 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Casper College. In fact, around 52% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#21

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, Colorado
$4,536 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,779 Avg Student Debt

Pueblo Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

Students from Colorado who attend Pueblo Community College full time pay an average of $4,536 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,958. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,779 in student loans.

Pueblo Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 35% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Pueblo Community College Report

#22

Trinidad State Junior College

Trinidad, Colorado
$4,176 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,101 Avg Student Debt

Trinidad State Junior College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $4,176 in tuition and fees if they attend Trinidad State Junior College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,631. On average, associate degree students take out $20,101 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Trinidad State Junior College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 17% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Front Range Community College

Westminster, Colorado
$4,032 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,281 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Front Range Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree.

Students from Colorado who attend FRCC full time pay an average of $4,032 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,454. Associate Degree recipients from FRCC accumulate an average of $23,281 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at FRCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 38% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Front Range Community College Report

#24

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, Colorado
$4,080 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,064 Avg Student Debt

Arapahoe Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Arapahoe Community College is $4,080. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,502. On average, associate degree students take out $22,064 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Arapahoe Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 33% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Arapahoe Community College Report

$5,955 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,034 Avg Student Debt

Montana State University - Northern ranked #25 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $5,955 in tuition and fees if they attend Montana State University - Northern full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $18,665. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,034 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Montana State University - Northern does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Montana State University - Northern

View Best Associate Degree Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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