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Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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2023 Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

23 Schools Ranked
$14,158 Avg Tuition & Fees*

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. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

The Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 23 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which ones offered the best value basic certificate programs for nursing students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

24 Total Awards
$6,596 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Colorado Northwestern Community College to be the best value school for nursing students who want to pursue a basic certificate in the Rocky Mountains Region . Rangely, Colorado is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 24 students in 2020-2021.

CNCC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,596 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CNCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 25% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

CNCC did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

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#2

Otero Junior College

La Junta, Colorado
49 Total Awards
$6,563 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Otero Junior College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in La Junta, Colorado, the small public school handed out 49 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Otero JC are $6,563 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Otero JC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 28% took at least some of their classes online.

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#3

Trinidad State Junior College

Trinidad, Colorado
45 Total Awards
$6,631 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Trinidad State Junior College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Trinidad, Colorado, the small public school awarded 45 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Trinidad State Junior College are $6,631 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Trinidad State Junior College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 17% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#4

Lamar Community College

Lamar, Colorado
13 Total Awards
$6,592 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 23 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Lamar Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. LCC is a public institution located in Lamar, Colorado. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 13 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at LCC are $6,592 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since LCC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 21% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Lamar Community College

#5

College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, Idaho
32 Total Awards
$6,840 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 23 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, College of Southern Idaho landed the # 5 spot on the list. Located in Twin Falls, Idaho, the medium-sized public school handed out 32 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at College of Southern Idaho are $6,840 a year.

College of Southern Idaho 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. During the 2019-2020 year, about 41% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#6

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, Colorado
120 Total Awards
$15,811 Average Tuition & Fees

Red Rocks Community College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. Red Rocks Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Lakewood, Colorado. It awarded 120 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Red Rocks Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $15,811 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Red Rocks Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, Red Rocks Community College is ranked #1 for overall quality in the Rocky Mountains Region .

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#7

Aims Community College

Greeley, Colorado
115 Total Awards
$10,418 Average Tuition & Fees

Aims Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Aims Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Greeley, Colorado that handed out 115 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Aims Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,418 in tuition and fees each year.

Online courses are available at Aims 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 83% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Aims Community College

#8

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado
382 Total Awards
$15,403 Average Tuition & Fees

Pikes Peak Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. PPCC is a public institution located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 382 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at PPCC are $15,403 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at PPCC. In 2019-2020 about 47% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

PPCC did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

Full Pikes Peak Community College Report

#9

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado
119 Total Awards
$11,484 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Mountain College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Colorado Mountain College is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 119 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Colorado Mountain College are $11,484 per year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Colorado Mountain College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 33% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Colorado Mountain College Report

#10

Morgan Community College

Fort Morgan, Colorado
32 Total Awards
$15,274 Average Tuition & Fees

Morgan Community College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. Morgan Community College is located in Fort Morgan, Colorado and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 32 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Morgan Community College are $15,274 per year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Morgan Community College. In 2019-2020 about 68% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Morgan Community College

#11

Community College of Aurora

Aurora, Colorado
53 Total Awards
$15,369 Average Tuition & Fees

Community College of Aurora did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in Aurora, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 53 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at CCA are $15,369 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CCA does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 25% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Community College of Aurora

#12

Lewis - Clark State College

Lewiston, Idaho
16 Total Awards
$20,238 Average Tuition & Fees

Lewis - Clark State College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Located in Lewiston, Idaho, the small public school handed out 16 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Lewis - Clark State College are $20,238 per year.

Lewis - Clark State 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, 52% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Lewis - Clark State College not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #3 on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

Read full report on Lewis - Clark State College

#13

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, Utah
53 Total Awards
$12,734 Average Tuition & Fees

Salt Lake Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #13 on the list. Salt Lake Community College is a large public school located in Salt Lake City, Utah that handed out 53 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Salt Lake Community College are $12,734 per year.

Salt Lake Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#13

Northwest College

Powell, Wyoming
2 Total Awards
$11,162 Average Tuition & Fees

Northwest College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Located in Powell, Wyoming, the small public school handed out 2 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Northwest Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $11,162 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Northwest Community College. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#15

Snow College

Ephraim, Utah
181 Total Awards
$13,476 Average Tuition & Fees

Snow College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. Snow College is a public institution located in Ephraim, Utah. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 181 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Snow College are $13,476 a year.

Online courses are available at Snow 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 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Snow College

#16

Front Range Community College

Westminster, Colorado
212 Total Awards
$15,454 Average Tuition & Fees

Front Range Community College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Westminster, Colorado, and it awarded 212 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at FRCC are $15,454 per year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at FRCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 38% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Front Range Community College

#17

Utah State University

Logan, Utah
5 Total Awards
$23,435 Average Tuition & Fees

Utah State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #17 on the list. Utah State University is a large public school located in Logan, Utah that handed out 5 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

USU undergraduate students pay an average of $23,435 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at USU. In 2019-2020 about 77% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

USU not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #4 on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list.

Read full report on Utah State University

#18

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, Colorado
145 Total Awards
$15,958 Average Tuition & Fees

Pueblo Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Pueblo Community College is located in Pueblo, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 145 basic certificates to qualified students.

Pueblo Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $15,958 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Pueblo Community College. In 2019-2020 about 35% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Pueblo Community College

#19

Dixie State University

Saint George, Utah
103 Total Awards
$16,986 Average Tuition & Fees

Dixie State University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. Dixie State College is located in Saint George, Utah and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 103 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Dixie State College are $16,986 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Dixie State College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#20

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado
57 Total Awards
$22,322 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Mesa University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and it awarded 57 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Colorado Mesa are $22,322 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Colorado Mesa does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 62% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Colorado Mesa University Report

#21

Community College of Denver

Denver, Colorado
109 Total Awards
$16,167 Average Tuition & Fees

Community College of Denver came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. CCD is a medium-sized public school situated in Denver, Colorado. It awarded 109 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at CCD are $16,167 per year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CCD. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 38% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#22

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho
31 Total Awards
$25,326 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #22, Idaho State University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate. ISU is located in Pocatello, Idaho and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 31 basic certificates to qualified students.

ISU undergraduate students pay an average of $25,326 in tuition and fees each year.

Online courses are available at ISU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Idaho State University Report

#23

Intellitec College - Grand Junction

Grand Junction, Colorado

Intellitec College - Grand Junction did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #23 on the list. Intellitec College - Grand Junction is located in Grand Junction, Colorado and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 77 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Intellitec College - Grand Junction are $0 per year.

Read full report on Intellitec College - Grand Junction

View Best Value Basic Certificate Nursing Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 23 schools only.

References

  • 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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