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2023 Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

21 Schools Ranked
$16,473 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$24,662 Avg Student Debt*

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which nursing program is right for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. 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 Value Nursing Schools in Colorado to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 21 schools in Colorado to see which programs offered the best value experiences for nursing students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Nursing Schools in Colorado

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Red Rocks Community College

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

Our 2023 rankings named Red Rocks Community College the best value school in Colorado for nursing students working on their degree. Red Rocks Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Lakewood, Colorado that handed out 120 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Red Rocks Community College are $15,811 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $17,601 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Red Rocks Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,516 during the early years of their career.

Red Rocks Community College not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #1 on our Best Nursing Schools in Colorado list.

Read full report on Red Rocks Community College

#2

Aims Community College

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

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Aims Community College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado list. Aims Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Greeley, Colorado that handed out 145 degrees in 2020-2021.

Aims Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,418 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,026 in student loans.After graduating from Aims Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,230 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Aims Community College

#3

Pikes Peak Community College

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

The excellent programs at Pikes Peak Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in Colorado. Pikes Peak Community College is a fairly large public school located in Colorado Springs, Colorado that handed out 485 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at PPCC are $15,403 a year. On average, students take out $14,776 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from PPCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,856 during the early years of their career.

PPCC also took the #4 spot in our Best Nursing Schools in Colorado rankings.

Full Pikes Peak Community College Report

#4

Otero Junior College

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Otero Junior College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado list. Otero Junior College is a small public school located in La Junta, Colorado that handed out 160 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Otero JC are $6,563 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,822 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Otero JC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,585 during the early year of their career.

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#5

Morgan Community College

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

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Morgan Community College is a great place for nursing students who want to get the most value for their educational dollar. Morgan Community College is located in Fort Morgan, Colorado and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 86 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Morgan Community College are $15,274 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,537 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Morgan Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,671 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Morgan Community College

43 Total Awards
$6,596 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Northwestern Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado ranking. Rangely, Colorado is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 43 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at CNCC are $6,596 a year. On average, students take out $17,389 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CNCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,648 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#7

Front Range Community College

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

Front Range Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado ranking. Westminster, Colorado is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 347 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at FRCC are $15,454 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,922 in student loans.After graduating from FRCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,174 during the early years of their career.

Full Front Range Community College Report

#8

Trinidad State Junior College

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

Trinidad State Junior College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #8 on the list. Trinidad State Junior College is a small public school situated in Trinidad, Colorado. It awarded 104 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Trinidad State Junior College are $6,631 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $12,844 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Trinidad State Junior College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,359 during the early year of their career.

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#9

Lamar Community College

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

Lamar Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado list. This very small public school is located in Lamar, Colorado, and it awarded 43 degrees in 2020-2021.

LCC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,592 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $19,226 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, LCC graduates make an average of $35,899 annually.

Full Lamar Community College Report

#10

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, Colorado
51 Total Awards
$15,502 Average Tuition & Fees

Arapahoe Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado ranking. Littleton, Colorado is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 51 students in 2020-2021.

Arapahoe Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $15,502 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,702 in student loans.After graduating from Arapahoe Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,257 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#11

Colorado Mountain College

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

Colorado Mountain College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado ranking. Glenwood Springs, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 195 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Colorado Mountain College are $11,484 per year. On average, students take out $16,264 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Colorado Mountain College graduates make an average of $44,074 annually.

Read full report on Colorado Mountain College

#12

Pueblo Community College

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

Pueblo Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #12 on the list. Pueblo Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Pueblo, Colorado that handed out 328 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Pueblo Community College are $15,958 per year. On average, students take out $16,642 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Pueblo Community College graduates make an average of $39,357 annually.

Read full report on Pueblo Community College

514 Total Awards
$26,376 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado ranking. This large public school is located in Denver, Colorado, and it awarded 514 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at CU Anschutz are $26,376 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,012 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $251, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from CU Anschutz, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,691 during the early years of their career.

CU Anschutz also took the #2 spot in our Best Nursing Schools in Colorado rankings.

Full University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Report

#14

Community College of Denver

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

Community College of Denver ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado list. CCD is a public institution located in Denver, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 129 degrees in 2020-2021.

CCD undergraduate students pay an average of $16,167 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,587 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CCD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,525 during the early year of their career.

Full Community College of Denver Report

#15

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado
243 Total Awards
$23,785 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Northern Colorado ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado list. Greeley, Colorado is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 243 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at University of Northern Colorado are $23,785 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,336 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $281 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University of Northern Colorado graduates make an average of $40,180 annually.

University of Northern Colorado also took the #3 spot in our Best Nursing Schools in Colorado rankings.

Read full report on University of Northern Colorado

170 Total Awards
$15,659 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado State University - Pueblo did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #16 on the list. Colorado State University - Pueblo is located in Pueblo, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 170 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Colorado State University - Pueblo are $15,659 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,825 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $194. During the early years of their career, Colorado State University - Pueblo graduates make an average of $42,728 annually.

Read More…

#17

Colorado Mesa University

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

Colorado Mesa University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado ranking. Colorado Mesa is a public institution located in Grand Junction, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 282 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Colorado Mesa are $22,322 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,997 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $176. During the early years of their career, Colorado Mesa graduates make an average of $38,493 annually.

Read More…

#18

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
256 Total Awards
$22,270 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #18 on the list. UCCS is a fairly large public school situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It awarded 256 degrees in 2020-2021.

UCCS undergraduate students pay an average of $22,270 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $24,627 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $289, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UCCS, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,256 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

409 Total Awards
$12,581 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #19 on the list. Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs is a large private for-profit school situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It awarded 409 degrees in 2020-2021.

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs undergraduate students pay an average of $12,581 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $36,481 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $170.After graduating from Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,482 during the early years of their career.

Full Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs Report

#20

Regis University

Denver, Colorado
438 Total Awards
$39,610 Average Tuition & Fees

Regis University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #20 on the list. Regis U is located in Denver, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 438 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Regis U are $39,610 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $32,679 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $373.After graduating from Regis U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,795 during the early years of their career.

Regis U did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our Best Nursing Schools in Colorado list.

Full Regis University Report

#21

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado
108 Total Awards
$25,473 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Christian University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in Colorado list. CCU is located in Lakewood, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 108 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at CCU are $25,473 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $38,001 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $366.After graduating from CCU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,552 during the early years of their career.

Full Colorado Christian University Report

Best Value Nursing Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 21 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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