Discover the cheapest and fastest way to get your BSN in Colorado.

Colorado registered nurses (RNs) who want to become leaders in the nursing profession are increasingly pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Fortunately, the state offers many RN to BSN programs, both online and in-person, to help RNs reach the next level of their careers. If you have completed an Associate's Degree in Nursing and want to earn more money, the RN to BSN program was made for you.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado

RegisteredNursing.org proudly presents its comprehensive rankings of the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Colorado, designed to help nursing professionals advance their careers through distance learning. These online programs offer incredible flexibility for working nurses seeking to elevate their educational credentials without disrupting their current employment. Our expert team carefully evaluates each program based on academic quality, affordability, student support, and overall reputation in the nursing education landscape. Virtual nursing education has become increasingly important, allowing registered nurses to seamlessly transition from associate's degree programs to bachelor's level training while maintaining their professional commitments. Nurses can now pursue higher education from the comfort of their homes, accessing top-tier curriculum and expanding their professional opportunities. Learn about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Northern Colorado's RN-to-BSN program provides a dynamic online educational pathway for registered nurses seeking career advancement. Tailored for working ADN graduates, this fully digital program enables seamless professional development without interrupting current employment. Students complete 30 credit hours within a compact 20-month timeframe, paying $350 per credit. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive nursing management skills, care coordination, and advanced healthcare strategies. Military-friendly and accessible across all states, the program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, current RN licensure, and includes 180 practicum hours. CCNE-accredited, this program strategically positions nurses for expanded roles in complex healthcare environments while offering exceptional flexibility.

  • Fully online nursing program
  • 20-month completion time
  • $350 per credit hour
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • Current RN license needed
  • 180 total practicum hours
  • Available in all states
  • Advanced nursing career paths
  • No additional student fees
  • Accredited by CCNE
#2

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a robust online RN to BSN program that transforms experienced registered nurses into advanced healthcare professionals. Designed for working nurses seeking career advancement, this program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient safety, and health equity. Students benefit from a flexible online curriculum that can be completed in 12-24 months, with opportunities for interprofessional clinical training. As a nationally recognized nursing program, it provides comprehensive pathways for RNs to enhance their clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. The online format allows nurses to balance professional responsibilities while pursuing academic growth, making it an attractive option for busy healthcare professionals.

  • Top 10 Nursing Program
  • Multiple Pathway Options
  • Online and In-Person Learning
  • 12-24 Month Completion
  • Interprofessional Clinical Training
  • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
  • Nationally Recognized Faculty
#3

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, CO - Public 4-Year - coloradomtn.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Colorado Mountain College's online RN to BSN program provides a dynamic pathway for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. Tailored for associate degree nurses, this comprehensive program emphasizes critical nursing domains including community health, evidence-based research, and leadership development. The fully online curriculum offers exceptional flexibility, allowing nurses to complete coursework around existing professional schedules. With an incredibly affordable tuition rate of $135 per credit hour and 100% job placement guarantee, students can enhance their nursing expertise without financial strain. Accredited by ACEN, the program builds upon existing nursing experience and prepares graduates for expanded professional opportunities in healthcare settings.

  • 100% Online Nursing Program
  • Affordable Tuition Rates
  • 100% Job Placement
  • Accredited by ACEN
  • Flexible Course Schedule
  • Career Advancement Focused
  • Builds on Existing Nursing Experience
  • Community Health Emphasis
  • Leadership Skills Development
  • Evidence-Based Practice Training
#4

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO - Public 4-Year - uccs.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a comprehensive online RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. This CCNE-accredited program provides exceptional flexibility with 8-week course increments and part-time study options. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and hold an active, unrestricted RN license to enroll. The curriculum spans 126 total credits, focusing on preparing nurses for leadership roles in primary care and community health settings. Military-friendly and accessible nationwide, the program enables nurses to complete their bachelor's degree without disrupting their professional commitments, emphasizing practical skills and advanced healthcare knowledge.

  • Online, self-paced program
  • 126 total credits required
  • 2.5 minimum GPA
  • Unrestricted RN license needed
  • Nationwide multi-state accessibility
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Part-time study options
  • Flexible 8-week course increments
#5

Trinidad State College

Trinidad, CO - Public 4-Year - trinidadstate.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Trinidad State College delivers a robust online RN-BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement. The fully digital curriculum accommodates associate degree and diploma nursing graduates, offering unparalleled flexibility and comprehensive professional development. Students benefit from personalized nursing coaching, local practicum opportunities, and a curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and leadership skills. The program stands out with its unique features including affordable tuition, out-of-state pricing parity, and extensive transfer credit acceptance. CCNE-accredited, the program provides comprehensive nursing education through flexible full and part-time enrollment options, ensuring accessible higher education for working healthcare professionals.

  • 100% Online Program
  • Personal Nursing Coach
  • Local Practicum Options
  • Affordable Tuition
  • Out-of-State Tuition Parity
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
  • Up to 89.5 Transfer Credits
  • Leadership and Community Health Practicums
  • Comprehensive Nursing Curriculum
*Federal data: IPEDS 2023, administered by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

Two of the most common considerations made by nursing students in their research of RN to BSN programs are their affordability and timeliness. RN to BSN programs are some of the most affordable and quick types of nursing programs in the state, supplying students with many options that fit both their budget and lifestyle.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

While entry-level students looking to get their BSN will need to resort to traditional 4-year bachelor degree programs, nurses who already have experience in the field will be able to get their BSNs in as little as two years — or even less. Here are a few of the quickest options for RN to BSN programs in the state.

SchoolDegree NameLength
University of Northern ColoradoOnline RN to BSN7 Months
Colorado Christian UniversityRN to BSN1 Year

Learn more about the Shortest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

While there are currently no 6-month RN to BSN programs based in Colorado, these programs (though rare) exist nationwide. If you’re looking in other states (in addition to Colorado) for your RN to BSN program, you may be eligible to get your BSN degree in this amount of time if you have an ASN or ADN and a large number of transferable credits. If you have questions, you can contact your prospective school’s registrar.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Another important consideration with any potential nursing program is how much it’s going to cost. A traditional BSN program which requires twice the amount of credits is coming to cost you much more than an RN to BSN program. If you’re eligible to enroll in an RN to BSN program, this puts you at a considerable advantage if your goal is to save as much money as possible. Below are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs available in Colorado, but as you complete your research, make sure that you consider the other costs involved with education such as textbooks, technology fees, and the cost of living in the area where your potential program is based.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Colorado Mesa UniversityOnline RN to BSNResident:$ 3,774.24 per semester

Non-resident: $ 7,548.48 per semester

University of Northern ColoradoOnline RN to BSNResident: $11,332 per semester

Non-resident: $24,722 per semester

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Meeting the entrance requirements is crucial for entering a good RN to BSN program; exceeding the requirements is even better. Many programs are competitive and this will give you the best chance of gaining admission to your top choice. Below is an example of the types of requirements you might come across when researching accredited Colorado programs:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Graduate of a school that is regionally accredited (by, for example, NWCCU or SACS)
  • Successful completion of an ADN program accredited by ACEN or CCNE
  • Have an active, unrestricted RN license from the United States

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

RN to BSN programs consist of a mix of general education, core nursing courses, and electives. At Colorado Technical University, the following core nursing courses are offered as part of their RN to BSN program:

  • Challenges and Trends in Contemporary Nursing
  • Population-Based Nursing
  • Safety and Quality Improvement in Nursing Practice
  • Innovation in Nursing

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Colorado

Shortages in nursing care is what the state of Colorado faces in the future, so to circumvent the impact this will have on their patients, Colorado is supporting actively practicing nurses, as well as up-and-coming nurses to further their education by earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nurses with qualifications as a BSN degree have been known to earn higher salaries, and obtain more possibilities to advance their careers. Colorado BSN nurses can potentially earn more than $5,000 more per year than an ADN, and are more likely to be hired for specific opportunities, which makes the money spent on your education worth more than think.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Alamosa, CO

Adams State University

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN completion
    • 2.5 GPA admission requirement
    • Transfer existing nursing credits
    • Multiple online nursing courses
    • Comprehensive nursing curriculum
    • Focuses on professional development
    • Designed for working nurses

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak State College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online coursework
    • 8-week flexible courses
    • Three annual start dates
    • CCCS transferable credits
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Career advancement focused
    • Optional success workshop

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online, self-paced program
    • 126 total credits required
    • 2.5 minimum GPA
    • Unrestricted RN license needed
    • Nationwide multi-state accessibility
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Part-time study options
    • Flexible 8-week course increments

Denver, CO

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Top 10 Nursing Program
    • Multiple Pathway Options
    • Online and In-Person Learning
    • 12-24 Month Completion
    • Interprofessional Clinical Training
    • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
    • Nationally Recognized Faculty

Fort Morgan, CO

Morgan Community College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • $200 per credit hour
    • 7-week course format
    • Complete in 3-5 semesters
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Open admission
    • Minimal practicum hours
    • Potential employer tuition reimbursement

Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Nursing Program
    • Affordable Tuition Rates
    • 100% Job Placement
    • Accredited by ACEN
    • Flexible Course Schedule
    • Career Advancement Focused
    • Builds on Existing Nursing Experience
    • Community Health Emphasis

Grand Junction, CO

Colorado Mesa University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible format
    • 8-week course modules
    • Multiple start dates
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Advance career opportunities

Greeley, CO

University of Northern Colorado

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online nursing program
    • 20-month completion time
    • $350 per credit hour
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Current RN license needed
    • 180 total practicum hours
    • Available in all states
    • Advanced nursing career paths

Littleton, CO

Arapahoe Community College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science Nursing Completion Program (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online nursing completion program
    • Designed for working RNs
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Requires active RN license
    • Two practicum experiences
    • Leadership and research focus
    • State Board of Colorado approved
    • Flexible learning format

Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University Pueblo

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online flexible program
    • Accredited by ACEN
    • Tailored for working nurses
    • Affordable tuition rates
    • Prepares for advanced nursing roles

Trinidad, CO

Trinidad State College

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Personal Nursing Coach
    • Local Practicum Options
    • Affordable Tuition
    • Out-of-State Tuition Parity
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
    • Up to 89.5 Transfer Credits

Westminster, CO

Front Range Community College

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program with flexibility
    • Four full-time semesters
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
    • Current RN license needed
    • 68 hours practicum work
    • Leadership career advancement
    • Accredited nursing program
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.