2026 Best Nursing Schools in Colorado Springs

Rankings help nursing students identify quality programs by providing objective comparisons. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Colorado Springs, using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria. This data-driven approach offers transparency for prospective students. For more details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

No data is available for Yearly Pass Rate Trends analysis in Colorado Springs. This section is omitted as it lacks statistically significant information for students.

Yearly Nursing Graduates

No data is available for Yearly Nursing Graduates analysis in Colorado Springs. This section is omitted as it lacks statistically significant information for students.

Top Performing Schools

No data is available for Top Performing Schools analysis in Colorado Springs. This section is omitted as it lacks statistically significant information for students.

Pass Rate by Program Size

No data is available for Pass Rate by Program Size analysis in Colorado Springs. This section is omitted as it lacks statistically significant information for students.

Biggest Improvements

No data is available for Biggest Improvements analysis in Colorado Springs. This section is omitted as it lacks statistically significant information for students.

#1

Pikes Peak State College

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pikes Peak State College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program serves registered nurses seeking career advancement and current nursing students through dual enrollment options. This campus-based program emphasizes ethical practice and prepares graduates for advanced roles across diverse healthcare settings. While the program doesn't require ACT or SAT entrance exams for bachelor's-level admission, applicants must be current RNs or in good standing in an AAS nursing program. The college demonstrates strong NCLEX preparation, with ADN program pass rates improving from 93.26% in 2022 to 100% in 2024, indicating effective nursing education foundations. Competitive tuition and financial aid options support accessibility for aspiring nurses.

  • BSN degree for RNs.
  • Dual enrollment option.
  • Focus on ethical practice.
  • Prepares for advanced roles.
  • Competitive tuition costs.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Lifelong learning focus.
  • Supports career advancement.
  • Diverse healthcare settings.
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Colorado Springs, CO

Changing careers is rarely easy but if you’ve ever thought about having a job helping others, there’s never been a better time to consider nursing. With a shortage of nurses in Colorado Springs and surrounding Colorado communities, area colleges have simplified the enrollment process so applicants can readily enter ADN and BSN programs.

ADN Programs

With an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), nurses can earn a beneficial wage for themselves and their families while improving health outcomes for patients. Pikes Peak Community College, which has several locations in and around Colorado Springs, offers a comprehensive two-year nursing program that enables graduates to sit for the NCLEX. Graduates are prepared to provide holistic patient care and treatment in a number of healthcare settings.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Top healthcare employers prefer to hire registered nurses with Bachelor’s Degrees. As such, it makes sense to start your nursing career with a BSN. Fully accredited by CCNE, the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, offers traditional and accelerated BSN programs for entry-level and experienced nurses. The programs provide a generalist nursing curriculum focusing on clinical fundamentals while also introducing students to specialties. The accelerated option is designed for those with a four-year degree who wish to transition into nursing.

Find out more about Colorado Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Colorado Springs, CO

Many working registered nurses would like to pursue advanced education but have had to put those aspirations on hold due to perceived costs and time commitments. Recognizing this dilemma, colleges in Colorado Springs offer bridge RN to BSN tracks that are competitively priced and have accommodating schedules to encourage more RNs to further their education.

RN to BSN Programs

Registered Nurses may want to earn their bachelor’s degree but believe they don’t have the time due to busy work and home schedules. Because of online education programs such as the bridge RN to BSN program offered by Colorado Technical University, RNs with an active license can complete their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree in less than a year. The accredited program was designed to make the most of previously earned credits.

Find out more about Colorado RN to BSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We provide a list of RN to BSN and MSN programs to help you advance your nursing career. This table shows schools with their city and state locations, key program highlights, and links to program pages for more details. Explore these options to find the right fit for your education and professional goals.

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak State College

  • RN to BSN - 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

  • RN to BSN - 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
*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 collection.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado Springs, CO

Advanced Practice Nurses can serve as patients’ primary care provider as well as prepare patient treatment plans. Registered Nurses in Colorado Springs can receive the necessary training to become Nurse Practitioners, leaders, or other specialists by enrolling in a Master's of Science in Nursing program.

MSN Programs

Nurses with advanced degrees can gain the education and training they need to work independently in clinics and provide patients with primary care. Though earning a Master's of Science in Nursing requires hard work, many Colorado Springs MSN programs have eliminated class scheduling conflicts. The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, offers an online MSN program with specializations in Primary Care Adult, Family or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Find out more about Colorado Nurse Practitioner Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Colorado Springs

This list shows APRN programs in Colorado Springs for MSN, DNP, and NP degrees. The table below includes each school's location, program highlights, and links to their program pages. We provide this information to help you find suitable options in the area. Explore the details to compare programs and make informed decisions about your advanced nursing education.

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 68 program credits.
    • Online delivery format.
    • 630 clinical hours required.
    • 5-week course length.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Requires BSN degree.
    • Active RN license needed.
    • 3.0 GPA for admission.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Administration concentration

    Online Learning - Website

    • 48 program credits.
    • Online delivery format.
    • Five-week course length.
    • BSN degree required.
    • Active RN license needed.
    • 3.0 GPA for admission.
    • Provisional admission available.
    • CCNE accredited program.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • 48 program credits.
    • Online program format.
    • 5-week course length.
    • 120 practicum hours required.
    • Active RN license needed.
    • BSN degree required.
    • 3.0 GPA for admission.
    • CCNE accredited program.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 47 Total Credits
    • 630 Clinical Contact Hours
    • CCNE Accredited
    • Three Specialty Tracks
    • No Campus Visits Required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • Rolling Admission Cycle
*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2024 Final Release Data.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Colorado Springs, CO

We provide a comprehensive list of nursing schools near Colorado Springs, CO. This guide helps you find programs in the area. The table below shows each school's city and state location, program highlights, and links to their program pages. Explore your options to start your nursing career.

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak State College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

    Campus Based - Website

    • BSN degree for RNs.
    • Dual enrollment option.
    • Focus on ethical practice.
    • Prepares for advanced roles.
    • Competitive tuition costs.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Lifelong learning focus.
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 survey data.