2027 Best Nursing Schools in Colorado Springs

Choosing the right nursing school is a pivotal decision. Rankings help prospective students compare programs based on objective criteria. At Registerednursing.org, we create rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Colorado Springs using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion. Our methodology ensures transparency and reliability. View our https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/ for details.
#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 offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This RN-to-BSN program builds on existing knowledge, focusing on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. Students benefit from a top-ranked nursing school, ranked #2 in Colorado by RegisteredNursing.org. The curriculum combines coursework with hands-on simulation at the Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation, using advanced manikins. Graduates are known as caring, skilled practitioners ready to meet the needs of diverse populations in rural and urban settings. The program prepares RNs for roles in management, education, and specialized care. It aligns with the college's mission to provide quality nursing education.

  • RN-to-BSN pathway offered
  • Graduates known as caring and skilled
  • Multiple nursing degree options
*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025 collection.

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've put together a comprehensive list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs across the country. Whether aiming for a bachelor's or a master's degree, these programs offer flexible paths for working nurses. The table below includes each school's city and state location, key program highlights, and direct links to their official program pages. Use this information to compare options and find the right fit for advancing a nursing career.

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: RN to BSN - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program delivery
    • Active RN license required
    • Associate degree or diploma needed
    • International students need TOEFL
    • Financial aid available
    • Military benefits supported
    • Focus on healthcare trends
    • Patient education training

Pikes Peak State College

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts spring/summer/fall
    • 100% online coursework
    • 8-week course terms
    • Optional success workshop
    • Designed for practicing RNs
    • Transferable within CCCS

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 126 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • $50 application fee
    • Self-paced online format
    • 8-week course increments
    • Accepts students from 21 states
*IPEDS 2025 dataset, accessed via NCES Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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

Explore advanced practice registered nursing programs in Colorado Springs. This table lists MSN, DNP, and NP offerings from local schools. Compare city and state locations, program highlights, and direct links to each program page. Whether aiming for a master's or doctorate, find the right fit. We gather key details to help make an informed decision. Check out the options below.

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

    • Online program delivery
    • 47-48 total credits required
    • Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
    • 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
    • Current RN license required
    • Rolling admissions process
    • Spring, summer, fall start terms
    • Clinical hours in approved states
*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Colorado Springs, CO

We put together a comprehensive list of nursing schools near Colorado Springs, CO. Each entry shows the city and state, key program highlights, and a direct link to the school's program page. This makes it easy to compare options and find the right fit. Check out the table below to explore what these schools offer.

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak State College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

    Campus Based - Website

    • Ranked #2 nursing school in Colorado
    • RN-to-BSN pathway offered
    • Graduates known as caring and skilled
    • Multiple nursing degree options
*Original data: IPEDS 2025, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.