Online ADN/ASN Programs in Colorado: Top Schools Compared
With its strong demand for nurses, it’s never been a better time to become a nurse in Colorado. This guide dives into one of the top online ADN programs in the state, online learning formats, the licensing process, and the state’s career outlook. It also details program cost and length, provides many resources to help Colorado nursing students like you succeed, and gives advice on spotting top programs and deciding which is right for you, so read on to find out more.
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Program Profile: A Popular ADN Program in Colorado
Some Colorado colleges and universities offer nursing programs with assignments, lectures, and instructor communication facilitated online. All of these online programs will still require theironline students to complete in-person clinicals to develop necessary hands-on skills. It’s important to note, however, that there are no online or hybrid ADN programs in Colorado.
Though the school profiled below is an in-person course, it can give you an idea of what to expect from typical ADN programs in Colorado.
Nursing Associate Degree – Aims Community College
The Nursing Associate Degree at Aims Community College combines lectures, labs, and an internship experience to give students the necessary medical knowledge and training to enter the nursing field. While this program is primarily offered in person, the school does have three campuses to help reach students in more locations. You can apply and complete your orientation online and take general education courses online. After completing a one-week seminar at the end of their second year, students are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). The program boasts a higher-than-average pass rate of 97%.
Duration: 4 semesters
Mode: In person
Cost: $9,000 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Orientation
- HESI A2 requirements
- Nursing degree program application
Curriculum:
- Pharmacology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Medical and surgical nursing concepts
- Nursing specialties
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Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a lot to consider when determining which ADN program is right for you, and you probably have many questions about these programs, their duration, cost, and aid as well as those related to your employment and salary prospects. This section answers frequently asked questions about online formats and ADN programs in Colorado by students like you.
What are the key features to look for in online nursing programs? What about ADN programs?
Whether you’re looking at online nursing programs and/or ADN programs, the first key feature to consider when looking for any nursing program is accreditation since it shows that a program provides quality education and training. You also want to look at a school’s clinical placement opportunities to make sure you have the variety of interactions with patients and healthcare providers you need to practice your skills.
Graduation and job placement rates are also important to consider when looking at an ADN program, as is a program’s licensure approval and NCLEX-RN success rate. A program’s website should give you most of this information, but you can also get it from the Colorado Board of Nursing (CBN).
What are ADN licensure requirements in Colorado?
After selecting and completing an ADN program in Colorado, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN to earn your license (be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX and our essential study skills guide for allied health students to help you ace it on your first try). You must also submit to a criminal background check and apply for your license through the CBN. Also, Colorado does participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that nurses with valid Colorado nursing licenses can apply for a multistate license. While Colorado doesn’t require continuing education (CE) requirements for nurses, check with your prospective employer to see if it requires them as a condition of employment. If you plan to work as an RN in another state, be sure to check that state’s requirements for CEs.
Do ADN programs in Colorado qualify for financial aid?
Regardless of the program you attend, you can take advantage of any number of Colorado’s many financial assistance programs. This includes Career Advance Colorado, a program that covers tuition, fees, and course materials for students enrolled in programs that train them for in-demand professions. These assistant programs also often help students locate online resources and scholarships if they aren’t sure where to begin. Colorado’s commitment to helping ease the nursing shortage means more organizations and ADN nursing programs offer financial aid, like the Colorado Department of Higher Education. As you can see, students can access a variety of ways to save money on college tuition.
How long do Colorado ADN programs take to complete, and how do I choose a program length that’s best for me?
Typically, you can expect an ADN program to take four semesters to complete; however, there are accelerated ADN programs for nursing students eager and able to take on a more intense course load in the interest of starting their careers more quickly. Traditional ADN programs typically take full-time students two years to complete. When choosing a program length, look at your current commitments and learning style to make sure its format is a fit for you. Also consider your financial capability since shorter programs often have higher upfront costs. Finally, consider a program’s flexibility and how it will work with your availability.
What resources are available in Colorado to support me as an ADN student?
There is an abundance of healthcare and medical student resources available to future Colorado ADNs. Those include the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, the largest nursing workforce center in the U.S. It advocates for diversity and inclusion and actively combats employment disparities. Also consider the Colorado Nurses Association for answers to licensing questions, help finding new career opportunities, and the chance to connect with other nurses. The Colorado Student Nurses Association (CSNA) is another resource dedicated to promoting nursing leadership and education. Finally, look to the Nursing Student Success Fund for financial aid and support to nursing students that may otherwise not be able to attend nursing school.
Colorado Overview: Salary & Career Details for ADN Nurses
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $79,500 | $100,260 | $124,940 |
| Boulder, CO | $84,530 | $103,290 | $128,260 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $77,460 | $96,140 | $123,250 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $81,210 | $101,130 | $125,870 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $72,410 | $97,600 | $123,590 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $78,050 | $95,990 | $123,500 |
| Greeley, CO | $75,960 | $96,300 | $119,490 |
| Pueblo, CO | $78,050 | $95,720 | $120,110 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025, BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Top Online ADN Programs in Colorado
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,908 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lamar Community College
- The ADN program at Lamar Community College is nationally accredited by ACEN, ensuring a high-quality education that prepares students to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
- Students have the option to earn a Practical Nursing license after the first year, allowing early entry into the nursing field while continuing toward their RN degree.
- The program offers a seamless two-level structure where LPNs and transfer students can join Level II directly, facilitating advancement and transfer opportunities within the nursing career path.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,908 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,329 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Morgan Community College
- The ADN program features hands-on learning in a high-tech simulation lab and clinical rotations at local hospitals, providing real-world nursing experience.
- Students benefit from expert instructors who have practical field experience and offer personalized attention through small class sizes.
- The program offers affordable tuition rates combined with financial aid options to support students in minimizing debt while pursuing their nursing career.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,329 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,812 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Aims Community College
- The Aims ADN program boasts a 95% NCLEX-RN pass rate, which is 10% higher than the national average, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure and career success.
- Students gain extensive hands-on practice in a state-of-the-art nursing lab with equipment and simulators mirroring real clinical environments, enhancing practical skills before clinical internships.
- The program includes a transitional capstone clinical internship and a focused one-week NCLEX-RN seminar, providing integrated real-world experience and targeted exam preparation for confident licensure.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,812 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,250 Avg. Aid Amount
- 26% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Pueblo Community College
- Pueblo Community College’s ADN program offers a Paramedic-to-ADN pathway that accepts up to 23 block transfer credits, accelerating degree completion for paramedics.
- The program provides diverse clinical learning experiences in multiple healthcare institutions, enhancing practical nursing skills across varied patient populations.
- PCC’s ADN program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, ensuring recognized educational quality.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,250 Avg. Aid Amount
- 26% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,133 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Arapahoe Community College
- The ADN program at Arapahoe Community College awards Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits for licensed Practical Nurses, enabling them to enter the program at an advanced level and accelerate their progress.
- The program guarantees clinical compliance and background checks, ensuring students gain high-quality, supervised clinical practice essential for licensure and employment readiness.
- Upon completion, graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam with structured coursework and faculty support that targets entry-level professional nursing skills, enhancing job placement potential.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,133 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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