8 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Colorado (2025-2026)

Colorado has eight accelerated BSN programs, mostly along the Front Range in Denver, Aurora, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Greenwood Village.

Among public schools, Metropolitan State University of Denver reports a 95.7% NCLEX-RN pass rate and ranks #2 statewide in 2025. The University of Colorado College of Nursing at the Anschutz campus in Aurora reports a 95.1% pass rate with a #3 statewide ranking in 2025.

CU Nursing’s accelerated pathway runs for one year across three semesters. Most classes are held in person at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, with some courses offered at Anschutz in Aurora. Clinical and simulation training takes place around the Denver and Aurora area. Estimated in-state housing-based tuition is $40,062, plus program fees and about $2,000 for books and supplies, putting total cost around $42,000 to $45,000.

To apply to CU, you need a completed bachelor’s degree before starting and at least a 3.0 GPA in prerequisites, with a 3.0 overall GPA recommended. TEAS and HESI are not required. The fall 2026 priority deadline is January 15, 2026, and the spring 2027 priority deadline is June 15, 2026. Having two start dates gives you more flexibility than programs with a single cohort.

Private programs usually cost more. Regis University in Denver charges $599 per credit hour for 2026. With about 45 to 60 credits, tuition alone lands between $27,000 and $36,000, before fees and supplies. Once everything is added up, total cost can end up close to CU’s. Regis applications go through NursingCAS and include transcripts, a resume, an essay, and two recommendations, with science prerequisites tied to application deadlines.

After finishing an ABSN program in Colorado, you apply for RN licensure through the Colorado Board of Nursing. You’ll need fingerprint-based background checks, and Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which lets you practice in other compact states.

Below is the full list of Colorado’s eight ABSN programs.

Where possible, we include NCLEX pass rates data for each campus. The average pass rates are calculated using the last 3 years of data. The average scores are then used in our annual RN/PN rankings. You can read more about it here. You can also view this year's rankings for Colorado here.

Updated: February 23, 2026

Program Length & Format

1-year accelerated program consisting of 3 semesters
Primarily in-person classes at Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, Colorado
Some courses held at CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora
Full-time schedule; working full-time during program is not recommended
Includes classroom, clinical, and simulation learning experiences

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required prior to program start
Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended for overall undergraduate coursework (not required)
Minimum 3.0 GPA required for prerequisite courses using highest grade attempts only
Healthcare experience preferred; at least 500 hours of direct patient care or related healthcare exposure encouraged
Prerequisite courses must be completed with grade C or better within 10 years of application deadline
Letter of good academic standing required if transferring from another nursing program
English language proficiency requirements for non-native English speakers

Entrance Exams

Official TOEFL scores required for applicants whose primary language is not English
No other entrance exams (e.g., TEAS, HESI) specified

Prerequisites

Human Anatomy (or Anatomy & Physiology I)
Human Physiology (or Anatomy & Physiology II)
Microbiology
Statistics
General Chemistry
All prerequisites must be completed before application deadline with C grade or higher

Deadlines

Fall 2026 term: Application opens September 1, 2025; Priority deadline January 15, 2026
Spring 2027 term: Application opens March 1, 2026; Priority deadline June 15, 2026
Applications must be submitted by deadline; 10-day grace period for references and transcripts

Application

Submit application through NursingCAS and CU Nursing application portals
Pay both NursingCAS and CU Nursing application fees
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions submitted directly to NursingCAS
Enter all coursework accurately in NursingCAS application (school, courses, grades, credits, term)
Three professional or academic references required; at least one academic reference recommended
Personal statement limited to 500 words responding to interest in nursing and personal uniqueness
TOEFL scores submitted if applicable

Selection Process

Applications reviewed after verification status is achieved in NursingCAS
Minimum requirements required but do not guarantee admission
Competitive selection includes interview process with program presentations, individual and group activities
Interview attendance mandatory and non-negotiable dates listed in NursingCAS
Admission decisions communicated by email as admit, waitlist, or deny
10 days allowed to respond to admission offer; failure to respond results in withdrawal

Wait List Policies

Waitlist notifications made by phone if space becomes available
Waitlist rankings not disclosed

Cost & Financial Aid

Estimated tuition for Colorado residents: $40,062
Estimated tuition for nonresidents: $73,140
Eligible Western state residents tuition estimated at $32,406
Estimated tuition for other Western state residents: $60,093
Matriculation fee: $140 one-time
Term fees approximately Fall $382, Spring $222, Summer $222
Books and supplies estimated at $2,000 total
CU health insurance costs per term: Fall $2,742, Spring $3,838, Summer $1,095 (waivable with proof of comparable coverage)
Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and loans

Clinical & Simulation Lab

Clinical placements arranged in Denver and Aurora metro area at healthcare facilities and hospitals
Program includes use of simulation laboratories with scenarios guided by faculty
Clinical and simulation experiences integrated throughout the curriculum

Credit Transfer

Prerequisite credits accepted if completed at regionally accredited institutions with grade C or higher
AP, IB, CLEP credits accepted for specific courses with required minimum scores
Pass/fail credits generally not accepted, except for Spring 2020 courses under COVID-19 exception if grade meets C threshold
Foreign transcripts require evaluation through Office of International Affairs

International Students

Must demonstrate English proficiency by TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent
Foreign degrees require credential evaluation and transcript submission
Advised to contact international admissions office prior to application
Must meet all standard admission requirements similar to domestic applicants

Contacts

College of Nursing, CU Anschutz
Education II North, 13120 East 19th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 3255, Aurora, CO 80045
Phone: 303-724-1812
Financial Aid & Scholarships Office Phone: 303-724-8039