ADN Programs in Colorado

Colorado has 24 state-approved associate degree in nursing programs, and this directory makes it easy to compare them all in one place. You can look at location, what type of institution it is, accreditations, and how each campus performs on the NCLEX. Where the data is available, you'll see a 3-year average NCLEX-RN pass rate, how many RN test takers they graduate each year, and a statewide ranking for each campus.

Programs are offered through public community colleges, 4-year institutions, and private career-focused schools. You'll find multiple options in the Denver metro area, plus programs in Northern Colorado and Western Colorado.

Front Range Community College has two campuses with very good pass rates. The Westminster campus has a 98.1% NCLEX pass rate and ranks #1 for 2025. The Larimer campus (Fort Collins) has an even higher 98.9% pass rate and also ranks #1 for 2024. At FRCC, you apply during a short window from February 23 to March 2. They rank applications and admit the top 40 students for each fall and spring cohort.

While some ADN programs require the TEAS exam, Arapahoe Community College's Nursing AAS program uses the HESI A2 instead. For fall 2026, their application period runs from April 3 to April 17, 2026.

Aims Community College in Greeley is another solid public option with a 96.6% NCLEX pass rate and a #2 ranking for 2025. For fall 2026, Aims has a nursing application window from April 13 to May 8, 2026. If you need to take the HESI A2, both the test and your application are due by May 8.

Denver College of Nursing offers a private program option in Denver with a 92.0% NCLEX pass rate and a #5 ranking for 2025. The total ADN tuition and fees come to $45,403. If you've already completed your general education prerequisites, you can finish the nursing curriculum in 18 months across six quarters.

After you finish your ADN program, you'll apply for Colorado RN licensure through the Colorado Board of Nursing. You'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN and complete a fingerprint-based background check as part of your state application.

Use the program list to compare all 24 schools side by side. Then dig into each school's rankings, campus locations, and NCLEX trends before you decide where to apply.