University of Colorado - Aurora College of Nursing

Program Length & Format

• One-year accelerated program completed in 3 semesters
• Full-time, in-person classes primarily at Legacy Campus in Lone Tree, CO
• Some classes held at CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO
• Clinical placements arranged in the Denver/Aurora metropolitan area
• Program designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution completed before program start
• Minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 calculated from highest grade attempts only
• Minimum grade of C or better required in prerequisite courses
• Overall GPA of 3.0 strongly suggested (includes all previous course attempts, no grade forgiveness)
• Healthcare experience preferred; recommended minimum 500 hours of direct patient care or relevant healthcare exposure (paid or volunteer)
• Letter of good academic standing required if previously enrolled in another nursing program (excluding prerequisites)
• English language proficiency required for non-native speakers (via TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)

Entrance Exams

• No specific entrance exam required

Prerequisites

• Five courses required, completed with grade C or better within 10 years of application deadline:
  • Human Anatomy (or Anatomy & Physiology I)
  • Human Physiology (or Anatomy & Physiology II)
  • Microbiology
  • Statistics
  • General Chemistry

Deadlines

• Fall 2026 cohort:
  • Application opens: September 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline: January 15, 2026
• Spring 2027 cohort:
  • Application opens: March 1, 2026
  • Priority deadline: June 15, 2026

Application

• Apply through NursingCAS and University of Colorado College of Nursing application portals
• Pay two application fees: $65 NursingCAS and $50 CU Nursing
• Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including any college credits earned during high school; transcripts must be sent directly to NursingCAS
• Manually enter all coursework details into NursingCAS, or pay a fee for NursingCAS to enter transcript data
• Provide three professional or academic references (at least one academic) via NursingCAS contact info form; letters not accepted
• Submit a personal statement up to 500 words addressing interest in nursing and unique qualities; formatting: 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, one-inch margins
• Submit official TOEFL scores if applicable for English proficiency

Selection Process

• Applications are reviewed after verification status is achieved on NursingCAS
• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• Selected applicants invited to participate in the admission interview, which includes program presentations, individual and group interview activities
• Interview candidates must be available on dates indicated in the NursingCAS application; interview dates are non-negotiable
• Admission decisions communicated by email as admit, waitlist, or deny
• Admitted students must respond within 10 days or face withdrawal
• No enrollment deposit required upon admission

Wait List Policies

• Waitlisted applicants notified by phone if space becomes available
• Waitlist order or ranks are not disclosed

Cost & Financial Aid

• Program requires 66 credit hours total
• Estimated tuition for Colorado residents: $40,062
• Estimated tuition with Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend: $32,406
• Estimated tuition for eligible Western states residents: $60,093
• Estimated tuition for non-residents: $73,140
• One-time matriculation fee: $140
• Term fees: Fall $382, Spring $222, Summer $222
• Estimated books and supplies: $2,000 total
• CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal insurance):
  • Fall $2,742
  • Spring $3,838
  • Summer $1,095
• Additional pre-enrollment costs include background checks, drug screening, immunizations, and compliance software (Complio/American Data Bank), estimated $350–$500
• Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, loans; NursingCAS offers limited fee waivers for application fees

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical placements arranged by the program at approved sites in Denver and Aurora metro area
• Specialty clinical rotations included in curriculum
• Access to a simulation laboratory for practicing nursing skills and real-life scenarios in a controlled environment under faculty supervision

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisite credits and previous coursework accepted if from regionally accredited institutions with grade C or better
• AP, IB, and CLEP credit accepted for specific prerequisites according to university policies, with required official score reports sent directly to University of Colorado College of Nursing
• Pass/Fail courses generally not accepted for prerequisites except COVID-19 spring 2020 exception if grade equivalent to C or higher

International Students

• Must submit credential evaluations for degrees earned outside the United States
• Required to demonstrate English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or other acceptable methods unless exempt
• Must meet same prerequisite and admission standards as domestic applicants
• Encouraged to contact admissions office regarding F-1 visa and application procedures prior to applying

Contacts

• College of Nursing, CU Anschutz Campus
• Education II North, 3rd Floor Room 3255
• 13120 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045
• Phone: 303-724-1812