Best Nursing Colleges in Colorado
In the heart of the United States, the beautiful state of Colorado is home to many top-tier nursing colleges. These colleges offer various programs to prepare students for diverse roles within the nursing profession. We explore the top nursing colleges in Colorado, considering the offered programs, annual costs, enrollment, and SAT ranges. This comprehensive review will aid potential nursing students in making an informed choice about their education and future career.
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Information About Nursing Programs
The University of Colorado College of Nursing on the Anschutz Medical Campus offers comprehensive nursing programs, including BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. The college is renowned for its research-intensive environment and emphasis on primary care, leadership, and healthcare innovation.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition costs roughly $32,000 for in-state students and $60,000 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 4,000 students, with the typical SAT range of incoming students being 1150-1370.
University of Northern Colorado
Information About Nursing Programs
The School of Nursing at the University of Northern Colorado offers various nursing programs, including traditional BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP, and a post-master certificate in nursing education. The college strongly emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient safety, and healthcare leadership.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost of attending UNC is about $10,000 for in-state students and $22,000 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 12,000 students, with an average SAT score range of 970-1170.
Colorado State University–Pueblo
Information About Nursing Programs
CSU-Pueblo’s School of Nursing offers BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. The nursing school focuses on comprehensive, patient-centered care with a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $10,600 for in-state students and $26,000 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls about 7,000 students, with an SAT range of 950-1140.
Aspen University
Information About Nursing Programs
Aspen University’s School of Nursing offers online nursing programs, including RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. The online format is perfect for working nurses seeking further education while maintaining their current jobs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Aspen University is around $4,800, making it a highly affordable option. The university enrolls approximately 5,000 students. Being a specialized online university, it doesn’t require SAT scores for admission.
Colorado Christian University
Information About Nursing Programs
Colorado Christian University’s School of Nursing offers a BSN and online RN-BSN programs. The school is recognized for its Christian-centered approach to nursing, emphasizing compassionate care and ethical practice.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is about $33,000. The university enrolls around 8,000 students, with an average SAT range of 1020-1230.
Colorado Mesa University
Information About Nursing Programs
Colorado Mesa University’s Department of Health Sciences provides BSN and RN-BSN programs. The department emphasizes critical thinking, professional ethics, and the ability to work in diverse healthcare environments.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition costs approximately $8,600 for in-state students and $21,000 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 11,000 students with an SAT score range of 950 to 1150.
Colorado Technical University
Information About Nursing Programs
Colorado Technical University provides an online RN-BSN program to help working nurses enhance their professional skills and careers. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient safety, and healthcare informatics.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is around $12,500. CTU enrolls around 26,000 students, primarily in online programs. As an online institution, SAT scores are not a requirement for admission.
Denver College of Nursing
Information About Nursing Programs
Denver College of Nursing offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a BSN, and an online RN-BSN program. The college emphasizes quality patient care, ethical practice, and community service.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $12,600. The college enrolls around 900 students. Being a specialized nursing college, it doesn’t have a standard SAT range.
Regis University (Heights)
Information About Nursing Programs
Regis University Loretto Heights School of Nursing offers various nursing programs, including traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. The school is recognized for its focus on service learning, leadership, and social justice.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is about $38,000. The university enrolls around 8,000 students, with an average SAT range of 1070-1270.
University of Colorado–Colorado Springs (Beth-El)
Information About Nursing Programs
Beth-El College of Nursing at UCCS offers traditional BSN, RN-BSN, and MSN programs. The college strongly emphasizes evidence-based practice, health promotion, and disease prevention.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost is approximately $8,500 for in-state students and $20,000 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 13,000 students, with an SAT range of 1040-1250.
Best Nursing Colleges in Three Other States
Best Nursing Colleges in Wyoming
In the Rocky Mountain region, Wyoming also has some excellent nursing colleges.
University of Wyoming
The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing at the University of Wyoming offers BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. The nursing school is known for its innovative curriculum and focus on rural health care.
Casper College
Casper College’s School of Health Science provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a strong focus on clinical experience. The college also offers an LPN to RN transition program.
Best Nursing Colleges in Nebraska
Nebraska, known for its plains and scenic landscapes, has some excellent nursing schools.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The College of Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. It is known for its focus on research, leadership, and addressing the healthcare needs of diverse and underserved populations.
Creighton University
The College of Nursing at Creighton University offers BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate programs. The college is recognized for its emphasis on a Jesuit-based, values-centered curriculum.
Best Nursing Colleges in Utah
Utah is another state with some top-quality nursing schools.
University of Utah
The College of Nursing at the University of Utah offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. It is known for its innovative research, evidence-based practice, and healthcare leadership.
Brigham Young University
The College of Nursing at Brigham Young University offers a BSN program, an MSN program focusing on family nurse practitioners, and a Ph.D. program in nursing. The college integrates the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the discipline of nursing.
How to Prepare for the SAT
The SAT is critical in college admissions, particularly for more competitive schools. Here are some essential tips to prepare for the SAT:
- Understand the Test Structure: Familiarize yourself with the test’s structure and content. The SAT has two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. There’s also an optional essay.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Use practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. The College Board provides free SAT practice tests. Take these tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual testing experience.
- Review and Improve: After each practice test, review your answers. Identify areas for improvement, and focus your study efforts on these areas.
- Prepare a Study Schedule: Consistent study is more effective than cramming. Plan your study schedule well in advance of the test date. Allocate regular, short study periods rather than long, infrequent ones.
- Use High-Quality Study Materials: Use official SAT prep materials and respected third-party resources. High-quality study materials will closely match the content and difficulty of the actual SAT.
- Consider a Prep Course or Tutor: If you’re struggling with self-study, consider enrolling in a prep course or hiring a tutor. A structured course or personalized tutoring can provide targeted, expert instruction.
- Take Care of Your Health: Regular sleep, a healthy diet, and exercise can improve cognitive function and test performance. Don’t neglect your physical health while preparing for the SAT.
Remember, a strong SAT score can open doors to many educational opportunities, including admission to top nursing colleges across the United States.
