11 Best RN to BSN Programs in Colorado in 2023

**Amanda Marten**, MSN

Registered nurses (RNs) have multiple points of entry to their careers, including obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Although both degrees prepare students to become RNs, BSN-prepared nurses have the potential to earn higher pay and have increased employment rates.

Considering this, many ADN-prepared nurses are returning to school to pursue their BSN degrees. For those seeking to do so in Colorado, we've compiled the 11 best RN to BSN degrees and information on their prerequisites and salary expectations after graduation.

Table of Contents

What Is a BSN?
Prerequisites & Requirements
Best RN to BSN in Colorado
Salary Expectations
FAQ

What Is a BSN?

A BSN degree is a baccalaureate focusing on expanding the foundations of nursing care offered in an ADN program.

As an ADN-prepared nurse, you'll earn a two-year degree and complete nursing fundamentals coursework. As a BSN-prepared nurse, you'll earn a four-year degree; your classes will be more in-depth and cover additional subjects, such as leadership, research, and informatics. Some classes include nursing leadership, research, advanced pathophysiology, and informatics.

As a BSN-prepared RN, you'll provide patient care duties and implement and evaluate nursing interventions to promote health and best care practices and can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient physician offices, and long-term care and community health facilities.

BSN Program Prerequisites and Requirements

When applying to an RN to BSN program, you must meet the school and the program's admission requirements. Most Colorado program requirements include the following criteria:

An ADN, Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) through an accredited institution
Passed NCLEX-RN exam and an unrestricted Colorado RN license
Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification
Proof of transcripts from all prior institutions or colleges
Proof of clinical hours with a letter or transcripts outlining clinical hours completed; required clinical hours are usually about 1,000
New application or transfer application, depending on the institutional requirements
Background check and drug screen
Up-to-date on immunizations and physical examination

Many programs require a minimum grade point average (GPA) in previous coursework. This minimum is generally a B average (3.0), but the higher your GPA, the greater likelihood of your acceptance into the program.

Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023

Why Earn Your BSN and RN to BSN

In addition to increased employment rate and pay, BSN-prepared nurses improve patient outcomes and increase healthcare systems' revenue. So, it's no wonder many healthcare organizations now require new nurses to be BSN-prepared or encourage their employed ADN-prepared nurses to earn their BSN.

Also, many hospitals want to achieve Magnet recognition in nursing excellence. This expectation means that all of their nurse managers and higher have a BSN.

Best Colorado RN to BSN Programs in 2023

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. University of Colorado (CU) College of Nursing

CU's program is online and associated with the Anschutz Medical Campus. They have an early decision program along with their RN to BSN program. If you are currently working on your ASN program, you can start your BSN once you complete one semester.

Tuition: $565 per credit hour for in-state students; $1,494 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Admission Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 88%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1

2. Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Department of Nursing

MSU's RN to BSN is a 10-course online program, giving students flexible schedules. They offer dual enrollment if you haven't earned your ADN. With dual enrollment, you can achieve your BSN while earning your ADN.

Tuition: $303 per credit hour for in-state students; $969 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Admission Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 36%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

3. Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Department of Nursing

Colorado Mesa University is in Grand Junction, Colorado, but is online. The program strives for nursing excellence, and with the accelerated track, you can earn your nursing coursework in as little as 18 months.

Tuition: $9,694 per year for in-state students; $21,850 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 38%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1

4. Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo Department of Nursing

In Pueblo, Colorado, CSU's program prepares students as safe, competent nurses for professional positions. You can transfer up to 90 credit hours: 57 prerequisite and 33 RN credits.

Tuition: $338 per credit hour for in-state students; $812 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Admission Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 33%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1

5. University of Northern Colorado (UNC) School of Nursing

Located in Loveland, Colorado, UNC's program is entirely online, where you can take one class at a time. You'll complete an additional 180 practicum hours upon completion and enroll in courses such as advanced health assessment and professional nursing concepts.

Tuition: $333 per credit hour for in-state students; $845 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Admission Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

6. Adams State University (ASU) Department of Nursing

Adams State University is in Alamosa, Colorado, and is online. Their program requires a GPA of 2.5 for admission, and you'll have to submit an essay and two letters of recommendation.

Tuition: $8,610 per year for in-state students; $21,546 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 21%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

7. Colorado Christian University (CCU) School of Nursing

Located in Lakewood, Colorado, CCU's nursing program integrates biblical values with nursing as a ministry. The curriculum prepares students to be highly competent, compassionate, and moral nurse leaders.

Tuition: $530 per credit hour
Admission Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1

8. University of Colorado (CU) Colorado Springs Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Another campus of the University of Colorado is Colorado Springs' Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences. You'll need at least 1,000 clinical experience hours or approval from the state board for re-entry. RNs who've graduated within three years aren't required to submit clinical practice experience for entrance.

Tuition: $565 per credit hour for in-state students; $1,494 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Admission Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 60%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1

10. Aspen University School of Nursing

Unlike the name, Aspen University School of Nursing university is located in Phoenix, Arizona, but is online and designed for adult learners. Their program is self-paced and has start dates every two weeks.

Tuition: $275 per credit hour
Admission Rate: Open admissions
Graduation Rate: N/A
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: N/A

11. Regis University Loretto Heights School of Nursing

Regis University Loretto Heights School of Nursing is online in Denver, Colorado. You can transfer at least 66 semester hours from your ASN program if eligible. They offer free unofficial transcript evaluation. Program start dates are twice a year, in August and January.

Tuition: $575 per credit hour
Admission Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 66%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

Salary Expectations of BSNs in 2023

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for RNs was around $77,000 per year in 2021. However, this number includes ADN-prepared nurses.

Most recent reports from Indeed show a median salary of $86,000 for nurses in Colorado. Depending on your experience level, you could start with a lower or higher salary than the average. It's also important to note that salaries vary by location, facility, and specialty.

and Additional Readings

Q: Is a BSN degree worth it?

A: Many RNs enjoy helping and caring for others. They choose to become BSN-prepared to expand their nursing knowledge and open the door for opportunities in leadership or other areas of nursing. Often, RNs return to earn their BSN and think it's worth it, especially if they want to increase their earning potential.

Q: Is a BSN higher than an RN?

A: An RN is a license that you receive from the state board of nursing to practice nursing. An RN can have an associate, bachelor, or master's degree. A BSN is a four-year degree that prepares you for practice as an RN but has more advanced courses than an ADN degree.

Q: Why choose an RN to BSN program?

A: Many healthcare systems encourage nurses to earn their BSN degrees with the potential to increase their earning potential. Many online and self-paced programs make earning your degree much more manageable while working.