Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Colorado | 2025

Colorado's advanced nursing workforce plays a critical role across the state's diverse healthcare settings, from trauma centers in Denver to regional hospitals serving the Western Slope. As more nurses pursue specialized roles in primary care, mental health, and leadership, MSN programs in Colorado have adapted to meet statewide needs through targeted clinical training and regionally focused instruction.

Whether you're a bedside RN in Aurora looking to become a nurse practitioner or a career-changer enrolling in a direct-entry program in Fort Collins, this guide breaks down the best MSN options for 2025. We cover schools offering online and campus-based programs, along with what to expect in terms of admission and career prospects in Colorado's healthcare system.

Best MSN Programs in Colorado- Online & On-Campus

What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree that prepares registered nurses for advanced practice, education, or leadership roles within healthcare. In Colorado, these programs are offered throughout the state, including at universities in Denver, Colorado Springs, Greeley, and Grand Junction, giving students access to both city hospitals and regional care centers for clinical training.

Colorado's MSN programs are especially important in rural and mountain communities, where advanced-practice nurses often serve as primary care providers due to physician shortages. Whether you're aiming to work in a large metro area or help fill critical healthcare gaps in remote regions, an MSN in Colorado gives you the training and credentials to lead in a variety of high-need settings.

Who Should Enroll in an MSN Program in Colorado?

MSN programs are a strong fit for Colorado nurses who want to move into advanced roles with more responsibility and autonomy. Whether you're working at UCHealth in Aurora, a mid-sized hospital in Fort Collins, or a private clinic in Denver, an MSN can help you qualify for positions that involve diagnosing patients, managing care teams, or teaching future nurses.

This degree is best for nurses who are organized, level-headed, and ready to lead. If you're already the one colleagues turn to for guidance or support during a busy shift, this program gives you the structure and credentials to do more of that officially. Many Colorado employers now expect graduate-level training for roles that used to be filled by experienced RNs, so timing matters if you want to stay competitive.

MSN Program Pathways

MSN pathways include:

• Entry-Level Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's in a field other than nursing.
• ADN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with an ADN.
• BSN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with a BSN.
• Direct Entry Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in another related field. 
• Dual Master's Degree: An option to choose dual concentration specialties, such as Family and Psychiatric NP  or Family NP and Nurse Midwifery.

Where Do MSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

MSN degree holders work in most healthcare settings depending on their specialty and interests. Some of the most common include:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Physicians Office
• Nursing Schools
• Home Health Care Services
• Public Health and Community Clinics
• Research Institutions

Can MSN Programs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Yes, several MSN programs in Colorado offer online coursework with in-person clinical requirements. Schools such as Regis University and Colorado Christian University allow students to complete classes remotely while arranging clinical hours in local healthcare settings across the state.

This option is especially helpful for nurses based outside the Denver area who want to continue working while earning a degree. While lectures and assignments are completed online, clinical hours must still be done in person at approved sites. Be sure to ask whether the school helps place students for clinicals or expects you to coordinate those hours independently.

MSN Program Admission Requirements

Typical MSN admission requirements include:

• Active RN License in good standing
• Transcripts from accredited ADN or BSN programs
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• 1-3 Letters of recommendation
• Responses to essay questions or equivalent writing projects
• RN experience of 3 to 5 years
• Graduation Record Examinations 
• Interview to enter the program

MSN RN Salary Expectations in Colorado

MSN graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their specialization. To give you a clearer picture, we've compared salaries of the top MSN RN roles in Colorado  with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

Colorado NP compensation:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $58.65
• Mean Annual Wage: $121,990

Compared to the national nurse practitioner salary (BLS):

• Low: $94,530 or $45.45 per hour
• Mean: $128,490 or $61.78 per hour
• High: $168.030 or $80.79 per hour

Top NP salaries by state: 

• California: $161,540
• Nevada: $148,670
• Washington: $145,400
• New Jersey: $145,030
• Oregon: $144,950

Nurse Midwife

Colorado nurse midwife compensation:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $60.62
• Mean Annual Wage: $126,100

Compared to the national nurse midwife salary (BLS):

• Low: $87,320 or $41.98 per hour
• Mean: $131,570 or $63.26 per hour
• High: $177,530 or $85.35 per hour

Top nurse midwife pay by state: 

• California: $183,740
• Hawaii: $161,820
• Massachusetts: $154,080
• Maine: $140,440
• Oregon: $139,490

Nurse Administrator

Colorado nurse administrator compensation: 

• Mean Hourly Wage: $68.81
• Mean Annual Wage: $143,120

Compared to the national nurse administrator salary (BLS):

• Low: $67,900 or $32.65 per hour
• Mean: $134,440 or $64,64 per hour
• High: $216,750 or $104.21 per hour

Top nurse administrator salaries by state:

• New York: $179,160
• District of Columbia: $170,710
• Delaware: $164,190
• New Jersey: $162,430
• Massachusetts: $158,540

Nurse Educator

Colorado nurse educator compensation:

• Mean Annual Wage: $83,270

Compared to the national nurse educator salary (BLS): 

• Low: $49,120
• Mean: $86,530
• High: $130,320

Top nurse educator pay by state: 

• District of Columbia: $111,130
• Oregon: $109,110
• New York: $102,980
• New Jersey: $101,540
• Nevada: $99,320

When evaluating salary expectations, it's crucial to consider factors like experience, MSN specialty, location, cost of living, and pay variances across different healthcare systems. For more detailed insights on nursing salaries by location and specialty, explore our Nursing Salary Guide.

Tips to Choose an MSN Program

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of the education, while others may place greater emphasis on certification pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.

Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

1. Cost
2. High Pass Rate
3. Location
4. Academic Reputation
5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
7. Flexibility of Schedule
8. Curriculum
9. Campus and Surroundings
10. Nursing Clinicals Location
11. Availability of Online Course

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.

MSN Programs Near Me

Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

What's the highest-paying job you can do with an MSN in Colorado?

MSN graduates have many job opportunities, with the highest-paying roles often being Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or Nurse Administrators. According to BLS data, the highest-paying MSN RN positions in Colorado are Nursing Managers and Administrators, earning significantly more by $20,000 annually. Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners follow, with NPs having the potential to earn more than both CNMs and nurse managers depending on their specialty and experience.

Is it better to have an MSN or DNP?

Whether an MSN or DNP best suits you depends on your career goals and interests. Some key things to consider are whether you prefer to work in direct patient care and become an APRN or are interested in more leadership-focused roles, influencing policy, implementing evidence-based practice at the system level, or considering a career in academia. If you're interested in a career as an APRN, an MSN may be sufficient for you. If you're interested in more leadership-focused roles, a DNP may be preferable.

Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN?

CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, requiring a high level of expertise. Therefore, an MSN is not sufficient for this career. As of January 1, 2022, all CRNA programs require enrollment in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). By 2025, a doctoral degree will be mandatory for entry into the field.

Is Colorado a good state to work in after earning an MSN?

Yes. Colorado has a strong demand for advanced practice nurses, especially in fast-growing metro areas like Denver and Fort Collins. Nurse practitioners and clinical leaders are commonly hired by large systems like UCHealth, SCL Health, and Children's Hospital Colorado. The state also ranks competitively for NP salaries and has policies that support expanded clinical roles.

What should I know before applying to an MSN program in Colorado?

Start by checking whether the program aligns with your license, schedule, and long-term goals. Some Colorado schools accept ADN-prepared nurses through bridge options, while others require a BSN. Many also offer online classes, which can help if you live outside the Denver metro area. It's also helpful to review clinical expectations early, especially if you're working full time.

What is it like to live in Colorado while earning an MSN?

Living in Colorado while completing an MSN means access to both city healthcare systems and outdoor downtime. Students in Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins often juggle coursework with full-time jobs, but they also enjoy walkable neighborhoods, hiking trails, and weekend access to the mountains. Many MSN students find the pace manageable when paired with strong school support and a flexible clinical schedule.

Is housing affordable for MSN students in Colorado?

Housing costs vary depending on the city. Students in Denver and Boulder can expect higher rents, especially near major hospitals or university campuses. In places like Pueblo or Greeley, housing is more affordable and often located near clinical sites. Some programs provide resources or referrals for student housing near partner hospitals or university health centers.

What are some common challenges for MSN students living in Colorado?

Traffic in metro areas like Denver and Colorado Springs can add time to commutes, especially if your clinical site is across town from where you live. Winter weather can also affect travel, particularly for students who live in mountain regions or commute to in-person clinicals. Planning ahead for transportation, scheduling, and clinical site logistics makes a big difference.

Is an MSN Worth It in Colorado?

Yes, an MSN is often a worthwhile investment for nurses in Colorado who want to advance their careers and take on more responsibility. Healthcare systems in cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder continue to expand, and there's high demand for nurse practitioners, clinical instructors, and nurse leaders across the state.

Many MSN-prepared nurses earn over $120,000 per year and qualify for roles that offer more independence and long-term stability. If you're looking for a way to grow professionally, increase your earning potential, and have a stronger voice in patient care, an MSN makes sense.