Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a reputable public institution that has been shaping young minds since its establishment in 1925. Specializing in a variety of nursing programs, CMU offers a unique approach to education by emphasizing practical training and individualized instruction. Aspiring healthcare professionals can benefit from the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares them for success.

Discover Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado

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School Ranking: B
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Colorado Mesa University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including ADN/ASN, BSN, DNP, LPN to BSN, LPN/LVN, MSN, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Demographics

  • 22 Average Age
  • 47% Men
  • 53% Women
  • 1% Veterans
  • 89% White
  • 11% Hispanic
  • 1% Black
  • 1% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $24,998 In-State Non-Degree Tuition*
  • $32,423 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $33,780 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Colorado Mesa University was founded in 1925 and is a public institution.

Academic Nursing Programs

Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

LPN to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN-BSN)

Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP: FNP)

Undergraduate

Practical Nursing (PN)

The Practical Nursing program is designed for the student to become an LPN. LPNs provide care in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, long-term care facilities and clinics. After completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the State Board examination (NCLEX) for LPN Licensure.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The BSN is 4 semesters in length, not including the prerequisite courses required before the application into the program; accepts 38 students, twice a year.

Admission Criteria (not all inclusive)

  1. Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam - allowed to take ONE time
  2. Personal interviews for selected candidates
  3. Successful completion of a criminal background investigation

Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN-BSN)

Applicant Eligibility (not all inclusive)

  1. Complete general education/prerequisite courses OR will have completed all general education/ prerequisite courses by the end of the semester in which the application is submitted
  2. Graduate of a state approved Practical Nursing program
  3. Current LPN license in good standing
  4. IV certification
  5. Positive prior criminal history - candidate must contact the state licensing board to determine if prior history will affect eligibility to be licensed as RN upon graduation

Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Online

Nurses who already hold an RN can become BSN prepared nurses via online education.

Applicants must meet the following requirements for RN to BSN admission (not all inclusive):

  • Minimum GPA 2.5
  • Graduated from a school regionally accredited
  • Complete associate degree or diploma program in nursing accredited by the CCNE or ACEN
  • Complete prerequisites prior to starting the program
  • Active, unrestricted US RN license

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program is for students who hold a BSN degree and would like to take their practice to a graduate level. The program is a hybrid program, allowing flexibility to work. The program consists of a capstone project as part of the course study. At the completion of the program, each MSN student must complete and pass an oral comprehensive examination.

General Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • BSN from regionally accredited and discipline specific (CCNE or ACEN) college or university
  • Current, unrestricted RN license
  • GPA 3.0 or better in nursing coursework earned toward BSN
  • GPA 3.0 or better for prior graduate work
  • Three letters of professional and academic recommendation
  • 2,500-word essay demonstrating scholarly writing, critical thinking, depth of analysis and common knowledge of nursing current events
  • Interview, if required, with members of the Graduate Admission Committee

Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is for nurses seeking the opportunity to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The program is 27 credit hours in length.

General Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • BSN from regionally accredited and discipline specific (CCNE or ACEN) college or university
  • Current, unrestricted RN license
  • GPA 3.0 or better in nursing coursework earned toward a BSN
  • GPA 3.0 or better for prior graduate work
  • Three letters of professional and academic recommendation
  • 2,500 word-count essay demonstrating scholarly writing, critical thinking, depth of analysis and common knowledge of nursing current events
  • Interview, if required, with members of the Graduate Admission Committee
Frequently Asked Questions

"Is a DNP capstone project required?"

Students who graduate from the DNP program take part in a capstone  project. This scholarly project lays out the foundation for the student's doctoral work. The focus is to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.

"How many students are accepted into the DNP program each year?"

There are 15 students accepted every year.

"Is the GRE required to apply to the DNP program?"

Students who have less than a 3.0 GPA are required to take the GRE.

NCLEX Pass Rates

  • LPN to BSN - 90.48% (2018)
  • Practical Nursing (LPN) - 95.08% (2019)
  • Traditional BSN - 84.21% (2018)

Accreditation and Approval

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the MSN and DNP programs.

The BSN program is approved by the State Board of Nursing of Colorado and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The PN Technical Certificate is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN).

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

  • #25 in Regional Colleges West
  • #6 in Top Public Schools
  • #264-#346 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
  • #132-#170 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #199-252 in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • #143-182 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

NICHE (2019)

  • Most Conservative Colleges in America #180
  • Best College Campuses in America #266
  • Best College Dorms in America #295
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #709
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #711
  • Most Conservative Colleges in Colorado #3
  • Best College Dorms in Colorado #6
  • Best College Campuses in Colorado #7
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in Colorado #13
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Colorado #13

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