University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Established in 1904 as the Beth-El College of Nursing by a Methodist Church organization, the University of Colorado Springs has a rich history intertwined with the community. Notably, in 2015, the College of Nursing was renamed in tribute to the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation, following their generous $8 million donation. This marked a significant milestone as UCCS recognized a donor by naming an academic college for the first time, transforming the Beth-El College of Nursing into the esteemed Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

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Colorado Springs, Colorado

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

Student Demographics

  • 23 Average Age
  • 46% Men
  • 54% Women
  • 1% Veterans
  • 84% White
  • 11% Hispanic
  • 5% Black
  • 2% 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

  • $28,979 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $39,941 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

UCCS is located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs and is a top 10 Western regional public university.

In 1904, the Beth-El College of Nursing was established by a Methodist Church agency. The City of Colorado Springs purchased the school in 1943 to join Memorial Hospital. In 1983, Beth-El College of Nursing was given accreditation as a professional college and subsequently merged with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 1997.

Finally in 2015, the College of Nursing was renamed in honor of the Denver-based Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation, who gave an $8 million dollar grant to the college. For the first time, UCCS named an academic college in recognition of a donor. The Beth-El College of Nursing became what is currently known as the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Dual Enrollment RN to BSN - Online

The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers this program to students currently enrolled in an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Students are able to work online to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Eligibility (not all inclusive)

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

Completed one semester of Associate Degree Nurse coursework

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN - Online

This program is designed for Registered Nurses to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree online.

Requirements for Admission (not all inclusive)

  1. Minimum cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher from all colleges attended
  2. RNs who have graduated within the past 3 years are eligible to apply w/o clinical practice experience
  3. RNs who have graduated more than 3 years ago must have completed at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice experience within the past 3 years with signed documentation; must complete approved refresher course if do not meet the 1,000 hours requirement
  4. Current unrestricted RN License

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Traditional Option

This program provides Baccalaureate education to prepare nurses for professional entry level of practice.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN or Dual Enrollment - Online

This program is created for individuals who have obtained an RN license or are enrolled at present in an Associate's Degree program.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated Option

This is a 16-month program offered to those who hold a Bachelors Degree in another field and are seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Graduate

The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers two options of advanced study:

  1. Nurse Practitioner (Adult/ Gerontology or Family Medicine)
  2. Nursing Education

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner Option - 100% Online

This program is for students to advance to become a Nurse Practitioner with a selected clinical specialty. The college offers three options that lead to a Master of Science in Nursing.

Primary Care Adult/ Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  1. BSN from accredited program including all prerequisite undergraduate coursework
  2. Overall minimum GPA of 2.75 for cumulative undergraduate coursework and GPA of 3.3 or higher in BSN coursework
  3. Introduction to Statistics, Nursing Research, Health Assessment
  4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  5. 3 Letters of Recommendation
  6. Current unrestricted RN license from the state for clinical rotations

Post Master's Certificate - Nurse Practitioner

This program is 100% online with the primary care based practicum hours set up in the area where students reside.

Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - 100% Online

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  1. No GRE REQUIRED
  2. Active RN License in state of practice
  3. MSN from accredited program (CCNE/NLN)
  4. Undergraduate minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and Graduate cumulative GPA 3.3 or higher
  5. National certification as NP or CNS
  6. Curriculum vitae and completion of application essay

Post BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice - 100% Online

The post BSN to DNP program builds on a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Validation by standard sets of competencies in national process and specialty credentials ensures excellence of practice.

Nursing Education Certificate - 100% Online

The Nursing Education Certificate is a 12 credit online program that can be completed in as little as 2 semesters.

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  1. Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all previous course work
  2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  3. Successful completion of a Master's or Doctoral Degree in Nursing from an accredited program
  4. Current unrestricted RN License from the state where student resides

Accreditation and Approval

The nursing programs at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

UCCS is accredited through the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission.

The Nursing programs are approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2018-2019)

  • #48 (tie) in Regional Universities West
  • #26 in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #57 in Best Value Schools
  • #10 (tie) in Top Public Schools
  • #59 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #114 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
  • #67 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans
  • #46 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • #61 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

NICHE (2019)

  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America #201
  • Top Public Universities in America #300
  • Best College Campuses in America #418
  • Best College Locations in America #587
  • Safest College Campuses in America #664
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #679
  • Best Colleges in America #764
  • Best Value Colleges in America #819
  • Most Conservative Colleges in Colorado #2
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in Colorado #3
  • Top Public Universities in Colorado #5
  • Safest College Campuses in Colorado #6
  • Best Value Colleges in Colorado #8
  • Best Colleges in Colorado #9
  • Best College Campuses in Colorado #9
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Colorado #12
  • Best College Locations in Colorado #16

Forbes (2019)

  • #523 Top Colleges
  • #190 in Public Colleges
  • #103 in the West
  • #246 America's Best Value Colleges

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