7 Best MSN Programs in Colorado – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Is providing Centennial State patients with high-quality healthcare services your calling? MSN programs in Colorado will enhance your skills and your marketability. Master's of Science in Nursing programs offer a variety of professional tracks, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, executive nurse manager, nurse informaticist, and more. Employment opportunities for MSN-educated RNs in Colorado are expected to increase by 56 percent over the next decade, and these RNs make good money, too, averaging $118,890 annually. Many of Colorado's MSN programs are offered online, giving you the flexibility to juggle your educational priorities with real-world responsibilities. The list below of the 7 best MSN programs in Colorado is an excellent resource for any nurse who wants to advance their career.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN COLORADO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 7 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Colorado (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of Colorado-Anschutz - Aurora
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Care Informatics, i-LEAD in Nursing & Health Care Systems, Nurse-Midwifery, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: The healthcare industry is a dynamic field in which to pursue a career. If you are a Registered Nurse, you know there are many options available for you to gain advanced training and specialize in areas of patient care or nursing leadership that interest you most. For example, the University of Colorado Anschutz offers an MSN program in Colorado with multiple specialty paths.
Admission to the MSN program occurs during various semesters. While some options admit only once per year, others admit in both the spring and fall semesters. You can complete the program in two to three years, depending on your chosen concentration.
The i-LEAD in Nursing and Health Care Systems program is entirely online and offers opportunities to connect with faculty and peers through discussion boards and virtual meetings. The program features a 27-credit curriculum. Instead of a traditional clinical placement, you will complete an internship focused on improving processes and systems in a healthcare facility. In many cases, students may complete internships at their place of employment.
Nurse Practitioner pathways feature a hybrid learning format. You will complete between 34 and 44 credits based on your chosen specialty. Additionally, each curriculum plan includes practicum hours. Clinical hour requirements range from 540 to 720, depending on the concentration.
MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants for the MSN program at the University of Colorado Anschutz are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and hold a current, unrestricted RN license. Applications for admission are processed via NursingCAS. You will be required to submit three letters of reference, an updated resume or curriculum vitae, an admission essay, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools previously attended. An undergraduate nursing GPA of 3.0 is required, along with proof of completion of both undergraduate statistics and nursing research courses with a grade of "C" or higher in each. Selected applicants are invited to attend Interview Day, which is required to continue with the admissions process.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I can say with confidence that the strength of a nursing program is measured by the knowledge and skills of the faculty responsible for teaching and preparing students. At the University of Colorado Anschutz, the MSN program is taught by faculty who are recognized locally and nationally for nursing excellence, research, and education. As a student in this program, you will benefit from learning from experts who are passionate about your success.• The University of Colorado Anschutz has an excellent reputation for its high-quality MSN program. In fact, the program has been named a Best Online Program 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, a reputable source of information on collegiate programs.
2. Regis University - Denver
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Leadership in Health Care Systems, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: The MSN program at Regis University is one of the best MSN programs in Colorado. Students have the option to specialize in Leadership in Health Care Systems or to pursue one of three nurse practitioner specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The Leadership in Health Care Systems program offers a flexible, fully online format with eight-week terms. The program requires 30 semester hours. You will take classes such as Advanced Application of Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Systems Leadership & Quality Improvement, and Health Policy Analysis & Development. This pathway includes two practicum courses totaling 105 clinical hours each.
The Family Nurse Practitioner pathway is available as an on-campus option or through synchronous online learning via video once per week. The Neonatal and PMHNP programs are offered as one day per week, synchronous online classes with campus-based intensives occurring in the second and fourth semesters. The Family Nurse Practitioner program features a 48-credit curriculum, while both the Neonatal and Psychiatric Mental Health NP programs each require 43 credits. Nurse practitioner students complete a minimum of 630 clinical hours relevant to their chosen specialty.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Regis University, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a program accredited by the AACN-CCNE or NLN, hold a current, unencumbered RN license, and be eligible for licensure in Colorado for classroom-based students. You are required to submit a current, professional resume, an admission essay, three recommendation forms from individuals who can attest to your academic, leadership, and professional potential, an online application, a current resume, and all college and university transcripts. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 is required, as is a grade of "C" or higher in all nursing courses. Two years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred for all applicants. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner applicants must show evidence of two years of recent work experience in a high-risk Level III neonatal intensive care unit and have current NRP certification. An admission interview may be required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• When it comes to nursing, there is always something new to learn. At Regis University, the importance of continuous learning is not just an afterthought; it is encouraged. One example of how the school offers increased learning opportunities is that MSN students in the Leadership in Health Care Systems program can earn an optional post-graduate certificate while concurrently seeking the MSN degree. You may choose one of the following certificate options: Health Care Education, Health Care Business Management, Health Care Quality and Patient Safety, and Health Care Informatics. Earning the certificates requires completing 12 additional credits.• Regis University offers competitive tuition rates, making it easier for more students to pursue their dreams of earning a graduate degree. Additionally, students have access to a broad range of scholarships and grant opportunities.
3. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Primary Care Adult-Gerontology (Adult/Gero) Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Primary Care Adult-Gerontology (Adult/Gero) Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse with an associate degree in nursing seeking a direct path into a Master of Science in Nursing program, the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Colorado is a great choice. The program offers three nurse practitioner pathways: Adult-Gerontology or Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The program begins with a six-credit online bridge course spanning 16 weeks. Upon successful completion of this course and after meeting all other MSN admission requirements, you may transition into the MSN program. The MSN component of the program includes MSN core courses and specialty-relevant courses. Each pathway includes 630 clinical hours tailored to align with your chosen specialty.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Colorado need an associate degree in nursing and an unrestricted RN license. You need to complete a Graduate Application and provide a copy of your RN license, a curriculum vitae or resume, official transcripts from all colleges you have previously attended, answers to essay questions, and documentation confirming at least 5,000 hours of professional RN experience. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
MSN Program Details: The University of Colorado also offers a post-baccalaureate MSN program in Colorado designed for nurses seeking preparation as primary or behavioral/mental health nurse practitioners. The program features online coursework and practicums in your home region, making it easier to earn your degree without disrupting your normal schedule or interfering with your personal responsibilities.
Depending on the specialty you pursue, your study plan will require between 47 and 49 credits. All MSN students complete core courses such as Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, Philosophical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, and Advanced Pathophysiology. Each pathway includes coursework relevant to the specific patient population and has a minimum of 630 clinical hours embedded into the curriculum.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, you must have a bachelor's degree with an upper-division major in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution and hold a current, unrestricted RN license. All candidates must complete an online application and submit required documentation, including answers to essay questions, a current resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools reflecting a 3.0 or higher baccalaureate grade point average.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a student in the MSN program at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, you will complete clinicals at or near your home. The option to participate in clinical training close to home makes this program an excellent choice for busy working professionals.• The University of Colorado's MSN program boasts renowned faculty with decades of combined experience. Faculty members come from diverse clinical backgrounds, adding their own perspectives and insight to the program to enhance your learning experience.
4. Colorado State University - Pueblo
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Manager & Leader
MSN Program Details: The MSN program at Colorado State University offers baccalaureate-prepared RNs a pathway to graduate studies and the option to specialize in one of three nurse practitioner specialties or to pursue a concentration as a Nurse Educator or Nurse Manager & Leader. Led by experienced faculty from a broad range of specialties and clinical backgrounds, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to provide safe, competent care as a nurse practitioner, to manage and lead healthcare teams, or teach future generations of nurses.
The Nurse Educator and Nurse Manager & Leader pathways require the completion of 31 and 35 credits, respectively. Each of these options includes a practicum experience. Nurse practitioner specialties require 53 to 80 credits. The Psychiatric Mental Health NP and Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP programs require 810-921 clinical hours. Students in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner dual degree program complete 1,680 lab and clinical hours (780 FNP hours, 780 AGACNP hours, and 120 lab hours).
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at Colorado State University requires having a Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited university with a 3.0 or higher GPA, proof of an active, unrestricted Colorado or Compact State RN license, and one year of full-time or two years of part-time RN clinical experience.
5. Colorado Mesa University - Grand Junction
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: The MSN program at Colorado Mesa University offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the opportunity to earn a master's degree in nursing and to specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The program admits students once per year in the fall semester.
Coursework is delivered online, so you can earn your degree while staying close to home. However, some GPSI sessions and clinical hours may require travel. For example, clinical rotations vary by specialty and may include inpatient, community-based, primary care, and long-term care sites, as well as academic settings.
Each MSN pathway includes a required set of MSN core courses, such as Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Health Promotion & Disease Prevention. The Family Nurse Practitioner program features a 49-credit pathway. In this program, you will take classes such as Mental & Behavioral Health, Primary Care of the Infant, Child, & Adolescent, and Primary Care of the Older Person. The Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program requires the completion of 46 credits. This MSN program in Colorado features classes such as Primary Care of Rural & Underserved Populations, Congregate Care of Adults & Older Adults, and Primary Care of the Adult & Older Adult.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Colorado Mesa University, you must begin by applying to CMU's graduate nursing program through NursingCAS. You need a bachelor's degree in nursing and an unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in your state of residence. Supplemental items to be submitted through NursingCAS include an admission essay explaining why you are seeking a graduate nursing degree, three letters of professional and academic recommendation, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all nursing coursework is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Colorado Mesa University's MSN program boasts an outstanding 100% pass rate on national certification exams for graduates of both its Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner pathways.• At Colorado Mesa University, you will have access to faculty, preceptors, and advisors who are each dedicated to your success. From the time you enter the program until you graduate, student support services will be available to ensure you have access to all the resources you need to make the most of your learning experience.
6. Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education
MSN Program Details: If you are searching for the best online MSN programs in Colorado that offer flexibility, Colorado Technical University has some options worth considering. At CTU, you can choose from three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education. Each MSN pathway at Colorado Technical University is offered in an online format, making this program an excellent choice if you work or have other responsibilities.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed to prepare you to manage the healthcare of patients across the lifespan by providing preventive and primary care services and management of chronic disease processes. The 68-credit curriculum combines a foundation of population health, informatics, health policy, nursing theory, and evidence-based practice with advanced courses in pharmacology, assessment, and pathophysiology. Additionally, you will complete 630 direct-care clinical hours across various primary care settings.
The Nursing Administration program will expand your knowledge and leadership abilities as they relate to the nursing profession. The program requires 48 credits and 120 hours completed in two nursing administration practicum experiences. The Nursing Education pathway also features a 48-credit curriculum that includes 120 practicum hours (60 hours with a direct-care provider and 60 hours with a nurse educator).
MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants for the MSN program at Colorado Technical University must have graduated from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that is institutionally accredited and must have a current, unrestricted license to practice as an RN in the United States. You are required to submit a current resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you previously attended. For full acceptance to the program, you need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours of study. If your GPA is between 2.75 and 2.99 for the last 60 semester hours, you may be granted provisional admission. FNP candidates must have a minimum of one year of recent direct care nursing experience prior to admission to the program.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Colorado Technical University's online Master of Science in Nursing programs are ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report in two categories: Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs and Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs for Veterans.• The MSN program at Colorado Technical University features five-week courses, allowing you to work through the curriculum at a steady pace without overwhelming yourself by strict timelines or rushed lessons. Additionally, the online format makes the program a great option if you work or have other responsibilities.
7. Denver College of Nursing - Denver
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Program Details: Denver College of Nursing offers another MSN program in Colorado for Registered Nurses seeking advanced knowledge and skills to become nurse educators and leaders. The program is designed to feature an online, distance-learning format and can be completed in 15-18 months.
The program's curriculum is 56 credits, consisting of core credits and specialty courses for nursing education credits. The study plan includes classes such as Teaching Strategies & Technology for the Nurse Educator, Curriculum Development, Assessment, & Evaluation, The Nurse Educator: Roles, Responsibilities, & Relationships, and Global Healthcare.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be accepted in the MSN program at Denver College of Nursing, applicants must hold an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in their home state and have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. You are required to submit a one-page essay describing how you feel a master's-level nursing education will impact your nursing practice, three letters of recommendation, and all college and university transcripts. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required along with a grade of "B" or higher in all undergraduate nursing courses.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I value the importance of preparing students capable of championing change and improving patient outcomes. At Denver College of Nursing, the MSN program emphasizes culturally appropriate, evidence-based nursing practice that will help prepare you as a nurse leader and educator with the ability to do more than stand on the sidelines, but to become an essential member of the nursing profession who positively impacts patient, organizational, and professional outcomes.• The Denver College of Nursing has an excellent reputation among current and former students. Respondents returning student satisfaction surveys report high satisfaction with factors such as student support services, faculty expertise, and faculty availability. Most respondents indicate that they would recommend DCN to prospective students seeking an MSN program in Colorado.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Colorado?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Colorado?
| 7 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Colorado?
| Hourly | $57.16 |
| Weekly | $2,286 |
| Monthly | $9,910 |
| Annual | $118,890 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Colorado?
| Hourly | $42.05 |
| Weekly | $1,682 |
| Monthly | $7,290 |
| Annual | $87,470 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Colorado?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $47.58 | $1,903 | $8,250 | $98,970 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $56.17 | $2,247 | $9,740 | $116,830 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $62.55 | $2,502 | $10,840 | $130,100 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $74.75 | $2,990 | $12,960 | $155,480 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Colorado By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Boulder | $62.89 | $2,516 | $10,900 | $130,810 |
| Colorado Springs | $56.71 | $2,268 | $9,830 | $117,960 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | $57.78 | $2,311 | $10,020 | $120,180 |
| Fort Collins | $55.74 | $2,229 | $9,660 | $115,930 |
| Grand Junction | $54.01 | $2,161 | $9,360 | $112,350 |
| Greeley | $51.97 | $2,079 | $9,010 | $108,100 |
| Pueblo | $53.98 | $2,159 | $9,360 | $112,280 |
7. Average MSN Salary In Colorado VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Colorado
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $179,980 | -$61,090 | -33.94% |
| Dentist | $149,810 | -$30,920 | -20.64% |
| Optometrist | $143,910 | -$25,020 | -17.39% |
| Pharmacist | $141,670 | -$22,780 | -16.08% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,020 | -$11,130 | -8.56% |
| Nurse With MSN | $118,890 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $110,510 | +$8,380 | +7.58% |
| Radiation Therapist | $109,470 | +$9,420 | +8.61% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $107,780 | +$11,110 | +10.31% |
| Occupational Therapist | $104,950 | +$13,940 | +13.28% |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,790 | +$17,100 | +16.80% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,000 | +$20,890 | +21.32% |
| Chiropractor | $76,720 | +$42,170 | +54.97% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
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