Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, program length, and outcomes for every accredited Colorado LPN school.
Colorado’s expanding healthcare footprint makes the LPN credential one of the fastest, most affordable nursing entry points in the state. These affordable LPN programs have net prices after aid that stretch from Lamar Community College’s $9,161 to Colorado Mesa University’s $15,103, and most can be completed in under 14 months, putting a practical nursing career within reach even for students who need to work while training.
Program formats split between daytime and evening schedules, rural and metro locations, and admission standards that range from open enrollment to competitive prerequisites. Because NCLEX-PN pass rates and graduate earnings vary sharply across schools, a quick cost comparison alone can mislead. Colorado’s 13% projected LPN job growth through 2032 rewards graduates who enter the field, but only programs with strong clinical preparation translate that demand into a lasting foothold in nursing.
These are the top LPN programs in Colorado for 2026, ranked with a focus on retention, student-to-faculty ratio, affordability, and clinical training. The list includes public community colleges and private career campuses across Denver, Aurora, Greeley, Sterling, Trinidad, and the Front Range. Program-level post-completion earnings are not yet available for many LPN certificates, so we rely on institutional data and program outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pima Medical Institute-Denver | Denver, CO | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | Denver career changers needing hands-on labs | |
Pima Medical Institute-Denver is a private, career-focused campus with a high Pell recipient share around 75 percent, signaling strong access for students with financial need. The institution reports an overall graduation rate of about 73 percent, though LPN-specific completion is not separately published. Its 12-month practical nursing certificate uses campus-based labs and clinical rotations, with net price around $38,700 for the Denver location. Program-level post-completion earnings are not yet available in federal data.
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| #2 | Pima Medical Institute-Aurora | Aurora, CO | ~$23,000/yr (est.) | Aurora-area students wanting fast clinical training | |
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora is the Aurora campus of the same private, career-focused system, with an even higher Pell recipient share near 80 percent. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 72 percent. The 12-month certificate mirrors the Denver model with hands-on labs and clinical experience, and net price data is not available for this campus. Program-level earnings are not yet reported.
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| #3 | Front Range Community College | Westminster, CO | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | Northern Colorado learners seeking affordable public option | |
Front Range Community College is a public two-year college with strong affordability and a Pell share of about 68 percent. The institution-wide graduation rate, roughly 35 percent, is lower than some peers, but the practical nursing certificate reports a 95 percent NCLEX-PN pass rate and 100 percent on-time completion. The 43-credit, ACEN-accredited program is offered on campus at the Larimer Campus and carries an estimated net price near $13,000. Program-level earnings after graduation are not yet available.
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| #4 | Northeastern Junior College | Sterling, CO | $14,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Northeastern Junior College is a public two-year college in Sterling that has trained nurses since 1964. Its practical nursing certificate works as an exit option from the associate degree, requiring about 50 credits and a summer transition. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 56 percent, with a Pell share around 70 percent and net price near $13,800. Program-level earnings are not yet reported for this certificate.
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| #5 | Pickens Technical College | Aurora, CO | $5,000 – $9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Pickens Technical College is a public technical college in Aurora with a very low net price around $6,600. The institution reports a strong overall graduation rate of about 76 percent. Its ACEN-accredited practical nursing program uses full-day schedules, simulation labs, and clinical rotations, with an 84 percent NCLEX-PN pass rate. Program-level earnings are not yet available. ACEN accredited
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| #6 | Trinidad State College | Trinidad, CO | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Trinidad State College is a public two-year college serving southern Colorado. The practical nursing certificate is 39 credits at $175 per credit and stacks into the associate degree in nursing. The Trinidad campus offers an evening and weekend option, and the institution has a Pell share around 84 percent. Net price is near $10,800; program-level earnings are not yet reported.
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| #7 | Aims Community College | Greeley, CO | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Aims Community College is a public two-year college in Greeley with a Pell share of about 79 percent and net price near $11,500. The 49-credit practical nursing certificate is ACEN-accredited and offered at the Greeley Campus, with prerequisites and an LPN to RN track. Institution-wide graduation rate is about 40 percent, though the nursing program may perform differently. Program-level earnings are not yet available.
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LPN program costs in Colorado vary between community colleges and public universities. The table below shows in-state and out-of-state tuition, the estimated net price after financial aid, and median debt for graduates. Comparing these figures can help you understand the true cost of attendance.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Community College | $4,550 | $7,260 | $9,161 | $8,750 |
| Trinidad State College | $4,608 | $7,318 | $10,772 | $8,908 |
| Otero College | $4,576 | $7,286 | $11,103 | $10,250 |
| Arapahoe Community College | $4,434 | $17,034 | $11,571 | $11,884 |
| Pueblo Community College | $5,049 | $17,649 | $12,045 | $10,000 |
| Front Range Community College | $4,663 | $17,263 | $13,031 | $12,251 |
| Colorado Mesa University | $9,927 | $25,124 | $15,103 | $22,000 |
What schedule can you expect in a Colorado LPN program? Whether you need to work full-time or want to finish quickly, the available options matter as much as the curriculum. Colorado LPN programs vary in length, time commitment, and delivery style. Choosing one that fits your life is often the first big decision.
Most accredited LPN programs in Colorado take between 12 and 18 months to complete1, with total credit hours typically falling in the 39- to 53-credit range. A traditional full-time schedule mirrors a college semester system, while accelerated formats can trim the timeline slightly.
Shorter programs like the one at Otero College pack the same clinical and didactic requirements into fewer months, which can mean a more intense weekly schedule. If you need a slower pace, ask about part-time tracks. Several community colleges extend the program length for students who take fewer credits per term.
The daily routine varies by school, and not every campus offers evening or weekend options. Among our ranked programs, the clearest schedule offerings include:
If daytime attendance is impossible because of work or family obligations, focus your search on schools like Trinidad State and Pueblo Community College, which explicitly build flexible pathways into their scheduling.
Because hands-on skill development and supervised clinical experiences are central to LPN training, every Colorado program relies heavily on in-person instruction. Didactic coursework, such as pharmacology, anatomy, and nursing theory, is sometimes delivered in a hybrid format that mixes online lectures with on-campus labs. Pueblo Community College lists in-person or hybrid options for lecture portions, and Trinidad State structures its program similarly. Even when hybrid elements exist, you should expect to be on campus or at a clinical site several days each week.
Colorado LPN programs require between 450 and 600 hours of direct patient care in clinical settings before you can sit for the NCLEX-PN1. These hours are spread across medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities, pediatric offices, and other partner sites. All of the ranked schools schedule clinical rotations at facilities throughout their regions. For instance, Pueblo Community College places students in multiple settings across southern Colorado, and Otero College coordinates experiences in La Junta and nearby communities. Because rotations may be at sites that are not on campus, you should plan for a reliable commute and possibly some travel, especially if you live outside a metro area.
Choosing an LPN program often hinges on a tradeoff: schools with rigorous prerequisites tend to offer deeply structured preparation, while more flexible admission paths can get you into the classroom quickly. In Colorado, each institution sets its own bar, so parsing the details early prevents surprises down the line.
Some Colorado programs expect a strong science foundation before you apply. Emily Griffith Technical College requires Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, and a CNA or MA credential, using a portfolio-based review rather than a fixed GPA cutoff.1 Concorde Career Institute asks for Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the high school or college level. Other schools like Pickens Technical, Pueblo Community College, IBMC, and IntelliTec College may not publish standalone prerequisite lists, but typical expectations include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (often 2.0 to 2.5), and courses in algebra and biology. Many programs also require or strongly recommend a certified nursing assistant (CNA) license before applying, as it confirms hands-on aptitude.
Standardized exams serve as a common academic filter. Emily Griffith uses the ATI TEAS in 2026, assessing reading, math, science, and English.1 Concorde administers its own entrance exam in reading, math, and English instead of a national test. For other Colorado LPN programs, the HESI or TEAS is typical, though exact cut scores vary. If testing is a barrier, ask about retake policies or preparation resources.
Because clinical rotations place you in hospitals and long-term care facilities, nearly every Colorado LPN program mandates a criminal background check and drug screen. Emily Griffith explicitly lists both as admission requirements.1 CPR certification is another near-universal expectation: some schools require it for admission, others let you complete it during the first term. Check the timeline so you can budget both time and cost.
Deadlines differ sharply. Concorde operates on a rolling basis, accepting applications year-round until seats fill. Emily Griffith’s portfolio process may not follow a strict date, but early submission is still wise.1 Schools like Pueblo Community College and Pickens Technical often have firm fall or spring start dates, with deadlines months in advance. Since many programs fill quickly, submitting a complete application early gives you the best chance. Always confirm current deadlines on each school’s website, as they can shift.
Comparing pass rates across Colorado LPN programs reveals stark differences in exam readiness, but outcomes go beyond a single test score. A high NCLEX-PN pass rate signals strong foundational training, yet it tells only part of the story. Long-term earnings and job placement speak to a program's ability to launch sustainable nursing careers, and the picture varies considerably from one school to the next.
The most reliable indicator of a program's classroom and clinical preparation is its first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate, and the strongest applicants look at two to three years of data to spot consistent performance. For 2025, the national first-time pass rate for US-educated practical nursing candidates sits at 86.6%, up from 79.93% in 2022. These benchmarks are useful, but school-level rates for Colorado in recent years are not compiled in a single public dashboard for this guide. The Colorado Board of Nursing and NCSBN release annual reports, and many programs publish their own rates. When you evaluate a school, ask for its pass rates from 2023 through 2025 and compare them directly to that 86.6% national figure. A program that consistently falls below 80% deserves extra scrutiny, while one that hovers near or above the national average suggests a solid curriculum and effective clinical placements.
Federal data sources do not yet break out median earnings specifically for LPN program completers at the campus level. What is available, however, is institutional-level earnings data, which offers a rough proxy for the economic return a college delivers to its students overall. The Department of Education tracks median annual earnings of former students ten years after they first enroll. Across the seven ranked Colorado schools, that figure ranges from $36,475 at Trinidad State College to $48,341 at Arapahoe Community College. Front Range Community College ($45,910) and Colorado Mesa University ($45,823) fall in a similar upper tier, while Otero College ($39,018), Lamar Community College ($38,719), and Pueblo Community College ($37,434) show more modest long-term earnings. Remember, these numbers reflect all alumni, not just nursing graduates. Completion counts for LPN programs are not reported in the same dataset, so the size and throughput of each cohort remains unclear. Prospective students should contact schools directly for job placement rates and employer partnerships, which often paint a more accurate picture of career launch.
A program with a stellar pass rate but weak local employer connections may still leave graduates hunting for jobs. Conversely, a school with slightly lower pass rates but strong clinical pipelines into major Denver-area hospitals or long-term care networks might offer faster entry into the workforce. When you compare these institutions, weight pass rates as a minimum threshold for licensure readiness, then dig into the less visible details: clinical rotation sites, career services support, and the share of graduates who find nursing work within six months. The modest spread in long-term earnings across these schools suggests that location and employer choice ultimately play a large role, but a program that aligns with your schedule, budget, and learning style will set you up for success both on exam day and in your first nursing role.
Program-level earnings one year after completion are not yet published for Colorado LPN schools. The statewide median provides a useful earnings benchmark while you compare programs.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Colorado follows a clear path from classroom to career. The Colorado Board of Nursing oversees licensure, which requires completing an approved program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and clearing a fingerprint background check. As an NLC state, Colorado's LPN license also opens doors to practice across multiple states.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Colorado follows a clear, state-defined pathway that can be completed in as little as 14 months. The process progresses from choosing an approved program to passing the NCLEX-PN and securing your license, with each step designed to ensure you are prepared for safe, effective practice.
Every LPN program in Colorado must hold approval from the Colorado Board of Nursing (CBON). Begin by comparing Colorado LPN programs that are approved and fit your location, schedule, and budget. Application materials typically include official high school or GED transcripts, a completed application form, and a nonrefundable fee. Many schools also require a pre-entrance exam such as the TEAS, along with proof of immunizations, a current CPR card, and a criminal background check. Some programs may ask for a short personal statement or letters of recommendation. Once accepted, you will complete classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations covering fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, maternal-child health, and medical-surgical nursing.
After graduating from your program, you must register for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) through Pearson VUE. The Colorado Board of Nursing will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) once it verifies your eligibility. The ATT is valid for a limited window, usually 90 days, so schedule your exam promptly. Pearson VUE testing centers are available in Denver, Colorado Springs, and other locations across the state. To prepare, invest in a structured NCLEX-PN review course, use question banks from publishers like Saunders or UWorld, and take multiple practice exams. Many graduates complete 4 to 8 weeks of focused study before sitting for the exam.
After passing the NCLEX-PN, submit a licensure application through the CBON online portal. You will need to provide official transcripts sent directly from your nursing program, documentation of the completed background check, and payment of the application fee. The board processes applications on an ongoing basis, and you can check the status of your license online. New licenses are typically issued within two to four weeks after all documents are received and the NCLEX results are posted.
Colorado LPN licenses expire every two years, and you must renew through the CBON portal. The renewal process requires a fee and documentation of continuing competency, which can be met through practice hours, continuing education, or a combination. Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so a Colorado LPN multistate license allows you to practice in over 40 other compact states without applying for additional licenses. This is a significant advantage for nurses who live near state borders or plan to travel for work.
A full-time LPN program in Colorado generally takes 12 months to complete, followed by NCLEX preparation and licensing. If you begin a program in August, you could graduate the following August, pass the NCLEX by October, and start working as an LPN by November. The entire process from enrollment to employment typically falls within 14 to 20 months, depending on program length, exam readiness, and board processing times. Part-time or evening programs will extend the timeline, but they offer flexibility for students who need to work while attending school.
Colorado expects LPN employment to grow 13 percent between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the national average for all occupations and adding steady demand for new graduates across clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings.
Licensed practical nurses in Colorado earn wages that often surpass the national median, with the top 10% exceeding $80,000 per year. The table below consolidates the most recent salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry compensation surveys. Keep in mind that wages vary by metropolitan area, employer, and years of experience.
| Wage Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Mean annual wage (Colorado, 2024) | $62,340 |
| 10th percentile annual wage (Colorado, 2024) | $47,960 |
| 90th percentile annual wage (Colorado, 2024) | $80,510 |
| Average hourly wage (Colorado, 2025-2026) | $25.57 |
| Average annual wage (Colorado, 2025-2026) | $70,820 |
| National median annual wage (May 2023) | $59,730 |
The leap from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse is a balancing act: understanding the LPN vs RN scope of practice can help you decide whether to prioritize a faster, more affordable ADN or invest in a BSN that opens doors to leadership and specialty roles. Colorado’s landscape offers both, but the right path depends on your timeline, budget, and long-term vision.
The most common entry point is an LPN-to-ADN bridge at a community college. These programs typically take 12 to 24 months and culminate in an Associate Degree in Nursing, qualifying you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Notable options include:
Because each program structures its admission and credit transfer differently, consult the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) site for an updated directory.
For nurses aiming at management, public health, or graduate school, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the standard. Some Colorado universities accept LPN credits directly into a BSN program, though these are less common than ADN bridges.
When evaluating these programs, confirm how many LPN credits are accepted and whether the institution offers a direct LPN-to-BSN route or requires an intermediate RN step.
A key advantage for Colorado LPNs is the network of articulation agreements between community colleges and universities. These formal partnerships grant credit for prior coursework and clinical experience, shortening time to degree. Look for language like “LPN to RN articulation,” “advanced standing,” or “career mobility” on a college’s nursing department page, especially for RN to BSN programs in Colorado. Such agreements can allow you to skip certain foundational courses, but renewal and specifics vary; always check for the current policy.
With so many moving parts, start with the Colorado Board of Nursing’s list of approved pre-licensure nursing programs and review nursing schools in Colorado for additional program details. Professional organizations like the Colorado Nurses Association also publish guidance on career ladders and transfer policies. Finally, reach out directly to admissions advisors; they can clarify credit transfers, prerequisites, and any waiting lists.
Below are answers to the most common questions prospective LPN students in Colorado ask. From program length and costs to licensure and salary expectations, find clear, concise information to guide your nursing education journey.
