Denver College of Nursing
The Vibe Check
Denver College of Nursing feels like a focused, high-energy boot camp for future healthcare professionals. The urban campus buzzes with a collaborative, mission-driven atmosphere where students are laser-focused on clinical skills and patient care. It's less about sprawling quads and more about hands-on simulation labs and study groups.
Academics & Majors
The academic strength lies squarely in its specialized Health Professions programs, particularly the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Teaching is highly practical and clinical-focused, with instructors who are experienced nurses and healthcare providers. Research opportunities are more limited compared to large research universities, but students gain extensive hands-on experience through clinical rotations.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Denver
Students often unwind by exploring Denver's vibrant downtown, catching a concert at Red Rocks, or hiking in the nearby Rocky Mountains. The city offers endless options from craft breweries and diverse restaurants to professional sports games and cultural festivals. The high altitude and sunny weather encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($81,809):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a busy urban area, so students should be aware of their surroundings and take standard city precautions. The college itself provides a secure environment with controlled access to buildings, but the surrounding neighborhood requires vigilance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Specialized focus on nursing and health professions ensures a streamlined, career-ready education.
- ✓ Strong 10-year median earnings of $81,809 reflect good ROI for a specialized degree.
- ✓ Location in Denver provides access to a major healthcare job market and numerous clinical rotation sites.
Cons
- ✗ Limited program variety beyond healthcare, with no traditional undergraduate liberal arts options.
- ✗ Small enrollment of 949 means fewer student clubs, social events, and campus life diversity.
- ✗ Urban setting requires students to be proactive about personal safety and navigating city life.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Denver College of Nursing is known for its intensive, career-focused nursing education. It specializes exclusively in health professions, offering a streamlined BSN program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX exam and immediate entry into the nursing workforce. The school emphasizes hands-on clinical training and has strong connections with Denver-area hospitals.
Admission is competitive, as it is a specialized nursing program. Applicants are evaluated heavily on their prerequisite science grades (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology) and overall GPA. While there is no published acceptance rate, a strong academic record in sciences and relevant healthcare experience are critical for admission.
Campus life is academically intensive and centered around the nursing program. With a small enrollment, the community is tight-knit and collaborative, with students often studying together in simulation labs or forming close bonds during clinical rotations. Social life is more subdued than at a traditional university, but students take advantage of Denver's urban amenities and outdoor recreation.
The value is strong for students committed to a nursing career. The 10-year median earnings of $81,809 indicate that graduates can achieve a solid financial return, helping to offset the private school tuition. The focused, accelerated nature of the program can also mean entering the workforce and earning a salary sooner than a traditional four-year degree.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1899
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,290
- Zip Code 80202
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a 10-year median earnings of $81,809, the degree offers a strong return on investment for a specialized nursing program. While the private tuition is significant, the high demand for nurses and solid earning potential post-graduation can justify the cost. The 25.1% Pell Grant rate indicates some financial aid support is available for students with demonstrated need.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.