Bachelor of Science
CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Path
Thanks to a partnership between CU Denver and CU Nursing at the Anschutz Medical Campus, you can get the best of what Denver has to offer while training for a meaningful career in nursing. In this pathway, you'll complete your coursework at a steady pace, similar to other undergraduate programs, and start classes in the fall.
Start your student journey at CU Denver and graduate from CU Nursing.
Ideal if you...
Are, or plan to become, a CU Denver student
Want to work while in school
(doable early on, tough during clinicals)
Prefer a steady learning pace
Overview
Format
In person
Three years of prerequisite classes at CU Denver in Denver, CO. Two years of classes on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
5 years
10 semesters
Exam prep
NCLEX
When you finish the program, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed nurse.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
State-of-the-art simulation lab
You’ll try out your nursing skills in our high-tech simulation lab. You'll practice real-life scenarios in a safe and inclusive environment under the guidance of experienced faculty.
93.98%
Nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) pass rate*
#1
Nursing bachelor’s program in Colorado*
Career
Once you complete the BS CU Denver/CU Nursing Bridge Pathway and pass the licensing exam, you'll be ready to provide socially just, ethical, and inclusive care to diverse populations. Earning a bachelor’s degree also prepares you to pursue other advanced degrees in nursing, like a master's or doctoral degree.
What you can do
- Treat patients
- Administer medications
- Perform assessments (taking vital signs, patient evaluation)
- Document patient information
Who you can care for
Becoming a nurse opens many career doors and allows you to treat a wide range of patients. You can also focus on one area of nursing (ER, labor and delivery, oncology), depending on where you want to work.
Where you can work
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Schools
- Public health agencies
- Outpatient clinics
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | September 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Three years of classes at CU Denver
In this program, you’ll take three years of prerequisites at CU Denver. These classes give you a foundational knowledge of science and math, covering topics like anatomy, physiology, algebra, and psychology. You’ll also take general studies classes like creative arts and English composition.
Two years of nursing training
When you come to CU Nursing, our classes build on the foundation you gained in your prerequisite classes and focus more on healthcare and nursing. You'll study topics including pathophysiology, nursing research, and nursing care for children and families.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
Important note: Please refer to CU Denver's tuition and fees
to calculate costs for the first three years of your education. The
following tuition and fees are only applicable for the last two years of
this pathway when you complete CU Nursing coursework.
| Residency status | Estimated CU Nursing tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $39, 402 |
| Colorado residents + College Opportunity Fund Stipend | $31,746 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $59,136 |
| Nonresidents | $68,575 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
Become the nurse looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse today.
Disclosures
* NCLEX pass rate according to 2023 data. Ranking according to 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
**
Estimated total tuition based on 2024-2025 costs. Tuition estimates do
not include fees and other education-related costs. 150% of the in-state tuition
rate is available to residents of eligible western states that
participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
- Accreditation information.
- Certification and licensure for online students residing outside of Colorado: Please see the Nursing Certification Disclaimer and review the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements information.
- Gainful employment and program statistics: For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students completing our programs, and other important information, please visit the University of Colorado Denver Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.