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Metropolitan State University of Denver vs University of Northern Colorado

ABSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Higher NCLEX pass rate
University of Northern Colorado
95.1% vs 94%
Lower tuition
Metropolitan State University of Denver
$10,780 vs $12,010
Easier to get into
Metropolitan State University of Denver
99.1% vs 86.4% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Accelerated BSN
University of Northern Colorado
Accelerated BSN
Program typeABSNABSN
Formatin personin person
LocationDenver, COGreeley, CO
Length16 months16 months
NCLEX pass rate94%95.1%BEST
Acceptance rate99.1%BEST86.4%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance examHESI
Total tuition$10,780 in / $29,503 outBEST$12,010 in / $26,204 out
In-state tuition$10,780BEST$12,010
Out-of-state tuition$29,503$26,204BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, Metropolitan State University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado?

University of Northern Colorado's ABSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 95.1%, compared to 94% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.

Which is cheaper, Metropolitan State University of Denver or University of Northern Colorado?

Metropolitan State University of Denver is the more affordable option at roughly $10,780, compared to $12,010. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Metropolitan State University of Denver and University of Northern Colorado the same type of program?

Both are ABSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Metropolitan State University of Denver and University of Northern Colorado?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.