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University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Colorado Mesa University

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

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Colorado Mesa University
$10,652 vs $15,131
Easier to get into
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
96.6% vs 81.4% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Colorado Mesa University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationColorado Springs, COGrand Junction, CO
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate
Acceptance rate96.6%BEST81.4%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$15,131 in / $26,072 out$10,652 in / $15,830 outBEST
In-state tuition$15,131$10,652BEST
Out-of-state tuition$26,072$15,830BEST
Clinical placement
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Colorado Mesa University?

Colorado Mesa University is the more affordable option at roughly $10,652, compared to $15,131. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado Mesa University the same type of program?

Both are DNP 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 University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado Mesa University?

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.