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Is Denver College of Nursing Worth It? Nurses Review

12 Min Read Published May 10, 2023
Denver, Colorado

No matter what nursing degree you want, choosing the right school is important. Selecting a school that doesn't meet your needs can feel like losing out on time and money. That's why we created this comprehensive Denver College of Nursing (DCN) review. Our experienced nurses investigated DCN's degrees, specialties, tuition, and other determining factors to discover whether this university is worth it. 

By the end of this nursing school review, you'll be able to make an informed decision on whether Denver College of Nursing is right for you.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
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Location
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Prerequisite
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Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

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Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

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RN Required

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The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
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Location
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Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
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Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

About Denver College of Nursing

Denver College of Nursing is a private university providing students with many nursing education levels. Aspiring nurses can attend associate's degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), registered nurse RN to BSN, and master’s of science in nursing (MSN) programs at DCN. Denver College of Nursing also offers online nursing degree options for graduate students who need more flexibility in their nursing education.

The university has two brick-and-mortar locations. One is in lower-downtown Denver, which offers online options for post-licensure students. The second campus is in Houston, Texas.

Denver College of Nursing stands out because it offers hands-on clinical education in various healthcare environments. The school also boasts low student-to-teacher ratios. Moreover, DCN’s career services provide students with job placement assistance and other networking opportunities.

Stats  

  • Private or public: Private, for-profit

  • General tuition: $10,736 (per academic year)

  • Acceptance rate: N/A

  • NCLEX pass rate: 

    • BSN: 94.53%

    • ADN: 93.75%

  • Application deadlines: Rolling admissions

    • Denver campus: 

      • July start: January 1

      • October start: April 1

      • January start: July 1

      • April start: October 1

    • BSN Houston campus:

      • January start: December 1

    • Online campus:

      • July start: June 28

  • Accreditation:

  • Diversity:

    • 87% female

    • 13% male

    • 56% White

    • 15% Hispanic/Latino

    • 14% Black or African American

    • 6% Asian

    • 1% American Indian or Alaskan

Source: College Navigator

Contact Information

  • Address:

    • Denver campus: 1401 19th St, Denver, Colorado 80202

    • Houston campus: 1155 Dairy Ashford, Suite 310 Houston, TX 77079

  • Email:

    • On-campus programs: jjohnson@denvercollegeofnursing.edu 

    • RN-BSN programs: dsnonline@denvercollegeofnursing.edu

  • Phone number: (303) 292-0015

  • Social platforms:

Additional Info

  • Rankings: #477 in Best BSN Programs, U.S. News and World Report

  • Total number of students: 1,072 (1,046 undergraduate)

  • Graduation rate

    • ADN: 86%

    • BSN: 89%

    • RN-BSN:48%

    • MSN: 92%

  • Student/faculty ratios: 16:1

  • Metrics about clinical hours:

    • Clinical hours are typically 8-12 hours

    • May include nights, weekends, holidays, and school breaks

Degrees Offered

ADN

  • Tuition: $37,754

  • Program Length: 6 quarters (18 months)

  • Online Options Available? No

BSN 

  • Tuition: $51,342 (less if attending nursing completion program)

  • Program Length: 13 quarters (seven quarters in nursing completion option)

  • Online options available? No

RN to BSN

  • Tuition: $14,183

  • Program Length: dependent on the student

  • Online options available? Yes

MSN

  • Tuition: $15,137

  • Program Length: 15-18 months

  • Online options available? Yes

Specialties Offered

Undergraduates at Denver College of Nursing obtain an ADN or a BSN upon graduation, depending on their chosen program.

Practicing nurses hoping to specialize through DCN can earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree online. This nursing specialty is for RNs who wish to expand their knowledge and become nurse leaders and educators.

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Sponsored
Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

Earn a valuable nursing credential at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Expand your expertise and prepare to take on leadership and independent practice opportunities. Complete your courses online, on your schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Is Denver College of Nursing a Good Program?

Distinguishing factors suggest that Denver College of Nursing offers quality nursing programs. For example, DCN has a high NCLEX pass rate of 95% for BSN graduates and 94% for ADN graduates. This rate is high compared to some of the best nursing schools in Colorado and the NCSBN national average of 82% (BSN) and 78% (ADN).

In addition, the school has national accreditation with the CCNE, a regulatory body that ensures the quality and integrity of nursing programs in the US. This accreditation indicates that the Denver School of Nursing meets nurse education standards and prepares students for nursing practice.

What Do You Need to Get Into Denver College of Nursing?

Denver College of Nursing has different prerequisites for in-person and online nursing programs. The following is a breakdown of what you need to get into any program at DCN.

General DCN Admissions Requirements

Like other nursing schools in Denver, DCN has general prerequisites for its programs. These include the following:

  • Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Complete an application
  • Interview with an admissions representative
  • Sign an enrollment agreement
  • Complete a background check and drug screening
  • Submit transcripts of completed prerequisites relevant to your degree

Denver College of Nursing ADN Admissions Requirements

  • One-page written personal essay
  • Completion of required prerequisite courses
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA in prerequisites
  •  75% on HESI A2 exam score (students without prior baccalaureate)

Denver College of Nursing BSN Admissions Requirements

  • Completion of required prerequisite courses
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA in prerequisites/prior baccalaureate
  •  75% on HESI H2 exam scores (students without prior baccalaureate)
  • For RN to BSN students:
  • Submit transcripts from accredited ADN program
  • Hold RN licensure from the state in which you practice

Denver College of Nursing MSN Admissions Requirements

  • A BSN from an AACN/CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA-accredited program
  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA 
  • B or higher grades in all undergraduate nursing courses 
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Submission of a one-page essay 
  • Two years of RN clinical practice preferred

How Hard is the Nursing Program at Denver College of Nursing?

Obtaining a nursing degree is incredibly challenging, no matter what school you choose. Students must maintain excellent time management to stay ahead of their studies. Comparing schools to ensure your program meets your specific needs is also vital.

Denver College of Nursing has similar requirements as other nursing schools. The website reports that onsite students can expect classes scheduled anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Students must also prepare for 8-12 hour hands-on clinical shifts, which may be on nights, weekends, and holidays.

What Kind of Support Does Denver College of Nursing Offer Their Nursing Students?

Denver School of Nursing student services offer robust support to the student body. Some benefits you might enjoy if you attend DCN include but aren’t limited to the following:

  • Library and Learning Resources Center
  • Access to the Blackboard learning management system
  • Student Technology and Resource Center
  • Career services 
  • Numerous clinical site placement opportunities

How Much Is the Nursing Program at Denver College of Nursing?

Denver College of Nursing’s tuition and fees depend on the program you attend. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the different costs of each DCN degree program.

ADN COst

Expense

Cost

Tuition

$37,754

Nonrefundable app fee

$100

Books

$1384

Scrubs/book bag

$75

Nursing kits

$135

IT fee

$252

Inst fee

$1,200

Assessment testing

$1,545

Clinical fee

$750

Sim lab fee

$775

Graduation fee

$250

Approximate total

$44,220

BSN Cost

Expense

Cost

Tuition

$51,342

Nonrefundable app fee

$100

Books

$1720

Scrubs/book bag

$75

Nursing kits

$135

IT fee

$301

Inst fee

$903

Assessment testing

$1,900

Clinical fee

$1000

Sim lab fee

$925

Graduation fee

$250

Approximate total

$58,651

RN to BSN Cost

Expense

Cost

Tuition

$14,183

Nonrefundable app fee

$100

Laptop

$950

Approximate total

$15,233

MSN Cost

Expense

Cost

Tuition

$15,137

Nonrefundable app fee

$100

Laptop

$950

Approximate total

$16,187

Is Denver College of Nursing Worth It?

Whether or not DCN is worth it depends on one’s needs and goals. For example, if an aspiring student wants to attend a program that ensures NCLEX exam success, DCN may be worth it because it has such high NCLEX pass rates.

Passing the NCLEX will also help graduates find employment and begin paying off any debt they accrue while attending Denver College of Nursing. The median annual salary for RNs is $77,600 or $37.31 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this figure varies depending on where you live or the company you work for, RNs often make enough to sustain living costs in their areas and make timely student loan repayments.

Finally, DCN may be worth it for students who want higher chances of completing the nursing program. Most program completion rates are over 80% at Denver College of Nursing, but the RN-BSN program completion rates fall just short of 48%.

Depending on an individual’s needs, goals, and budget, these factors may make this university worth attending.

What is Denver College of Nursing's Transfer Policy?

Students who complete ADN or BSN nursing program prerequisite requirements can transfer those credits to DCN. Students may also transfer their general education courses from other accredited institutions.

Since Denver College of Nursing is a nationally accredited nursing program, many outside universities accept credit transfers into their program. 

However, every school has different rules regarding transfer credits. To know whether your DCN credits will transfer, check with the admissions office at the school you want to attend.

Denver College of Nursing Reviews

On one Indeed poll of 18 Denver College of Nursing students, the university received 4.1 stars out of five stars.

One 2020 ADN graduate left a review about this program on Indeed, stating:

“This is a rigorous, accelerated nursing program for a Bachelor's degree in nursing. The curriculum is challenging and the clinical/ simulation hours are demanding. The school really does a great job in preparing nurses to sit for NCLEX and has one of the highest pass rates in the state. I really enjoyed the challenge in the program and the high expectation. It made me a better nurse.”

Another 2019 graduate student in the same Indeed poll for Denver College of Nursing wrote:

“Good combination of in class and online learning. Over 700 clinical hours, friendly staff, but great team because it made nursing school fun and manageable with group studying.”

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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Sarah Jividen
RN, BSN
Sarah Jividen
Nurse.org Contributor

Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions, LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), National University - Los Angeles Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in Journalism, California State University - Chico

Read More From Sarah
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