Both of Front Range Community College’s nursing programs make the top spot in new ranking of all nursing schools in the state.
The nursing programs at Front Range Community College have earned the No. 1 Registered Nurse program ranking in Colorado from NursingExplorer.com—a comprehensive online resource designed to help prospective nursing students find, compare and choose nursing programs across the United States. FRCC’s Larimer and Westminster Campus programs topped the new list out of 42 nursing programs in the state.
“FRCC is setting the standard for nursing education in Colorado—preparing highly skilled graduates who strengthen healthcare systems, expand patient access and help address the state’s critical nursing shortage,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD.
Consistent High Performance
Through sustained excellence in nursing education, the college continues to expand opportunity for students while delivering highly trained healthcare professionals who strengthen Colorado’s communities. Founded in 1968, FRCC’s nursing programs have been consistently commended for training highly skilled nurses for more than 58 years.
The college’s programs dependably earn some of the highest pass rates in Colorado on the national nursing licensure exam. Over the past three years, FRCC’s programs achieved pass rates of:
- 98.93% (Larimer)
- 98.1% (Westminster)
- Compared to 85.7% (national average pre-licensure US rate, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing)
FRCC’s exceptional licensure outcomes underscore the strength of the college’s programs. These results signal a learning environment that combines rigorous academic preparation, hands-on clinical training and strong student support systems—ensuring graduates enter the profession with confidence, competence and career readiness.
Educating Colorado’s Nursing Workforce
This top ranking affirms FRCC’s role as a leading talent pipeline for the state’s healthcare workforce. It reflects more than academic excellence—it demonstrates FRCC’s measurable impact on student success and community health outcomes.
FRCC graduates consistently enter the workforce prepared to deliver high-quality patient care while securing careers that provide sustainable, family-supporting wages. By producing workforce-ready nurses at a time of significant statewide demand, FRCC is helping healthcare providers maintain staffing stability and strengthen patient care capacity across Colorado.
“Our nursing programs have exceptionally strong leadership,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost Rebecca Woulfe, PhD. “From the faculty to the directors and up through nursing dean, we have individuals who are committed to our students’ success and to meeting the needs of the healthcare community in Colorado.”
The Ranking
Nursing Explorer bases its state rankings on National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) outcomes reported to each state board of nursing. The NCLEX-RN exam is used by all state boards of nursing across the United States to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure. Nursing Explorer’s methodology uses a three-year weighted average that weights results by student count and gives more weight to recent performance.
About Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College (FRCC) is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 27,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 114,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
