Colorado has four schools offering accredited Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs across multiple degree levels.
Estimated program costs range from ~$20,025 (CU Anschutz post-graduate certificate) to $59,274 (CU Anschutz BS-DNP), with completion timelines spanning 1.5 to 4.5 years depending on entry level and degree type.
High Level Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Christian University | BSN-DNP: $50K MSN-DNP: $24K | – Fully online format with one required on-campus weekend intensive – BSN-DNP combines AGPCNP training with Transformational Leadership content – Faith-based curriculum with one-on-one DNP project mentorship – Clinical placements completed in the student’s local area |
| Colorado Mesa University | MSN: $34K | – Fully online AGNP program with a strong rural and underserved care focus – Includes OSCE competency assessments each semester – Students stay in their home communities for coursework – Students are responsible for securing their own preceptors |
| University of Colorado Anschutz | MSN: $38K Certificate: $20K BS-DNP: $59K | – Hybrid-online format with limited required campus visits in Aurora – Offers MSN, post-graduate certificate, and BS-DNP entry points – Reported 100% board certification pass rate across AGPCNP tracks |
All AGPCNP Program Options for Colorado
Colorado Christian University AGPCNP Programs
Lakewood | 625 cpc | DNP
Colorado Mesa University AGPCNP Programs
Grand Junction | 702 cpc | MSN
Rasmussen University AGPCNP Programs
Fully Online | 915 cpc | Certificate / MSN
South University AGPCNP Programs
Fully Online | 660 cpc | Certificate / MSN
University of Colorado Anschutz AGPCNP Programs
Anschutz | 802 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University AGPCNP Programs
Fully Online | 788 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Comparing AGPCNP Programs in Colorado
TLDR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose CU Anschutz if you want the most flexible entry point — MSN, post-graduate certificate, or BS-DNP — from Colorado’s top-ranked nursing college with a 100% board certification pass rate.
Choose Colorado Mesa University if rural and underserved population health is central to your practice goals and you want a solid MSN at a competitive in-state rate.
Choose Colorado Christian University if you want a DNP that pairs AGPCNP clinical training with executive nursing leadership credentials — and you value a faith-integrated curriculum with dedicated DNP project mentorship.
Colorada AGPCNP DNP Programs
Two schools offer DNP-level AGPCNP pathways in Colorado.
CCU’s BSN-to-DNP is the more affordable option at ~$50,350 versus CU Anschutz’s BS-DNP at $59,274 for CO residents — though CU Anschutz carries the prestige of being the #1 DNP program in Colorado.
CCU’s program is unique in combining AGPCNP clinical training with a Transformational Leadership specialty, preparing graduates for both bedside and executive roles in a single degree.
MSN-prepared nurses seeking only a doctoral upgrade should consider CCU’s MSN-to-DNP track at ~$24,300 — the most affordable doctoral option in the state.
| Program | School | Est. Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP | CCU | ~$50,350 | 3 years | 1,160 hrs | Fully online; 1 on-campus weekend |
| MSN-to-DNP (Leadership) | CCU | ~$24,300 | 4–5 semesters | 520 hrs | Fully online; 1 on-campus weekend |
| BS-to-DNP AGPCNP | CU Anschutz | $59,274 (CO res.) | 4–4.5 years | 1,080 hrs | Hybrid online; limited campus visits |
Colorado MSN AGPCNP Programs
Three schools offer MSN-level AGPCNP programs, with Colorado Mesa University coming in as the most affordable at ~$34,183 in-state — and the only program with a dedicated rural and underserved populations clinical track.
CU Anschutz’s MSN is similarly priced to South University but carries stronger name recognition and a structured 7-semester plan.
| Program | School | Est. Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN-AGNP | Colorado Mesa | ~$34,183 (in-state) | ~3 years | 750 hrs | Fully online; some travel for clinicals |
| RN-to-MSN AGPCNP | South University | ~$49,200 | ~3–4 years | Not publicly specified | Fully online |
| MSN-AGPCNP | CU Anschutz | $38,448 (CO res.) | 2.5 years | 540 hrs | Hybrid online; limited campus visits |
AGPCNP Certificate Programs in Colorado
Only CU Anschutz offers a post-graduate certificate in Colorado, making it the go-to option for MSN-prepared nurses who want to add the AGPCNP specialty without pursuing a second full degree.
At ~$20,025 and just 1.5 years, it is the fastest and most affordable pathway in the state — and it still includes the full 540 clinical hours and the same 100% board certification pass rate as the MSN track. Enrollment is space-available, so early application is advised.
| Program | School | Est. Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduate Certificate AGPCNP | CU Anschutz | ~$20,025 (CO res.) | 1.5 years | 540 hrs | MSN required |
Clinical Placements and Preceptor Support
Clinical placement support varies significantly across programs — an important consideration for students outside major metro areas.
CU Anschutz — Arranges clinical placements for students in the Denver/Aurora metro area through affiliated hospital systems and clinics. Students outside this area are responsible for securing their own sites.
Colorado Christian University — A dedicated Clinical Program Manager assists all BSN-to-DNP students with identifying and placing qualified local preceptors, regardless of geographic location. This is one of the stronger institutional supports in the state.
Colorado Mesa University — Students are responsible for arranging their own clinical preceptors. Some travel may be required, particularly for rural rotation assignments built into the curriculum.
Admissions Comparison
| School | Program(s) | Min. GPA | GRE Required | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU Anschutz | MSN, Certificate, BS-DNP | 3.0 (undergrad nursing) | Only if GPA < 3.0 | Jan 15 (Fall 2026); Jul 1 (Spring 2027) |
| Colorado Mesa | MSN-AGNP | 3.0 (BSN coursework) | No | April 15 (Fall entry) |
| CCU | BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP | 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) | No | Contact admissions (Summer & Spring starts) |