Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Connecticut

Private schools like the University of Hartford may not offer in-state tuition, but 90% of Hartford students receive some form of financial aid to help reduce the cost of their degree. Hartford also offers the benefits of private education, such as a low 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Nursing students have plenty of options at Hartford, the most popular of which is the traditional BSN program. In the fall of 2021, the school opened a state-of-the-art simulation lab that offers students an exciting simulated patient care experience. 

Western Connecticut State University, spread over two campuses in Danbury, has more than enough room for its 4,641 full-time students. WCSU’s Nursing Department offers four options: a traditional BSN, an RN-BSN, an MSN, and a doctoral degree. 

The traditional BSN is the main program at WCSU, though the online RN-BSN is a great choice for current nurses looking to earn a bachelor’s degree. However, nurses should note that part-time nursing students are charged an additional $33 per credit. 

Fairfield University's 200-acre campus is one of the largest on the East Coast. This coastal school is located just across the water from Long Island. As a private Jesuit school, attending Fairfield University's BSN program is quite costly but often worth it due to its quality of education standards and high NCLEX pass rate. Additionally, the program allows students to attend a for-credit internship to gain professional experience while earning their degrees.

Sacred Hearth University has operated in Fairfield, CT, since 1963. This private Catholic school combines Catholic liberal arts education with various secular options, including all its nursing options. Sacred Heart's College of Nursing offers several nursing degrees, including an accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN bridge, and various advanced nursing degrees.

Quinnipiac University comes with a high tuition rate, but admitted students study at one of the top private universities in the nation. Undergraduate nursing students have plenty of options to choose from, though the most popular is the traditional nursing program. As proof of quality, Quinnipiac’s School of Nursing is also one of the only programs in the region endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.

Additionally, there are over 300+ clinical affiliations for nursing students, and 97.5% of the 2021 nursing graduates were either employed or enrolled in a graduate program six months after graduation.  With a high NCLEX pass rate, a nursing degree from Quinnipiac could help kickstart a great nursing career. 

Aside from the low in-state tuition, Central Connecticut State University also offers a discount to New England residents so aspiring nurses in the area can receive an affordable education. Graduates of the Department of Nursing have had incredible success with the NCLEX, a good sign for future BSN students. Also, a study abroad program isn’t just available to nurses — nurses are encouraged to study abroad for up to one year. Scholarships are also available specifically to nursing students. 

For over 125 years, Southern Connecticut State University has been offering higher education to New Haven and Connecticut residents. Southern has recently established itself as one of the most environmentally responsible campuses in the nation, a sign of its innovation.

Nursing students have plenty of options to earn a BSN, including a traditional route, an RN-BSN, an accelerated program, and a direct entry option for current high school seniors. There are also three graduate-level tracks available to nursing students, including Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Leader. The low in-state tuition and the high NCLEX pass rate for recent grads make this an attractive option for Connecticut residents. 

Naugatuck Valley Community College shares a common nursing curriculum with six other community colleges called the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program (CT-CCNP).

While a traditional BSN is not offered, students enrolled in the nursing program will earn an associate’s degree in nursing. This nursing program is a great choice for parents and working individuals. Clinicals are assigned either during the day, evening, or weekend. 

As Connecticut’s flagship university, the University of Connecticut is sure to already be on most state residents’ shortlist for colleges. Aside from a large campus, excellent sports programs, and a long history of teaching excellence, UConn also uses its extensive alumni network to help place graduates in relevant positions. So, graduates of the School of Nursing should have no trouble finding nursing positions — so long as they pass the NCLEX, as most graduates do.

Founded by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy in 1932, the University of St. Joseph is located midway between Boston and New York City. This prime location is perfect for nursing graduates who want to find a high-paying position in a big city.

The main nursing degree, BSN, is meant for both incoming freshmen and transfer students. Other undergraduate programs are available, though they have different tuition rates. For example, the online RN-BSN costs $18,000, and the accelerated second-degree nursing program costs $43,770.