DEGREES

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Connecticut

Written By: Nurse.org Staff

Medically reviewed by: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

11 Min Read Published July 31, 2025

Top Nursing Schools in Connecticut
Next Steps
Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
Conclusion

Hartford Connecticut skyline from the water

Looking to become a nurse in Connecticut? Nurse.org put together a list of the top nursing schools in Connecticut to help you choose the right program for you.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Nurse.org's Top Nursing Schools in Connecticut for 2025

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible

Our selection panel includes 3 Registered Nurses:

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Connecticut nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

1. University of Hartford

In-State Tuition

$44,350 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$44,350 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Percent Enrolled Online: 18%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $630
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $630

Contact Information:

Address: 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 79%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $80,309

2. Western Connecticut State University

In-State Tuition

$6,664 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$9,996 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Percent Enrolled Online: 7%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $709
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $709

Contact Information:

Address: 181 White Street, Danbury, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 70%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $75,104

3. Fairfield University

In-State Tuition

$55,510 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$55,510 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Percent Enrolled Online: 6%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $855
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $855

Contact Information:

Address: 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 90%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $76,749

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Sacred Heart University

In-State Tuition

$48,160 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$48,160 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Percent Enrolled Online: 11%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $650
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $650

Contact Information:

Address: 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 85%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $74,929

5. Quinnipiac University

In-State Tuition

$50,400 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$50,400 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Percent Enrolled Online: 13%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,160
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,160

Contact Information:

Address: 275 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 87%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $75,548

6. Central Connecticut State University

In-State Tuition

$6,664 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$19,940 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Percent Enrolled Online: 4%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $612
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $628

Contact Information:

Address: 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 79%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $68,139

7. Southern Connecticut State University

In-State Tuition

$6,664 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$19,940 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Percent Enrolled Online: 11%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $278
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $278

Contact Information:

Address: 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 76%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,015

8. Naugatuck Valley Community College

In-State Tuition

N/A per year

Out-of-State Tuition

N/A per year

Accreditation

N/A

Online?

N/A

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? N/A
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: N/A

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: N/A

Contact Information:

Address: N/A, N/A, N/A
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: N/A

9. University of Connecticut

In-State Tuition

$16,332 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$39,000 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Yes

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Percent Enrolled Online: 5%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $681
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,625

Contact Information:

Address: 352 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 91%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,783

10. University of Saint Joseph

In-State Tuition

$45,608 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$45,608 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

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.

School Information:

Public or Private? Private
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Percent Enrolled Online: 19%

Tuition:

In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $779
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $779

Contact Information:

Address: 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 86%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,705

Next Steps

Once you’ve found some nursing programs you’re interested in, the next step is to begin your applications. It’s always a good idea to apply to more than one school — just make sure that you get your applications in on time!

Here are the steps to applying for college:

Contact each school’s admissions offices. Admissions offices help prospective students prepare for the application – and in some cases, they can help connect you to financial aid. Don’t rule out any school until contacting the admissions office.

Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Some nursing programs require higher GPAs or test scores than the university they’re a part of. Also, specific prerequisite courses may be required. Some can be completed in high school, so you could ahead on your nursing school application before you start college!

Submit your application(s). Once all your materials are ready, the final step is to submit your applications! Each school has its own rules for applications, including different deadlines and requirements.

Common application requirements include:

High school transcript (GPA)

ACT and/or SAT scores

College entrance essay(s)

Letter(s) of recommendation

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools

Picking the right school may seem impossible, but as long as you’re applying to schools with accredited nursing programs, there’s no wrong answer. Focus on picking the school that meets your personal, financial, and academic wants and needs.

When comparing schools, consider things like:

Annual tuition and nursing program cost
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
Distance from hospitals
Distance from home
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Length and type of program
Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
School’s accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation

When a program is accredited, it means that the program meets the rigorous academic standards set by a government-approved accrediting body. Accreditation is essentially proof of quality.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Conclusion

Connecticut is a high-paying state for nurses, and its proximity to densely populated areas makes it perfect for finding a position. Also, some of the top nursing programs — and colleges in general – can be found in Connecticut. With an easy application process after completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX, choosing a school in Connecticut puts you on track to become a nurse in no time!

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As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

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References:

BSN