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Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Connecticut

16 Min Read Published May 28, 2024
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

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

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

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

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

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

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

✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Connecticut

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 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

  • Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
  • Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
  • Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
  • Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

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

In-State Tuition
$42,851 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,851 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

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: $612
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $612
Contact Information:
  • Address: 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $80,309

 

In-State Tuition
$6,464 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,358 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

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: 84%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 9%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $588
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $588
Contact Information:
  • Address: 181 White Street, Danbury, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $75,104

 

In-State Tuition
$53,630 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$53,630 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

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: 52%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 3%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $825
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $825
Contact Information:
  • Address: 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $76,749

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

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

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

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

In-State Tuition
$46,310 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,310 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
Yes

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: 66%
  • 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

 

In-State Tuition
$49,170 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,170 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

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: 84%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 8%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,130
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,130
Contact Information:
  • Address: 275 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $75,548

 

In-State Tuition
$6,470 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,358 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: 77%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 4%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $595
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $610
Contact Information:
  • Address: 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $68,139

 

In-State Tuition
$6,470 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,358 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

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: 83%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 11%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $270
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $270
Contact Information:
  • Address: 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,015

 

In-State Tuition
$4,176 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,552 per year
Accreditation
ACEN
Online?
No

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? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 18%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $174
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $523
Contact Information:
  • Address: 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing an ADN: $66,611

 

In-State Tuition
$15,672 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,340 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: 55%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 5%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $653
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,598
Contact Information:
  • Address: 352 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,783

 

In-State Tuition
$42,050 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,050 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

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: 75%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 10%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $690
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $690
Contact Information:
  • Address: 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $70,705

 

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

  • Connecticut nurses earn an annual mean wage of $88,530. 
  • Connecticut employs 34,320 nurses and employs just above the national average number of nurses per 1,000 workers. 

The BLS reports that the national mean wage for nurses is $77,600, so nurses in Connecticut earn a higher average wage. 

As a smaller state, Connecticut is far from one of the largest employers for nurses. That being said, the larger cities, such as Hartford and New Haven have countless opportunities available for nurses.

Also, Connecticut is part of the New England area, and nurses in Connecticut may be able to find work in nearby New York or Massachusetts. It’s important to note that if you live in Connecticut but work in a neighboring state, you will not only need to pass the NCLEX but also apply for state licensure.

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

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

Getting a License in Connecticut

Fortunately, Connecticut has a streamlined process for becoming a registered nurse. All of the information (including the application) can be found online.  Unfortunately, at this time Connecticut is not part of the eNLC and does not have any pending legislation. 

To get a license in Connecticut, you’ll need to:

Completing a BSN or similar program from an accredited program in Connecticut satisfies the prerequisites to sit for the NCLEX and apply for a license. 

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!

Find Nursing Programs

References:

BLS

BestPlaces.net

Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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