Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for Hartford-area BSN programs side by side.
Which nursing schools in Hartford feed graduates into the region's three largest hospital systems? With Hartford HealthCare, Trinity Health of New England, and Connecticut Children's all based in the area, the metro supports a dense employer base that hires heavily from local BSN programs. Registered nurses in the Hartford metro earned a median $101,210 in 2024, according to the BLS.
Prospective students can choose among traditional four-year BSNs, accelerated second-degree tracks, and RN-to-BSN online pathways from public and private institutions within commuting distance. The range of formats has expanded since 2020, but clinical placement slots remain tight at several Hartford-area nursing schools.
The Hartford area offers a range of accredited nursing programs, from traditional four-year BSNs to accelerated paths for career changers. Our rankings emphasize proximity to Hartford, strength of local clinical partnerships, program flexibility, and outcomes like NCLEX pass rates and graduate earnings where available.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | $28,000/yr (net price) | Career changers needing fast-track nursing | |
University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford combines a traditional BSN with an accelerated second-degree option, both grounded in holistic, ethical nursing practice. Students benefit from direct clinical placements at major Hartford hospitals like Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis, building strong local employment networks. Admission for the accelerated track requires a 3.0 GPA and prior bachelor's degree, while the BSN requires a 2.8 GPA and C or better in sciences.
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| #2 | University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | $30,000/yr (net price) | First-year students wanting campus immersion | |
The University of Hartford, located on the Hartford–West Hartford line, offers a four-year BSN that emphasizes early clinical exposure starting in sophomore year. Students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs and at nearby partner hospitals including Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children's. The program reports a 100% job placement rate and a median RN salary of $93,600, with a supportive learning community and strong NCLEX preparation.
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| #3 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | $17,000/yr | Budget-conscious commuters from Hartford | |
Central Connecticut State University in New Britain is the closest public BSN option for Hartford commuters. Admission is highly competitive, requiring TEAS exam scores and a 3.0 GPA, but in-state tuition keeps costs manageable. The program integrates simulation suites and clinical rotations at The Hospital of Central Connecticut and other regional facilities, with student support through honor societies and the Student Nursing Association.
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| #4 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Connecticut's Storrs-based BSN is a nationally ranked program with deep clinical ties to Hartford, placing students at Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children's. Students also benefit from UConn Hartford regional campus partnerships for pre-nursing coursework. The program offers small-group clinical experiences across over 70 affiliate sites, plus honors and global learning opportunities, with in-state tuition for Connecticut residents.
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| #5 | Charter Oak State College | New Britain, CT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Charter Oak State College in New Britain specializes in online RN-to-BSN completion, designed for working Connecticut RNs, especially graduates of state community college ADN programs. The CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health, with two practicum courses that can be arranged locally in the Hartford area. Connecticut residents benefit from lower in-state tuition.
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| #6 | Connecticut State Community College | New Britain, CT | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Connecticut State Community College offers an associate degree in nursing with a hybrid format at multiple campuses, including the New Britain location that serves Hartford-area students. The four-semester program boasts a 90%+ job placement rate in Connecticut within a year and strong clinical partnerships with Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health. Graduates earn an average starting salary of $73,352 and can seamlessly transfer to RN-to-BSN programs.
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| #7 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | Chicopee, MA | $18,000/yr | ||
College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is a private college with a strong nursing reputation, reporting a 97.7% NCLEX pass rate. The traditional BSN starts clinicals in sophomore year at sites including Baystate Medical Center, and the program emphasizes a liberal arts foundation. While located across the state line, its test-optional process and scholarship opportunities attract Connecticut students.
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| #8 | Bay Path University | Longmeadow, MA | $14,000/yr (net price) | ||
Bay Path University, based in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, delivers several nursing pathways with online flexibility, including a BSN, an Associate of Science in Nursing, and a Direct Entry MSN. The ASN combines online theory with weekly in-person labs and a seamless RN-to-BSN bridge, while the direct-entry MSN is designed for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Small cohorts and dedicated advising support adult learners.
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| #9 | Springfield Technical Community College | Springfield, MA | $6,000/yr (net price) | ||
Springfield Technical Community College offers an ACEN-accredited associate degree in nursing with both a traditional two-year track and a one-year accelerated option for LPNs, paramedics, and military medics. Clinical placements are arranged in Springfield-area hospitals, and articulation agreements facilitate transfer to RN-to-BSN programs. The program provides an affordable entry point for Hartford-area students willing to commute across the state line.
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| #10 | Westfield State University | Westfield, MA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Westfield State University, located in Westfield, Massachusetts, is the farthest school on our list but remains within commuting distance for some Hartford-area students. The CCNE-accredited BSN program features clinicals starting sophomore year, a 100% job placement rate, and a capstone preceptorship. The university is frequently recognized as a top value in Massachusetts, and it maintains high NCLEX pass rates.
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The table below compares tuition and net price for bachelor's nursing programs in and around Hartford. The net price shown is the average cost after grants and scholarships across all students at the institution, not a nursing-specific figure, so your actual out-of-pocket cost may vary. In-state students seeing the lowest net prices include UConn-Waterbury ($10,875) and UConn-Avery Point ($13,807); the spread between the cheapest and most expensive net price among these programs is over $18,000.
| School | In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition | Average Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $18,140 | $40,808 | $10,875 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $18,140 | $40,808 | $13,807 |
| Charter Oak State College | $8,506 | $8,506 | $15,815 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $18,150 | $40,818 | $16,798 |
| Central Connecticut State University | $13,050 | $16,550 | $16,857 |
| Western Connecticut State University | $13,401 | $16,901 | $17,604 |
| Southern Connecticut State University | $13,442 | $16,942 | $20,857 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | $13,928 | $17,426 | $21,067 |
| University of Connecticut (Storrs) | $21,044 | $43,712 | $25,097 |
| University of Bridgeport | $35,760 | $35,760 | $27,807 |
| University of Saint Joseph | $47,278 | $47,278 | $27,989 |
| Goodwin University | $21,188 | $21,188 | $29,249 |
The NCLEX-RN is the licensing exam all U.S. nursing graduates must pass to become registered nurses. A program's first-time pass rate is a widely watched indicator of how effectively it teaches core nursing concepts and prepares students for board exams. While many factors contribute to student success, a consistently high pass rate suggests a rigorous curriculum, strong faculty support, and solid exam-prep resources. Conversely, a program with pass rates that trail well below state or national averages may signal gaps in instruction or student readiness.
For context, during the 2024, 2025 period, Connecticut nursing programs collectively posted NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates ranging from 86% to 93%.1 Nationally, the average first-time pass rate for RN candidates in 2025 was 87.5%.2 These figures give you a baseline when evaluating Hartford-area schools. Programs that routinely exceed the state average can demonstrate added confidence in their training.
Two prominent BSN providers near Hartford are the University of Hartford3 and Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). While both have historically reported solid NCLEX performance, recent school-specific pass rates are not centrally published in a single annual digest. Prospective students should visit each program's nursing department website or contact admissions for the latest first-time NCLEX data. Many programs in the region have pass rates above the state average, but verifying current numbers directly ensures you are working with accurate, up-to-date information.
When comparing schools, don't rely solely on a single year's rate. Look for multi-year trends: a program that consistently meets or beats the state average is a strong bet. A drop in one year may be an anomaly, but a pattern of low scores warrants caution. Also, consider how programs support students who need to retake the exam; a school’s remediation resources and NCLEX-prep integration can make a difference. Ultimately, a strong pass rate is one piece of the puzzle alongside clinical placements, faculty expertise, and program fit.
Nursing education increasingly adapts to students at different life stages, and Hartford-area schools now offer multiple BSN pathways. Three distinct routes let you enter the profession or advance your credentials without a one-size-fits-all timeline.
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designed for first-time college students and those without a prior degree. It spans about four years and blends general education, nursing theory, and extensive clinical rotations. The University of Hartford’s traditional BSN is a full-time, 48-month program requiring 121 credits.3 Most residential campuses in the Hartford area offer a version of this pathway, providing a structured, cohort-based experience that builds nursing competency gradually.
Accelerated BSN programs condense nursing coursework into 12 to 16 months for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. They are intense, full-time, and ideally suited for career changers. Multiple schools in the region offer ABSN options: - Central Connecticut State University (CCSU): 15-month hybrid program with online coursework and in-person clinicals; requires a prior BA/BS.1 - University of Saint Joseph: 15-month Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) in Nursing, delivered fully in-person with clinical experiences.2 - Goodwin University: 16-month ABSN for those with a prior bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA; CCNE-accredited.4 - Quinnipiac University: 15-month, in-person ABSN for holders of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another field.5 - University of Connecticut (UConn): 12-month Certificate Entry into Nursing (CEIN) for bachelor’s degree holders.6 - Southern Connecticut State University: 12-month ABSN requiring a BA/BS in another discipline.7
These programs require full-time commitment and often follow a lockstep curriculum. They are not designed for working adults, given their demanding pace and daytime clinical schedules.
The RN-to-BSN pathway serves registered nurses who hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and want to earn a bachelor’s while continuing to work. The University of Hartford’s RN-to-BSN program runs 12 months, is offered part-time in the evening, and specifically targets working ADN-prepared nurses.3 The part-time evening format allows you to maintain employment while advancing your education. While several schools in the state offer RN-to-BSN tracks, Hartford’s on-the-ground option is tailored to the schedules of practicing nurses.
Career changers with a prior degree should look to accelerated programs at CCSU, USJ, Goodwin, or UConn, which deliver licensure eligibility fastest. Working adults who are already RNs benefit most from the part-time evening RN-to-BSN at the University of Hartford. First-time students typically enroll in a traditional four-year BSN, which remains the broadest entry point.
Program-level earnings for Hartford-area BSN programs are not yet published, but the local market gives a strong earnings benchmark. The BLS reports that registered nurses in the Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford metro area earned a median $101,210 in 2024. Median graduate debt at nearby schools ranges from $12,975 (Yale University) to $30,964 (Albertus Magnus College), helping frame the typical return on investment.
Navigating nursing education in Hartford raises common questions about program availability, quality, and cost. Here are clear answers to help you make an informed decision.
