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.
Our ranking of Hartford-area nursing programs weighs academic quality, affordability, and local clinical access. The schools below include traditional BSNs, accelerated tracks, online RN-to-BSN options, and a direct-entry MSN for career changers. Each entry highlights what makes the program distinct for aspiring nurses in central Connecticut.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | $28,000/yr (net price) | Commuting students needing local clinical placements | |
Located in West Hartford, the University of Saint Joseph offers both a traditional BSN and an accelerated second degree track. Clinical rotations at Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis, and other local systems give students strong ties to the region's healthcare employers. The program emphasizes holistic, ethical care and leadership, with a supportive 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Admission requires a 2.8 GPA for the traditional BSN or 3.0 for the accelerated, making it accessible to many Connecticut applicants.
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| #2 | University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | $30,000/yr (net price) | Hartford residents seeking an accessible private BSN | |
The University of Hartford's BSN in West Hartford combines rigorous academics with extensive local clinical placements. Students gain hands-on experience at Hartford Hospital, Connecticut Children's, and other familiar facilities. The program features simulation labs, a focus on leadership, and a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Admission is relatively open (95.8% acceptance rate) but the nursing curriculum is demanding.
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| #3 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | $17,000/yr | Budget-conscious learners in central Connecticut | |
Central Connecticut State University in New Britain is one of the most affordable public BSN options near Hartford. The program's clinical network includes The Hospital of Central Connecticut and Hartford Hospital, providing practical training just minutes from campus. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA and a TEAS score of 70%. Small class sizes and recently updated simulation labs prepare graduates for local nursing roles.
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| #4 | Charter Oak State College | New Britain, CT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
As a fully online RN-to-BSN program based in New Britain, Charter Oak State College serves working nurses throughout Connecticut. It maximizes transfer credits from associate degree nursing programs, including those from CT State Community College campuses. The curriculum focuses on healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, and leadership, with practicums arranged locally. In-state tuition makes it a cost-effective choice for Hartford-area RNs.
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| #5 | Connecticut State Community College | New Britain, CT | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
This associate degree program, offered in a hybrid format with some on-ground components in New Britain, is a direct pathway into the Hartford nursing workforce. Graduates boast a 90%+ employment rate in Connecticut with an average starting salary of $73,352, according to the college. The program's strong articulation agreements transition graduates seamlessly into BSN programs at CCSU, USJ, UConn, and Charter Oak.
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| #6 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Connecticut's BSN at Storrs provides a prestigious public education with access to clinical sites across the state, including Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children's. While not in the immediate Hartford metro, its regional campuses allow students to start coursework locally. With an 83% graduation rate and strong earnings outcomes, UConn is a top choice for high-achieving Connecticut residents seeking value.
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| #7 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | $24,000/yr | ||
Yale's Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) is an intense, accelerated MSN program for those with a non-nursing bachelor's. Based in New Haven, it draws students from across the country, but its clinical partnerships extend to central Connecticut community health centers. The 3-year campus program boasts a near-100% retention rate and very high earnings potential, though the 3.9% admission rate makes it extremely selective.
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| #8 | Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | $48,000/yr (net price) | ||
Fairfield University's BSN and Direct Entry MSN programs offer strong preparation with guaranteed clinical placements, including some opportunities through large Connecticut health systems. The school's 100% employment rate within six months of graduation is a compelling statistic, though the net price after aid is higher than many public options. Its 33% admission rate indicates a competitive process.
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| #9 | Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | ||
Western Connecticut State University in Danbury offers a BSN with small class sizes and historically high NCLEX pass rates. While its clinical placements are primarily in western Connecticut, students can access the program at in-state tuition rates. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making, but Hartford-area residents should weigh commuting distance.
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| #10 | Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven, CT | $21,000/yr | ||
Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven provides a BSN with part-time options, making it flexible for some learners. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and diversity, with clinical experiences in hospitals and communities. Admission is less selective (91.5% acceptance rate), but it may be less convenient for those seeking a Hartford-centric network.
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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).4 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.
Beyond the top-ranked Hartford programs, this directory highlights additional BSN and direct-entry MSN options in the surrounding area. Each entry includes the program format and estimated net price to simplify your comparison.
