Compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition, earnings, and program formats across every accredited Connecticut nursing program.
Which Connecticut nursing programs lead to solid job placements without crushing debt? The state’s concentration of major health systems, Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, UConn Health, fuels strong clinical pipelines, yet BSN tuition ranges from under $9,000 at public colleges to over $67,000 at private universities.
Our ranking of 19 schools maps that cost-opportunity tradeoff, weighing graduation rates, net price, and median earnings. Publics like UConn’s regional campuses and Charter Oak State College offer some of New England’s lowest net prices; elite privates like Yale and Fairfield University back high tuition with near-guaranteed placements and top NCLEX pass rates.
In Connecticut, the right program hinges less on prestige and more on how well clinical partnerships and cost align with your career timeline.
Our ranking of Connecticut's top nursing programs evaluates schools on affordability, graduation rates, and career outcomes. The list below highlights institutions that prepare students for successful nursing careers, from entry-level licensure to advanced practice.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | $24,000/yr | Second-career professionals entering advanced practice | |
Yale University's Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) offers an accelerated three-year MSN for career changers holding non-nursing bachelor's degrees. Clinical training is anchored at Yale New Haven Health, providing deep in-state networking, while the program emphasizes advanced practice and leadership. With a 95.7% institutional graduation rate and strong ten-year earnings, it is a high-ROI entry point into Connecticut's nursing workforce.
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| #2 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Connecticut residents pursuing a public research BSN | |
The University of Connecticut's BS in Nursing at Storrs combines a strong liberal arts foundation with intensive clinical preparation in a public research university setting. Students benefit from connections to UConn Health and numerous Connecticut partner hospitals, with a curriculum emphasizing holistic care and diverse clinical experiences. Competitive admission requires strong science preparation; the program reports an 83.3% institutional graduation rate and solid ten-year earnings for graduates.
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| #3 | Charter Oak State College | New Britain, CT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Working RNs needing flexible online BSN | |
Charter Oak State College, Connecticut's public online college, offers an RN/ADN to BSN completion program built for working nurses. The 27-credit major is flexibly delivered online and aligned with the state's community college ADN curriculum to maximize transfer credit. With a net price of $15,815 and strong ten-year earnings, it provides an accessible pathway to career advancement while maintaining full-time employment.
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| #4 | Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | $48,000/yr (net price) | ||
Fairfield University's Egan School offers a traditional BSN and a Master's Entry to Practice Nursing (MEPN) for career changers. Both programs feature robust clinical partnerships across Fairfield County and Connecticut, with a 100% clinical placement rate. The curriculum emphasizes simulation-based learning and interprofessional preparation, supported by an 84.3% institutional graduation rate and strong post-graduation employment outcomes.
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| #5 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | $28,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Saint Joseph provides a BSN and an Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) option in West Hartford, both rooted in a mission of service to Connecticut communities. Clinical placements span Hartford-area hospitals and community health centers, preparing students for holistic, ethical nursing practice. The private institution reports a 63.8% graduation rate and a net price of $27,989, with a ten-year earnings median of $59,908.
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| #6 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | $17,000/yr | ||
Central Connecticut State University's BS in Nursing serves the central Connecticut region with an affordable, public option. The program combines theoretical and practical training, with competitive admission requiring a 3.0 GPA and a 70% TEAS score. Its net price of $16,857 and median graduate debt of $22,300 make it a budget-friendly path to RN licensure in-state.
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| #7 | Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven, CT | $21,000/yr | ||
Southern Connecticut State University's BS in Nursing offers full- and part-time tracks in New Haven, making it accessible for students at different life stages. The public program emphasizes ethical leadership and social justice, with clinical rotations in New Haven-area hospitals and community agencies. It reports a net price of $20,857 and a ten-year earnings median of $55,043.
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| #8 | Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | ||
Western Connecticut State University's BS in Nursing in Danbury is known for high NCLEX pass rates and small class sizes. As a public university, it offers in-state tuition and focuses on critical thinking, leadership, and ethical decision-making. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and serves the Western Connecticut region with clinical placements at local hospitals.
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| #9 | Connecticut State Community College | New Britain, CT | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Connecticut State Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing is a statewide, hybrid program serving multiple campuses. It provides an affordable pathway to RN licensure, with a net price of $11,513 and median graduate debt of $9,200. The program reports over 90% employment in Connecticut and an average starting salary of $73,352, with seamless transfer to in-state BSN programs.
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| #10 | University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | $30,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Hartford's BSN program in West Hartford blends classroom, lab, and clinical training in a private university setting. It features state-of-the-art simulation labs and a focus on evidence-based practice and leadership. The program has a net price of $30,282 and a median graduate debt of $27,000, with strong clinical ties to Hartford-area hospitals.
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Our rankings combine four verified data points from the U.S. Department of Education: median earnings one year after graduation, net price after financial aid, institution-wide graduation rate, and median federal student loan debt.
Each school receives a composite score based on these metrics, weighted to prioritize earnings and value. Programs with insufficient data are excluded from the ranked list.
Many nursing school rankings rely heavily on NCLEX first-time pass rates. Instead, we present pass rates in a separate table (see the NCLEX section) so you can factor them in. While important, pass rates measure licensure readiness, not financial outcomes or student experience. Some high-cost programs post excellent pass rates but leave graduates with six-figure debt and modest starting salaries, a tradeoff our earnings- and debt-focused approach makes visible.
All figures are drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, updated annually. The current snapshot reflects the most recent federal release, which covers students who graduated two to three years before the report year. This ensures the ranking is based on audited, publicly available numbers rather than self-reported marketing claims.
Public universities in Connecticut offer substantially lower tuition and net prices than private institutions. For in-state students, the most affordable BSN programs are at the UConn regional campuses and Charter Oak State College, with net prices under $16,000, while private options like Fairfield University and Albertus Magnus College exceed $34,000 after aid. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-wide average based on all undergraduates receiving financial aid, not a guaranteed individual cost.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid | Median Graduate Debt | Monthly Payment (10-Yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $18,140 | $40,808 | $10,875 | $21,500 | $233 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $18,140 | $40,808 | $13,807 | $21,500 | $233 |
| Charter Oak State College | $8,506 | $8,506 | $15,815 | $18,683 | $203 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $18,150 | $40,818 | $16,798 | $21,500 | $233 |
| Central Connecticut State University | $13,050 | $16,550 | $16,857 | $22,300 | $242 |
| Western Connecticut State University | $13,401 | $16,901 | $17,604 | $24,147 | $262 |
| Southern Connecticut State University | $13,442 | $16,942 | $20,857 | $22,250 | $241 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | $13,928 | $17,426 | $21,067 | $24,250 | $263 |
| University of Connecticut (Storrs) | $21,044 | $43,712 | $25,097 | $21,500 | $233 |
| University of Bridgeport | $35,760 | $35,760 | $27,807 | $25,750 | $279 |
| University of Saint Joseph | $47,278 | $47,278 | $27,989 | $27,000 | $293 |
| Goodwin University | $21,188 | $21,188 | $29,249 | $33,500 | $363 |
| Mitchell College | $40,490 | $40,490 | $30,260 | $25,150 | $273 |
| University of Hartford | $49,075 | $49,075 | $30,282 | $27,000 | $293 |
| Albertus Magnus College | $41,908 | $41,908 | $34,028 | $30,964 | $336 |
| Fairfield University | $58,350 | $58,350 | $48,095 | $26,000 | $282 |
Connecticut nursing programs consistently outperform the national average on the NCLEX-RN, but first-time pass rates still vary widely between schools and degree types. For aspiring nurses, a BSN program’s NCLEX performance offers a clear window into the quality of its curriculum, faculty, and clinical preparation. Knowing where to look and how to interpret the numbers can make all the difference in choosing a program that sets you up for licensure success.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Board of Examiners for Nursing publishes annual NCLEX pass rate reports for all in-state RN programs. These reports break down performance by school, year, and often by program type (ADN vs. BSN). You can access them directly on the DPH website under the board’s meeting materials or education resources. The most recent data spans 2022 through 2025, covering several testing cycles per year.
Many individual BSN programs also share their first-time pass rates on their own websites. Check the nursing department’s accreditation or outcomes page, where schools often highlight licensure exam results as a point of pride. If a program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), they are typically required to track and report these outcomes.
When reviewing NCLEX data, pay close attention to first-time pass rates rather than overall pass rates. First-time pass rates reflect the percentage of graduates who pass the exam on their initial attempt, which is a more accurate indicator of a program’s ability to prepare students. The overall pass rate includes repeat test-takers and can mask lower initial performance.
For context, the national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates in 2025 was 86.7%, while the overall pass rate for all test-takers (including repeats) sat at 69.1%. Connecticut programs collectively fall within a higher range, averaging between 86% and 93% in recent years, though those figures include all degree levels. BSN-specific pass rates are often stronger than the state average, but you should still verify each school’s numbers.
While we don’t have public, school-level BSN pass rates for every institution, the state’s overall nursing education outcomes are strong. For example, even among associate degree programs, which sometimes face challenges on the NCLEX, several Connecticut schools have posted exceptional results. CT State Gateway reported a 100% pass rate in 2024, and both CT State Naugatuck Valley and CT State Northwestern hit 97% in the same year. These high marks hint at a robust statewide pipeline that extends into BSN completion tracks.
To gauge a BSN program’s standing, compare its published pass rate against both the U.S. average and Connecticut’s performance band. A rate consistently above 90% is generally a green flag. If a school’s rate dips below 80% for multiple years, it may signal gaps in curriculum or student support.
Not all nursing schools post NCLEX results publicly. If you can’t find the data online, a direct call or email to the nursing department is your best move. Program coordinators or admissions staff are usually willing to share recent pass rate figures, especially if the numbers are competitive. You can also ask about remediation policies, NCLEX prep resources, and how the program supports students who don’t pass on the first try. These details often reveal as much about program quality as the rates themselves.
The ROI ratio compares 10-year median earnings to median graduate debt, revealing the real payoff beyond sticker price. For Connecticut BSN graduates, returns vary widely: Yale University leads with a 7.75 ratio thanks to low median debt ($12,975) and high earnings ($100,533). By contrast, Fairfield University's higher debt ($26,000) yields a 3.42 ratio despite strong earnings ($88,794). Community colleges like CT State offer a solid 4.49 ratio from very low debt ($9,200) and moderate earnings ($41,344), proving that affordable pathways can still deliver strong value. Early-career program-level earnings are not yet available, but these 10-year figures highlight which schools balance debt and earnings best.
A two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) can get you licensed faster and into the workforce, while a four-year bachelor's (BSN) often unlocks higher earning potential and leadership roles over time. Across Connecticut, that earnings spread becomes especially visible when you compare metro-area paychecks and experience levels.
According to the most recent occupational wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2022), registered nurses in Connecticut earned a median annual wage of $88,530.1 While this figure predates the current year and may have risen with inflation and demand, it still offers a reliable baseline for comparing the state to national figures. For contrast, the national median RN wage for 2024 was $93,600,2 showing that Connecticut wages, though strong, can trail some other high-cost states.
The full earnings spread for Connecticut RNs illustrates how experience and setting shape pay: - Entry-level (10th percentile): approximately $60,000 - 25th percentile: around $73,000 - 75th percentile: near $104,000 - Top earners (90th percentile): over $123,000
These ranges suggest that new graduates can expect to start in the low $60,000s, with the opportunity to nearly double their earnings as they gain clinical expertise, certifications, or move into specialty units.1
Location within the state significantly impacts pay. The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk corridor, with its higher cost of living and concentration of major health systems, typically reports the highest RN wages. Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown and New Haven also offer robust pay, though slightly below the Fairfield County market. For example, in 2022, the median in the Bridgeport area surpassed $90,000, while Hartford and New Haven medians sat in the mid-to-upper $80,000s.1 Prospective nurses should weigh these geographic premiums against living expenses when choosing where to work.
Nationally, RN employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 189,000 openings annually due to retirements and expanding healthcare needs.2 Connecticut mirrors this trend, driven by an aging population and heightened demand for acute and long-term care. While state-specific projections from BLS are not yet available for the 2024-2034 period, the underlying dynamics, such as hospital staffing shortages, primary care expansion, and the state's high concentration of health facilities, point to continued strong demand for new nursing graduates.
When comparing program outcomes, keep in mind that graduate earnings data from the College Scorecard reflect what completers of each specific nursing program earn, often just a few years after graduation. Those figures are narrower and capture early-career trajectories tied to a particular school's training and network. By contrast, BLS occupational wages measure what all employed RNs in Connecticut earn, regardless of where they went to school or their degree level. A program's graduate earnings can signal strong career preparation, but statewide BLS figures give you the sustainable salary floor for your career after the first few years.
Nursing schools in Connecticut deliver the Bachelor of Science in Nursing through several distinct formats, each designed for a different stage in a student's academic or professional life. Understanding the differences among traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks can help you pick the path that aligns with your timeline, prior education, and career goals.
Of the 16 ranked Connecticut schools that award a BSN, 15 deliver their programs primarily on campus. Only Charter Oak State College provides a fully online RN‑to‑BSN offering. No BSN program in Connecticut currently blends campus and online instruction as a hybrid model, though some individual courses may include web‑based components. This means most students, particularly those in traditional or accelerated tracks, should plan for in‑person clinical placements and lab work.
Every nursing student in Connecticut faces a core tradeoff: lower tuition at a public university may mean less debt, but higher-cost private programs often boast stronger clinical networks and higher post-graduation earnings. The right choice depends on your budget, academic profile, career goals, and the type of learning environment you need to thrive.
Answering these honestly will surface the programs that fit your finances, your application strength, and your career vision.
With NCLEX pass rates well above the national average, close ties to major teaching hospitals, and RN salaries that outpace the national median, Connecticut offers compelling BSN value. Students can choose from affordable public colleges or elite private institutions, all delivering strong career returns.
Navigating nursing education in Connecticut raises many questions about programs, costs, and outcomes. Here are clear answers to the most common inquiries to help you make an informed decision.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, Connecticut offers a variety of nursing pathways at different price points and formats. The following schools provide BSN, ADN, and accelerated nursing options worth exploring. Click through to individual profiles for complete details on admissions, curriculum, and outcomes.
