Compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition, earnings, and program formats across every accredited Connecticut nursing program.
What separates a $13,000-a-year BSN from a $58,000-a-year one among Connecticut's top nursing programs? Less than most applicants expect on the licensing side, and quite a lot on the debt side. In-state tuition at Central Connecticut State runs about $13,050, while Fairfield University lists $58,350, yet both routes end at the same NCLEX-RN exam and the same state license.
The harder constraint is admission. UConn takes nursing students in the fall only and expects a 3.0 GPA; several state programs require the TEAS exam on top of science prerequisites.
Clinical access shapes the rest. UConn alone maintains roughly 70 affiliate sites within 75 miles, and Yale New Haven and Hartford HealthCare absorb much of the state's student placement volume.
These ten Connecticut nursing schools stand out for strong clinical partnerships, faculty support, and in-state workforce readiness. The list includes traditional campus BSNs, accelerated second-degree options, and a flexible online RN-to-BSN pathway for working nurses.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | ~$50,000/yr (est.) | Career changers pursuing master's-level nursing | |
Yale University in New Haven is a private research university that offers a direct-entry MSN pathway for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing blends campus-based study with clinical placements at Yale New Haven Hospital and community settings, preparing students for advanced practice or leadership. Yale's institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 96 percent, a university-wide figure rather than a nursing-program-specific one. ACEN accredited
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| #2 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Traditional students wanting campus-based BSN | |
The University of Connecticut in Storrs is a public research university with a traditional campus-based BSN that introduces nursing coursework in the first year. Students practice in the Clinical Simulation Learning Center and complete small-group clinical rotations at more than 70 partner sites across Connecticut. UConn reports an institution-wide graduation rate near 83 percent, which reflects the university as a whole rather than only nursing students. CCNE accredited
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| #3 | Charter Oak State College | New Britain, CT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.) | Working RNs needing flexible online BSN | |
Charter Oak State College in New Britain is Connecticut's public online college, and its RN/ADN to BSN pathway is designed for working registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma. The fully online program emphasizes population health, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership, with two practicum courses for real-world application. Charter Oak's institution-wide graduation rate is about 67 percent, a university-wide measure rather than a nursing-program-specific rate. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | ~$21,000/yr (est.) | ||
Fairfield University in Fairfield is a private Jesuit university whose campus-based BSN combines liberal arts with 504 clinical hours and 112 lab hours. Students have guaranteed placements at major Connecticut hospitals such as Yale New Haven and Bridgeport Hospital. The university-wide graduation rate is roughly 84 percent, and Fairfield also offers a direct-entry MSN for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | $41,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Quinnipiac University in Hamden is a private university whose competency-based BSN emphasizes simulation, clinical judgment, and holistic care. Students complete rotations through more than 300 affiliates and train in high-fidelity labs before sitting for the NCLEX-RN. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 76 percent, and Quinnipiac's nursing program reports an 89 percent first-time NCLEX pass rate.
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| #6 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | ~$46,000/yr (est.) | ||
Sacred Heart University in Fairfield is a private Catholic university whose on-campus BSN emphasizes mind-body-spirit care and evidence-based practice. Students train in five simulation labs and can complete clinical hours abroad in Jamaica, Guatemala, or Ireland. The university-wide graduation rate is around 73 percent, and the nursing program reports a 99 percent first-time NCLEX pass rate in 2025.
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| #7 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | $28,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford is a private university with a direct-admission, campus-based BSN that has educated nurses for more than 60 years. Clinical placements at Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital pair with a state-of-the-art simulation lab, and the school also offers an accelerated second-degree BSN for career changers. USJ's institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 64 percent, reflecting the university overall. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #8 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | ||
Central Connecticut State University in New Britain is a public university whose campus-based BSN offers multiple pathways for first-year, transfer, re-entry, and continuing students. Admission to the nursing major is competitive and requires a 3.0 GPA plus a TEAS score of at least 70 percent. CCSU's institution-wide graduation rate is about 48 percent, a university-wide figure that is not specific to nursing. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven, CT | ~$21,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven is a public university with an upper-division campus BSN built on liberal arts and science. The program offers direct admission, transfer, and part-time evening/weekend pathways, making it accessible to working adults. SCSU's institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 50 percent, which reflects the university overall rather than the nursing program alone. CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | ||
Western Connecticut State University in Danbury is a public university whose campus BSN begins nursing coursework in the sophomore year and spans three focused years. Students complete clinical partnerships in Danbury, Waterbury, and New Haven, and the program reports one of the highest NCLEX pass rates in Connecticut. WCSU's institution-wide graduation rate is about 52 percent, a university-wide measure. CCNE accredited
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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 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 180,800 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.
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 ranked programs above, Connecticut offers a range of additional nursing pathways, from community college associate degrees to accelerated second-degree BSNs and online graduate entry options. This directory is not ranked; entries are grouped by region and listed alphabetically within each region so you can browse options near you. Click through to any school profile for full details on admission requirements, start dates, and clinical placements.
