Best Nursing Schools in Connecticut

Updated on January 11, 2024

At a Glance

  • Connecticut offers excellent nursing schools with rigorous training programs and high-quality faculty.
  • Top nursing schools in Connecticut include Yale School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Fairfield University, and more.
  • These schools provide various degree options, clinical opportunities, and strong NCLEX pass rates.
  • Connecticut nursing schools have different acceptance rates, tuition fees, and average salaries for graduates.

Connecticut has many excellent nursing schools that offer rigorous training programs to prepare students for licensure and rewarding careers in the nursing profession. The top nursing schools in the state feature high-quality faculty, clinical rotation opportunities, career support services, and more. This guide profiles 10 of the top nursing degree programs in Connecticut ranked by factors like graduation rate, affordability, and career outcomes.

Yale School of Nursing

Location: New Haven, CT

Rating: 9.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 3%

Tuition: $61,977 per year

Avg Salary: $80,697

Website: https://nursing.yale.edu

The Yale School of Nursing offers world-class nursing education with nine specialization tracks. All MSN students complete over 500 clinical hours. Yale’s 97% first-time NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement rate showcase this Ivy League school’s excellence.

University of Connecticut

Location: Storrs, CT

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Avg SAT Score: 1250

Tuition: $18,384 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $72,000

Website: https://nursing.uconn.edu

UConn’s Nursing School boasts an NCLEX first-time pass rate over 90% and clinical rotation sites at top hospitals like Yale New Haven. Their direct entry MSN accepts non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Accelerated options allow faster completion.

Fairfield University

Location: Fairfield, CT

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Avg SAT Score: 1210

Tuition: $48,000 per year

Avg Salary: $70,000

Website: https://www.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/academics/schools-and-colleges/egan-school-of-nursing-and-health-studies/

Fairfield Nursing features programs like their accelerated 15-month ABSN with 100% NCLEX pass rate. They emphasize clinical immersion at their state-of-the-art simulation lab and sites like Yale and Stamford Hospital.

Sacred Heart University

Location: Fairfield, CT

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Avg SAT Score: 1110

Tuition: $41,000 per year

Avg Salary: $70,000

Website: https://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/colleges–schools/college-of-nursing/

Sacred Heart’s competitive direct entry MSN gives non-nursing graduates nursing credentials in just 2 years. Their simulation hospital replicates real nurse training. Graduates praise the curriculum’s balance of hands-on clinicals and labs.

Southern Connecticut State University

Location: New Haven, CT

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Avg SAT Score: 1050

Tuition: $12,042 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $65,000

Website: https://www.SouthernCT.edu/nursing

Southern Connecticut State is the most affordable RN program in the state with high NCLEX pass rates. They offer an accelerated 15-month ABSN along with traditional BSN and MSN degrees. The program emphasizes clinical hours focused on evidence-based care.

Goodwin University

Location: East Hartford, CT

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Tuition: $27,300 per year

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: https://www.goodwin.edu/en/academics/nursing-and-health-sciences/

Goodwin University’s affordable accelerated ABSN takes just 12 months to complete. The curriculum blends online coursework with in-person clinical rotations. Small class sizes ensure abundant faculty support and clinical placement opportunities.

University of Saint Joseph

Location: West Hartford, CT

Rating: 6.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Tuition: $38,655 per year

Avg Salary: $63,500

Website: https://www.usj.edu/nursing/

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) offers full-time, part-time and accelerated BSN options. USJ students train across six major hospitals gaining broad experience. Graduate outcomes showcase 90% NCLEX pass rates and 100% job rates.

Western Connecticut State University

Location: Danbury, CT

Rating: 6/10

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Tuition: $11,524 per year (in-state)

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: https://www.wcsu.edu/nursing/

Western Connecticut State’s Nursing School centers student learning across simulation labs and 160+ clinical partners. Their traditional BSN takes 4 years to complete with summer practicums to accelerate real-world skills. The program is stepping up NCLEX pass rates.

Three Rivers Community College

Location: Norwich, CT

Rating: 5.5/10

Acceptance Rate: Open admission

Tuition: $5,400 per year

Avg Salary: $58,000

Website: https://www.threerivers.edu/nursing/

Three Rivers Community College offers an affordable Associate Degree RN with guaranteed admission to Connecticut RN-to-BSN programs. The 74% first-time NCLEX pass rate surpasses averages. Graduates gain work experience during 600+ clinical practicum hours.

Capital Community College

Location: Hartford, CT

Rating: 5/10

Acceptance Rate: Open admission

Tuition: $5,100 per year

Avg Salary: $55,000

Website: https://www.capitalcc.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/nursingassociate-degree/

Capital Community College’s two-year ADN program blends nursing theory with clinical skills. Students receive over 920 hours in clinical rotations. The program best suits passionate candidates focused on hands-on learning. Graduates often pursue BSNs and MSNs.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Connecticut

Which nursing school in Connecticut is the best?

The Yale School of Nursing is considered the best in the state with Ivy League prestige, renowned faculty, cutting-edge resources, and exceptional graduate career outcomes.

What GPA is required for nursing school in Connecticut?

The average GPA requirement for top nursing schools in Connecticut ranges between 3.2 to 3.7. Accelerated BSN and direct entry MSN programs often expect even higher undergraduate GPAs.

Can you become an RN with an associate degree in Connecticut?

Yes, aspiring RNs in Connecticut can gain licensure after completing an accredited ADN program and passing the NCLEX national exam. However, many facilities prefer or require BSN degrees.

How long does it take to get a BSN in Connecticut?

Traditional BSN programs take 4 years, including prerequisites and summer terms. Accelerated options for non-nursing majors can lead to a BSN degree in just 12-24 months with the right prerequisites.

How much do RNs make in Connecticut?

The average registered nurse salary in Connecticut is over $79,000 per year, which is higher than both regional and national averages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experience level strongly impacts salaries.

What is the easiest nursing school to get into in Connecticut?

With open admissions policies, Three Rivers Community College and Capital Community College represent the easiest nursing schools to enroll at in Connecticut. However, their programs still maintain rigorous curriculum standards.

Can I work while completing an accelerated BSN program in Connecticut?

Working while completing Connecticut’s intensive 12-24 month ABSN programs proves extremely challenging due to full course loads and 20-30 clinical practicum hours per week. However, some exceptional students can handle limited part-time work.

Are there waiting lists for nursing schools in Connecticut?

Yes, nursing remains a highly competitive field in Connecticut, so waiting lists at top schools are common. The average wait time ranges 1-3 admission cycles, meaning planning ahead is critical.

Do Connecticut nursing schools require the TEAS test?

Most nursing schools in Connecticut require the TEAS test to evaluate applicants’ essential baseline nursing knowledge and critical thinking capabilities. The TEAS test should be prepared for rigorously by applicants.

Can I earn a direct entry MSN nursing degree in Connecticut?

Yes, Connecticut has direct entry MSN programs designed for those with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields to gain RN licensure and advance to Master of Science in Nursing programs faster. These intensive programs often take just 2-3 years to complete.

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Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.

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