9th Annual Connecticut RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Connecticut and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 8 ADN degree programs and 9 BSN degree programs in Connecticut. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Connecticut to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.Â
Best ADN Programs in Connecticut
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Three Rivers Community College
Pass Rate
574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT - 06360
(860) 215-9000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.15%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 67
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,596
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 70%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,359
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 16%
Three Rivers Community College was founded in 1992 and is located in Norwich, CT. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program that was co-designed with six other schools, known as the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program. Their program is highly competitive, and graduates from the program are very likely to find employment in nearby healthcare facilities. LPNs are eligible for advanced placement, though the length of their course of study depends on an individual basis. They will take a bridge course and be assessed by specialized nursing advisors who ultimately determine placement in the program.
Three Rivers also has agreements with numerous nearby colleges, including Yale University, offering graduates a seamless transition into a BSN program. The program has a great reputation in the nearby area for preparing competent nurses, as well as their dedication to supporting the long-term goals of their students. Scholarships and financial aid are offered, and students will have an academic advisor to guide them through the process. Those interested in the program may apply once annually for enrollment in the fall.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Pass Rate
- 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT - 06708-3089
- (203) 575-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.48%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 94
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,516
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 71%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,268
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 16%
Naugatuck Valley Community College has a 110-acre campus in Waterbury, CT. They offer an ACEN accredited 4-semester ADN program that focuses on student preparedness to work in outpatient care, long-term care, and acute nursing care. The program places emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills, as well as honing in on a solid foundation in mathematics, science, social science and English. Students will also get hands-on practice by using simulation mannequins and through clinical rotations in nearby healthcare facilities.
With NVCC’s narrow focus on outpatient care, long-term care, and acute nursing care, they prepare students to meet the demands of populations in Connecticut, where nursing shortages are largely in these three areas. This approach boasts career prospects for graduates, as their education is more specialty-specific than most ADN programs.
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Northwestern Community College
Pass Rate
- Park Pl E, Winsted, CT - 06098
- (860) 738-6300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 89.26%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 26
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,556
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 74%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,125
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 21%
Northwestern Connecticut Community College is located in Winsted, Connecticut. Â They are part of the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program, which is a network of RNÂ programs offered at six Connecticut community colleges. Â All of the programs require the same classes. Â All also offer an advanced placement for LPNs, meaning that the LPN can enter the program in the third semester as they have prior nursing experience.
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Norwalk Community College
Pass Rate
- 188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT - 06854
- (203) 857-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 87.37%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 88
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,586
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 72%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,375
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 11%
Norwalk Community College is located in Norwalk, Connecticut. Â They are part of the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program, which is a network of RNÂ programs offered at six Connecticut community colleges. Â All of the programs require the same classes. Â All also offer an advanced placement for LPNs, meaning that the LPN can enter the program in the third semester as they have prior nursing experience.
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
St. Vincent's College
Pass Rate
- 2800 Main St, Bridgeport, CT - 06606-4201
- 8008731013
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.52%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty:
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
St. Vincent's College, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a community-based institution dedicated to providing top-tier education in nursing and allied health. As a private Catholic college, it upholds the values of the Catholic Church while offering comprehensive nursing programs designed to meet the needs of today's healthcare industry. The college offers three CCNE accredited programs: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and an RN to BSN program. These programs are structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their nursing careers.
St. Vincent's College is affiliated with St. Vincent's Medical Center, a major teaching hospital, which provides students with unparalleled access to clinical experiences. This affiliation allows nursing students to gain hands-on practice in a real-world healthcare setting, enhancing their learning and professional development. The college's commitment to excellence in nursing education is reflected in its high NCLEX pass rates and strong job placement rates for graduates, making it one of the leading nursing schools in Connecticut.
Best BSN Programs in Connecticut
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus
Pass Rate
- 352 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT - 06269
- (860) 486-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 85.50%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2486
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $18,524
- Book and Supplies: $950
- Percent Received Aid: 77%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,883
- Percent Admitted: 56%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Saint Joseph
Pass Rate
- 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT - 06117
- (860) 232-4571
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 82.29%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 128
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,049
- Percent Admitted: 78%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Southern Connecticut State University
Pass Rate
- 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT - 06515-1355
- (203) 392-5200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 81.91%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 422
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,882
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,966
- Percent Admitted: 80%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Fairfield University
Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies
Pass Rate
- 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT - 06824-5195
- (203) 254-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 81.32%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 312
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,150
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 97%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,395
- Percent Admitted: 56%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
#5 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sacred Heart University
Pass Rate
- 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT - 06825-1000
- (203) 371-7999
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 81.12%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 333
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,153
- Percent Admitted: 66%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
#6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
St. Vincent's College
Pass Rate
- 2800 Main St, Bridgeport, CT - 06606-4201
- 8008731013
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 79.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty:
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#7 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Central Connecticut State University
Pass Rate
- 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, CT - 06050
- (860) 832-2278
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 78.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 428
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,542
- Book and Supplies: $1,600
- Percent Received Aid: 89%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,704
- Percent Admitted: 65%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
#8 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Quinnipiac University
Pass Rate
- Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT - 06518
- (203) 582-8200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 75.02%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 408
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $800
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,930
- Percent Admitted: 82%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 11%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
#9 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Western Connecticut State University
Pass Rate
- 181 White Street, Danbury, CT - 06810-6826
- (203) 837-8200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 74.83%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 213
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,781
- Book and Supplies: $1,300
- Percent Received Aid: 83%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,710
- Percent Admitted: 81%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
About RN Programs in Connecticut
- There are 22 nursing schools in Connecticut. The CCNE accredits 13 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 15 schools in Connecticut.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Connecticut is between 84.26% and 94.15%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Connecticut is between 86.48% and 97.33%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Connecticut can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Connecticut has made it their mission to provide the best health care system possible. This is largely thanks to the well-educated nurses in the system. Connecticut has done a wonderful job protecting the public's health in regulating nursing education, licensure, and practice. By pursuing their career of choice, nurses are exploring a new career field with a solid job outlook. There are many benefits to enrolling in an RN program in Connecticut. Local schools have been offering programs at a low cost in order to help increase the nursing shortage. The standards in nursing have been increasing across the state in order to help employers increase their staffing levels and health care standards.
Registered Nurses in Connecticut have a chance to practice in a diverse and competitive environment while earning an equally competitive salary. The 33,400 RNs working in the state earn on average $60,560 annually while starting out, which increases to $133,320 as they get more experienced. This amount is among the highest salaries in the entire nation. The state is projected to need to fill 41,860 RN positions by 2028 to keep up with the healthcare needs of the citizens, so it is an excellent place for nurses looking to settle and earn comfortably.
Similarly, Connecticut also has a projected need of 3,640 Nurse Practitioners by 2028, which is a 20.5% increment from 2018. The current 2,630 nurses earn $77,750 on average. In addition, NPs with more than 20 years of experience earn about $162,060 annually.
All of this makes Connecticut a very great place to start and advance your nursing career. However, since Connecticut is one of the few states that still hasn’t implemented the eNLC (Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact), you will not be eligible to work here with a nursing license from another state. That being said, you can still take the NCLEX in Connecticut and enjoy the perks of living and working in this great state.
Connecticut RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 9 | 12 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 87.86% | 94.02% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 84.26% to 94.15% | 86.48% to 97.33% |
Nursing Programs Offered by Connecticut Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 19
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 6
- CNL: 4
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nurse Educator: 1
Connecticut Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus: 6
- Southern Connecticut State University: 4
- Fairfield University: 4
- University of Saint Joseph: 3
- Sacred Heart University: 3
- Quinnipiac University: 3
- Western Connecticut State University: 2
- University of Hartford: 1
- Gateway Community College: 1
- Central Connecticut State University: 1
Become a Nurse Practitioner in Connecticut
Research the best Connecticut NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:
In the state of Connecticut, the NPs are granted Full Practice authority by the state practice and licensure laws. It means that they are permitted to evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Connecticut offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Become an APRN in Connecticut
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
RN Licensing Requirements in Connecticut
Comprehensive guide to Connecticut Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN
Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing
410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 13PHO
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0328
Phone: (860) 509-7624
Fax: (860) 509-7553
More of the Best Nursing Programs in Connecticut
|
Grade
|
University
|
Connecticut Rank
|
Degree
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 84.44 | Gateway Community College | 6 | ADN |
| 84.26 | Goodwin College | 7 | ADN |
Nursing Salaries in Connecticut
How much do nurses earn in Connecticut?
- CNA Salary Report for 2025
- LPN Salary Report for 2025
- RN Salary Report for 2025
- NP Salary Report for 2025
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