Nursing in Connecticut

Schools, Licensure and Requirements

Connecticut offers a variety of pathways for aspiring nurses, with around 40 institutions offering nursing programs across different levels. While Connecticut is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, meaning nurses licensed in other states may need to obtain a Connecticut license to practice, the state offers numerous options for those seeking nursing education. Programs range from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to doctoral-level degrees, catering to individuals at various stages of their careers.

Prospective students will find several well-regarded options for nursing education in Connecticut. These include, but are not limited to, Yale University, the University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, and Fairfield University. These institutions offer a range of programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). For those seeking a quicker entry into the field, accelerated BSN programs are also available.

The cost of nursing education in Connecticut varies depending on the program level and institution. As a general guideline, LPN programs might range from $10,000 to $20,000, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs could cost between $20,000 and $40,000, and a BSN degree could range from $40,000 to upwards of $100,000 or more at private institutions.

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) in Connecticut is approximately $101,840, exceeding the national average. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs) earn a median salary of $68,150. The state employs a significant number of nurses, with over 36,430 RNs and 8,550 LPNs currently employed. 

For a comprehensive list of nursing schools in Connecticut, along with details about their program offerings, please explore our curated list below.

Quick Stats about Connecticut

40
Nursing Schools
90.0 %
Avg NCLEX Rate
Not NLC
Compact State
$101,927
Avg RN Salary

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Connecticut

These are the highest-performing nursing schools in Connecticut for 2025, ranked by their students' success on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you're choosing where to study, these programs have proven track records of preparing graduates to pass on their first attempt. See how we calculate rankings.

1
tie
Sacred Heart University
BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP
Fairfield
99.8% NCLEX
1
tie
University of Connecticut-Avery Point
BSN, Accelerated BSN
Groton
99.3% NCLEX
1
tie
Three Rivers Community College
ADN, LPN to ADN
Norwich
98.8% NCLEX
2
Gateway Community College
LPN, ADN
New Haven
98.2% NCLEX
3
tie
96.3% NCLEX
3
tie
Yale University
BSN, Accelerated MSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
New Haven
96.2% NCLEX
3
tie
University of Saint Joseph
BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN
West Hartford
96.2% NCLEX
3
tie
Fairfield University
BSN, Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP
Fairfield
95.8% NCLEX
4
tie
Western Connecticut State University
BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN
Danbury
94.0% NCLEX
4
tie
University of Connecticut
BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD
Storrs
93.2% NCLEX
4
tie
University of Connecticut-Stamford
BSN, Accelerated BSN
Stamford
93.0% NCLEX
5
tie
Southern Connecticut State University
BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN
New Haven
92.9% NCLEX
5
tie
92.7% NCLEX
5
tie
92.5% NCLEX
5
tie
University of Hartford
BSN, RN to BSN
West Hartford
92.0% NCLEX
6
tie
St Vincent's College
ADN, LPN to ADN
Bridgeport
90.7% NCLEX
6
tie
Capital Community College
LPN, ADN
Hartford
90.7% NCLEX
7
tie
Quinnipiac University
BSN, Accelerated BSN, DNP
Hamden
88.7% NCLEX
7
tie
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
BSN, Accelerated BSN
Waterbury
88.3% NCLEX
7
tie
Central Connecticut State University
BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN
New Britain
87.8% NCLEX
8
tie
Goodwin University
LPN, ADN, BSN, Accelerated BSN, LPN to ADN, RN to BSN, MSN, Fast Track LPN
East Hartford
86.8% NCLEX
8
tie
University of Bridgeport
ADN, BSN, Accelerated BSN
Bridgeport
86.1% NCLEX

Connecticut's NCLEX-RN Pass Rate vs. National Average

Compare Connecticut's NCLEX-RN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.

Connecticut's NCLEX-PN Pass Rate vs. National Average

Compare Connecticut's NCLEX-PN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.

Browse Programs by Type

Browse all nursing programs available in Connecticut, organized by degree type. Click any program to see schools offering that program with detailed information for easy comparison.

Doctoral Programs

Nursing Scholarships for Connecticut Students

Nutmeg Scholarship
Offered by: University of Connecticut
Applicant must be a Connecticut high school senior with exceptional academic accomplishments, and be an outstanding student.
Young Christian Leaders Scholarship
Offered by: Young Christian Leaders Scholarship Program
Applicant must be a high school senior or full-time current college student who is a permanent resident of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut and is an active member of their local church (college students who attend school away from their home will be evaluated on an individual basis). Minimum 3.0 GPA required. Awarded on a monthly basis with a deadline of the 15th of each month.
Rob Branham Scholarship
Offered by: Advertising Club of Connecticut
Applicants must attend or be accepted to an accredited university or technical or trade school. They must major in advertising, marketing, broadcast media or print production. They must be sponsored by a member of the Advertising Club of Connecticut. Selection is based on GPA (20 percent), essay (30 percent), work experience and activities (30 percent) and SAT/ACT scores (20 percent).

Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing

Dept. of Public Health, 410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 

13PHO Hartford, CT 06106

Mailing Address

Dept. of Public Health 410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 

13PHO P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308

Phone: 860.509.7624

Phone: 860.509.7603 (For testing candidates only)

Fax: 860.509.7553

Contact Person: Jennifer L. Filippone, Chief, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section