Connecticut’s latest public NCLEX table shows several nursing programs above 95% in 2025, including Sacred Heart BSN at 98%, Quinnipiac BSN at 96%, Western Connecticut BSN at 100%, and multiple CT State ADN campuses at 95% or higher.

That is the good news.

The catch is that Connecticut’s nursing school market is not one-size-fits-all. Yale’s GEPN is an entry-level master’s route, not a BSN. UConn has both traditional BSN and accelerated CEIN/BS cohorts. CT State’s ADN pathway runs across six campuses. Private universities may offer strong outcomes but higher tuition. Newer programs may be Board-approved but have little or no NCLEX track record yet.

This guide compares Connecticut nursing schools by the factors that matter most before you apply: Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing approval, 2025 NCLEX results, accreditation, degree pathway, clinical access, cost, and long-term RN mobility.

How we selected the best nursing schools in Connecticut

This guide does not copy third-party rankings. It uses publicly checkable signals that matter to nursing students.

We prioritized:

  1. Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing approval
  2. Latest Connecticut DPH NCLEX first-time pass-rate data
  3. Nursing program accreditation
  4. Degree pathway options
  5. Clinical-market fit
  6. Cost and transfer flexibility
  7. Long-term career mobility

Official starting points:

Connecticut nursing school pathways

Connecticut students usually compare four main RN routes.

1. ADN / Associate Degree in Nursing

An ADN is often the most affordable and fastest route to RN licensure. In Connecticut, the major public ADN pathway is the CT State Community College Nursing Program, also known historically as CT-CCNP.

Best for: Students who want a lower-cost RN route and plan to complete an RN-to-BSN later.

Main caution: Some hospitals and specialty units prefer BSN-prepared nurses, so ADN students should map their BSN bridge early.

2. Traditional BSN

A traditional BSN is usually a four-year bachelor’s degree leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility.

Best for: Students who want the broadest starting credential for hospitals, specialty units, leadership, public health, military nursing, and graduate school.

3. Accelerated BSN / second-degree BSN

An accelerated BSN is for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Best for: Career changers who want RN licensure with a BSN in a shorter timeline.

Main caution: Accelerated programs are intense and may make working during school difficult.

4. Entry-level master’s

Yale’s GEPN is the major Connecticut example. It is a graduate-entry route for non-nurses that includes pre-licensure preparation and then advanced specialty study.

Best for: Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who are aiming for advanced practice or graduate nursing from the beginning.

Latest Connecticut NCLEX-RN results

The Connecticut DPH NCLEX table checked for this update includes 2025 first-time pass percentages. DPH notes that results may change if programs or schools request corrections to candidate information.

Master’s / entry-level master’s

Program20242025
Yale School of Nursing97%94%
Fairfield University100%92%

Baccalaureate and accelerated pathways

Program / pathway20242025
Central Connecticut State University BSN90%87%
Fairfield University BSN97%95%*
Fairfield University Accelerated96%87%*
Goodwin University Accelerated93%73%
Quinnipiac University - Hamden BSN93%96%
Quinnipiac University Accelerated89%84%
Sacred Heart University BSN99%98%
Sacred Heart University Accelerated100%96%
Southern Connecticut State University BSN97%90%
Southern Connecticut State University Accelerated90%89%
University of Bridgeport BSN77%80%*
University of Bridgeport Accelerated90%68%*
University of Hartford BSN92%84%
UConn Groton / CEIN100%94%
UConn Stamford / CEIN95%81%
UConn Storrs BSN95%95%
UConn Storrs CEIN93%89%
UConn Waterbury / CEIN89%92%
University of Saint Joseph BSN100%92%
University of Saint Joseph Accelerated100%93%
Western Connecticut State University BSN97%100%

Associate degree pathways

Program / campus20242025
CT State Capital94%95%
CT State Gateway100%92%
Goodwin University ADN89%80%
CT State Naugatuck Valley96%97%
CT State Northwestern97%97%
CT State Norwalk95%93%
St. Vincent’s College93%89%
CT State Three Rivers100%96%
University of Bridgeport ADNApproved 11-6-24No data

# Best entry-level master’s nursing program in Connecticut

1. Yale School of Nursing GEPN

Location: Orange / Greater New Haven School type: Private university Program type: Graduate Entry Pre-Specialty in Nursing, leading into MSN specialty study Best for: Non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree who want an advanced-practice runway from the start

Yale’s Graduate Entry Pre-Specialty in Nursing, or GEPN, is one of Connecticut’s most distinctive nursing pathways. Yale describes GEPN as a full-time first year of a three-year program focused on pre-licensure preparation, followed by two years of advanced practice specialty study.

Official program links:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists Yale at 94% in 2025 and 97% in 2024 for first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.

Why students choose it

  • Strong path for future advanced-practice nursing
  • Graduate-level structure from the beginning
  • High recent NCLEX performance
  • Strong fit for students who know they want more than entry-level RN practice

Potential drawbacks

  • Not a BSN
  • Highly competitive
  • Graduate-level cost
  • Less appropriate for students who want the simplest, lowest-cost RN route

# Best BSN and accelerated BSN programs in Connecticut

2. University of Connecticut School of Nursing

Locations: Storrs for traditional BSN; CEIN/BS cohorts vary by campus School type: Public flagship university Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated CEIN/BS, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want a public flagship nursing program with broad clinical and career mobility

UConn is Connecticut’s flagship public nursing option. Its traditional BSN offers a four-year route to RN licensure, while the accelerated BS/CEIN track is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become RNs in an accelerated format.

UConn describes the accelerated BS/CEIN as a one-year accelerated second-degree program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Official program links:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists UConn Storrs BSN at 95% in 2025. For CEIN/BS cohorts, DPH lists Groton 94%, Stamford 81%, Storrs 89%, and Waterbury 92% in 2025.

Why students choose it

  • Flagship public university
  • Strong traditional BSN outcome in 2025
  • Accelerated option for second-degree students
  • Multiple CEIN/BS campus options
  • Good long-term pathway into graduate nursing and leadership

Potential drawbacks

  • CEIN outcomes vary by campus
  • Admission is competitive
  • Accelerated structure is demanding
  • Campus location matters for commute and clinical placement

3. Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing

Location: Fairfield School type: Private university Program type: Traditional BSN, second-degree accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate options Best for: Students who want a private Connecticut BSN or accelerated program with strong recent NCLEX results

Sacred Heart is one of the strongest recent performers in Connecticut’s DPH NCLEX table. Its second-degree accelerated BSN page describes a 15-month program for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Official program links:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists Sacred Heart BSN at 98% and Sacred Heart accelerated at 96% in 2025.

Why students choose it

  • Strong 2025 NCLEX outcomes
  • Traditional and accelerated options
  • Fairfield County clinical-market access
  • Good fit for students who want a private university nursing environment

Potential drawbacks

  • Private tuition
  • Accelerated pathway is intense
  • Fairfield-area cost of living and commute should be considered

4. Fairfield University Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies

Location: Fairfield School type: Private Jesuit university Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated second-degree BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want a private university nursing program with strong clinical preparation and multiple nursing pathways

Fairfield offers both traditional BSN and an accelerated second-degree BSN. Its catalog describes the accelerated second-degree BSN as a 15-month program beginning in May and continuing through graduation the following August.

Official program links:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists Fairfield BSN at 95% and Fairfield accelerated at 87% in 2025. Fairfield’s master’s entry route is also listed at 92% in 2025.

Why students choose it

  • Traditional, accelerated, and graduate nursing options
  • Fairfield County location
  • Strong BSN outcome in 2025
  • Private Jesuit university setting

Potential drawbacks

  • Private tuition
  • Accelerated 2025 NCLEX rate was lower than traditional BSN
  • Applicants should compare multi-year trends and total program cost

5. Quinnipiac University School of Nursing

Location: Hamden / North Haven School type: Private university Program type: Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, graduate nursing options Best for: Students who want a health-sciences-focused private university with BSN and accelerated options

Quinnipiac offers traditional BSN and accelerated BSN pathways. Its accelerated BSN catalog page says the program is designed for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and can be completed in 12 to 15 months, with January and August start dates.

Official program links:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists Quinnipiac Hamden BSN at 96% and accelerated BSN at 84% in 2025.

Why students choose it

  • Strong 2025 traditional BSN result
  • Accelerated option for second-degree students
  • Health-sciences campus environment
  • Good option for students in central/southern Connecticut

Potential drawbacks

  • Private tuition
  • Accelerated 2025 NCLEX rate was lower than BSN
  • Applicants should compare clinical placement and program intensity

6. University of Saint Joseph Department of Nursing

Location: West Hartford School type: Private university Program type: BSN, accelerated/second-degree options, graduate nursing options Best for: Students seeking a smaller private university nursing environment with strong recent NCLEX outcomes

University of Saint Joseph had very strong 2024 outcomes and solid 2025 outcomes in the Connecticut DPH table.

Official program link:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists University of Saint Joseph BSN at 92% and accelerated at 93% in 2025, following 100% for both pathways in 2024.

Why students choose it

  • Smaller private university setting
  • Strong recent NCLEX history
  • West Hartford location
  • Useful option for students comparing private BSN pathways

Potential drawbacks

  • Private tuition
  • Applicants should verify current track availability, prerequisites, and clinical sites

7. Southern Connecticut State University Nursing

Location: New Haven School type: Public university Program type: BSN and accelerated options Best for: Students who want a public university route in the New Haven area

Southern Connecticut State University is a public option worth comparing for students who want a BSN pathway near the New Haven healthcare market.

Official program link:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists Southern Connecticut BSN at 90% and accelerated at 89% in 2025.

Why students choose it

  • Public university option
  • New Haven-area clinical market
  • Traditional and accelerated pathways listed in DPH data
  • Potentially lower public-university cost compared with private options

Potential drawbacks

  • 2025 NCLEX rates were solid but below some higher-performing private and public options
  • Applicants should compare multi-year trends and admission competitiveness

8. Western Connecticut State University Nursing

Location: Danbury School type: Public university Program type: BSN Best for: Students in western Connecticut who want a public BSN option

Western Connecticut State University is an important public BSN option for students in Danbury and western Connecticut.

Official program link:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists Western Connecticut BSN at 100% in 2025 and 97% in 2024.

Why students choose it

  • Strong 2025 NCLEX result
  • Public university route
  • Western Connecticut location
  • Good fit for students who want to stay close to Danbury-area clinical markets

Potential drawbacks

  • Applicants should confirm cohort size and multi-year trends
  • Accelerated data showed no 2025 data in the DPH table

9. Central Connecticut State University Nursing

Location: New Britain School type: Public university Program type: BSN Best for: Students seeking a public BSN option in central Connecticut

Central Connecticut State University is worth comparing for students who want a central Connecticut public-university BSN option.

Official program link:

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists CCSU BSN at 87% in 2025 and 90% in 2024.

Why students choose it

  • Public university option
  • Central Connecticut location
  • BSN pathway with access to regional clinical markets

Potential drawbacks

  • 2025 NCLEX rate was lower than some other Connecticut BSN programs
  • Applicants should ask about student support, NCLEX preparation, and recent improvement plans

# Best ADN programs in Connecticut

CT State Community College Nursing Program

Campuses: Capital, Gateway, Naugatuck Valley, Northwestern CT, Norwalk, Three Rivers School type: Public community college Program type: Associate Degree in Nursing Best for: Students who want a lower-cost RN route with a clear RN-to-BSN plan

CT State says its nursing programs are approved by the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing, with the consent of the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. CT State also states that its nursing programs at Capital, Three Rivers, Gateway, Norwalk, Northwestern, and Naugatuck Valley are ACEN-accredited, with the most recent ACEN decision being continuing accreditation.

Official program links:

CT State ADN campus comparison

CT State campusLocation2025 NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate
CapitalHartford95%
GatewayNew Haven92%
Naugatuck ValleyWaterbury97%
Northwestern CTWinsted97%
NorwalkNorwalk93%
Three RiversNorwich96%

Why students choose it

  • Public, lower-cost ADN route
  • Six campus options
  • ACEN-accredited program listed by CT State
  • Strong 2025 NCLEX results across all six campuses
  • Good bridge potential into RN-to-BSN programs

Potential drawbacks

  • ADN graduates may need BSN completion for some hospital, leadership, or graduate-school goals
  • Clinical sites and commute vary by campus
  • Admission can be competitive
  • Students should compare completion rates, job placement, and transfer pathways

Other ADN programs to compare

St. Vincent’s College

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists St. Vincent’s College at 89% in 2025 and 93% in 2024.

Useful link:

Goodwin University ADN

2025 NCLEX signal: Connecticut DPH lists Goodwin University ADN at 80% in 2025 and 89% in 2024.

Useful link:

University of Bridgeport ADN

Connecticut DPH lists University of Bridgeport ADN as approved 11-6-24 with no 2025 data in the table checked for this update.

Useful link:

Connecticut nursing salary and job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses nationally had a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024, with RN employment projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034 and about 189,100 openings per year on average.

Official source:

For Connecticut-specific wage context, ONET’s BLS-based wage page lists Connecticut registered nurses at a $101,590 annual median wage, with the 10th percentile at $78,660 or less and the 90th percentile at $132,840 or more*.

Official source:

Connecticut and the Nurse Licensure Compact

Connecticut fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on October 1, 2025. NCSBN says this allows eligible Connecticut-resident RNs and LPN/VNs to hold one multistate license and practise in person or by telehealth in their home state and other NLC states.

Official source:

This is a major update for Connecticut nursing students and graduates because the state sits near several cross-border job markets.

How to choose the right Connecticut nursing school

If you want the fastest route to RN licensure

Start with:

  • CT State Community College ADN campuses
  • St. Vincent’s College
  • Goodwin University ADN
  • University of Bridgeport ADN, with extra due diligence because of no NCLEX data in the 2025 table

Then plan:

  • RN-to-BSN transfer
  • Employer tuition reimbursement
  • Compact license eligibility
  • First job market in your region

If you want the strongest traditional BSN route

Compare:

  • UConn Storrs BSN
  • Sacred Heart BSN
  • Fairfield BSN
  • Quinnipiac BSN
  • University of Saint Joseph BSN
  • Western Connecticut BSN
  • Southern Connecticut BSN
  • Central Connecticut BSN

If you already have a bachelor’s degree

Compare:

  • UConn CEIN/BS by campus
  • Sacred Heart second-degree accelerated BSN
  • Fairfield accelerated second-degree BSN
  • Quinnipiac accelerated BSN
  • University of Saint Joseph accelerated
  • Southern Connecticut accelerated
  • Yale GEPN if advanced-practice goals fit

If you want a public university

Compare:

  • UConn
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • Central Connecticut State University

If you want a lower-cost ADN-to-BSN path

Start with:

  • CT State Naugatuck Valley
  • CT State Northwestern
  • CT State Three Rivers
  • CT State Capital
  • CT State Norwalk
  • CT State Gateway

Then compare RN-to-BSN options at:

  • Public Connecticut universities
  • Private universities with transfer agreements
  • Employer-supported online RN-to-BSN programs

Connecticut nursing school application checklist

Before applying, confirm:

  • Connecticut Board approval
  • Programmatic nursing accreditation
  • Institutional accreditation
  • NCLEX pass rates for the last three years
  • Cohort size
  • Completion rate
  • Attrition rate
  • Total cost
  • Prerequisites
  • TEAS/HESI or other entrance requirements
  • Clinical sites
  • Simulation resources
  • Student support and remediation
  • Transfer or RN-to-BSN agreements
  • Ability to work during the program
  • Commute and parking
  • Licensure eligibility outside Connecticut if you may move

Questions to ask every Connecticut nursing program

Approval and accreditation

  • Are you currently approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing?
  • Is the exact program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized nursing accreditor?
  • Is my campus and pathway covered by that accreditation?
  • Are there any warnings, probation, conditions, or pending accreditation actions?

NCLEX and outcomes

  • What were your first-time NCLEX pass rates for the last three years?
  • How many students tested each year?
  • What is the completion or graduation rate?
  • What percentage of admitted students finish the nursing sequence?
  • What remediation support is available before NCLEX?

Clinical placement

  • Which hospitals and agencies do students use?
  • How far do students travel?
  • Are weekend or evening clinicals required?
  • Are specialty rotations guaranteed or competitive?
  • How much simulation is used?
  • What happens if a clinical site cancels?

Cost and transfer

  • What is the total program cost, including fees?
  • Are books, uniforms, testing packages, background checks, supplies, and travel included?
  • Can credits transfer into a BSN program?
  • Do local hospitals hire graduates?
  • Does the school have formal RN-to-BSN transfer pathways?

Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in Connecticut

What is the best nursing school in Connecticut?

There is no single best school for every student. Yale GEPN is the strongest graduate-entry option for students aiming at advanced practice. UConn is the flagship public option. Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Quinnipiac, and University of Saint Joseph are strong private BSN or accelerated options. CT State is the main public ADN value route.

Which Connecticut nursing school had the highest 2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate?

In the Connecticut DPH 2025 table checked for this update, Western Connecticut State University BSN is listed at 100%. Several CT State ADN campuses were also very strong, including Naugatuck Valley and Northwestern at 97% and Three Rivers at 96%. Sacred Heart BSN is listed at 98%.

Is Yale School of Nursing a BSN program?

No. Yale’s GEPN is a graduate-entry master’s pathway for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to enter nursing and continue into advanced specialty study.

Is UConn a good nursing school?

UConn is one of Connecticut’s strongest public nursing options. The 2025 DPH table lists UConn Storrs BSN at 95%. CEIN/BS results vary by campus, so applicants should compare Groton, Stamford, Storrs, and Waterbury separately.

Does Connecticut have ADN programs?

Yes. CT State Community College offers ADN programs at Capital, Gateway, Naugatuck Valley, Northwestern CT, Norwalk, and Three Rivers. Other ADN options include St. Vincent’s College, Goodwin University, and University of Bridgeport.

Is CT State nursing accredited?

CT State says its nursing programs at Capital, Three Rivers, Gateway, Norwalk, Northwestern, and Naugatuck Valley are approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and accredited by ACEN, with continuing accreditation.

Should I choose ADN or BSN in Connecticut?

Choose ADN if cost and speed matter most and you have a realistic RN-to-BSN plan. Choose BSN if you want the broadest access to hospitals, specialty units, public health, leadership, and graduate school.

Which Connecticut programs offer accelerated nursing options?

Accelerated or second-degree options to compare include UConn CEIN/BS, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Quinnipiac, University of Saint Joseph, and Southern Connecticut. Yale GEPN is also an accelerated graduate-entry route, but it is not a BSN.

Is Connecticut part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes. Connecticut fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on October 1, 2025. Eligible Connecticut-resident RNs and LPN/VNs can apply for multistate licensure if they meet the requirements.

How much do registered nurses make in Connecticut?

O*NET’s BLS-based wage data lists Connecticut registered nurses at a median annual wage of $101,590. Nationally, BLS lists the RN median annual wage at $93,600 for May 2024.

How do I check if a Connecticut nursing school is approved?

Use Connecticut DPH’s Registered Nurse Education Programs page and the NCLEX Pass Rates page. Then verify accreditation through ACEN or CCNE.

What should I ask before applying?

Ask about Board approval, accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, cohort size, completion rate, attrition, clinical placements, total cost, remediation support, transfer pathways, and whether graduates are hired by local employers.

Final thoughts

Connecticut has strong nursing pathways, but the best choice depends on your starting point.

If you already have a degree and want advanced practice, Yale GEPN is the standout graduate-entry option. If you want a flagship public BSN or accelerated option, compare UConn carefully by track and campus. If you want strong private BSN or accelerated options, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Quinnipiac, and University of Saint Joseph belong on the list. If affordability is the priority, CT State’s ADN campuses deserve serious attention.

The smartest move is simple: verify the exact program, check the latest NCLEX data, confirm accreditation, calculate total cost, and choose the pathway that gets you licensed without closing the doors you may want later.

Sources and references