Cheapest Registered Nursing Colleges in Connecticut

The University of Connecticut system dominates affordable nursing education in Connecticut, with four campuses offering net prices below $15,000 annually. UConn-Waterbury leads at just $8,896 net price while graduates across the system earn $70,783 median salaries. This represents strong value in a state where nursing demand remains high due to major healthcare employers like Yale-New Haven Health System and Hartford Healthcare. The gap between public and private options is stark, with private institutions like Quinnipiac charging $39,207 net price despite similar graduate earnings. Central Connecticut State University offers the lowest-cost alternative outside the UConn system at $16,435 net price, making quality nursing education accessible across the state's 17 programs that range from $8,896 to $46,274 in annual costs.

Programs

$8,896 – $46,274

Net Price Range

$72,894

Avg. Program Earnings

60.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$8,896	$17,462	59.5%	97.9%
2	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$11,504	$17,462	56.7%	97.4%
3	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$13,339	$17,452	65.4%	97.3%
4	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$14,059	$17,472	56.9%	92.2%
5	Charter Oak State College New Britain, Connecticut	$15,663	$8,506
6	Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Connecticut	$16,435	$12,460	49.3%	76.7%
7	Western Connecticut State University Danbury, Connecticut	$18,617	$12,763	50.2%	83.5%
8	Post University Waterbury, Connecticut	$19,196	$17,100	35.3%
9	Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, Connecticut	$20,877	$12,828	47.8%	82.9%
10	University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut	$22,886	$20,366	83.8%	54.5%
11	University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, Connecticut	$24,786	$35,760	48.1%	81.5%
12	University of Saint Joseph West Hartford, Connecticut	$27,375	$45,908	69.7%	74.9%
13	Goodwin University East Hartford, Connecticut	$28,544	$21,198	58.3%
14	University of Hartford West Hartford, Connecticut	$29,558	$47,647	58.3%	82.8%
15	Quinnipiac University Hamden, Connecticut	$39,207	$53,090	77.3%	83.8%
16	Sacred Heart University Fairfield, Connecticut	$45,459	$48,460	74.5%	65.7%
17	Fairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut	$46,274	$56,360	83.8%	52.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UConn nursing programs so affordable compared to private schools?

The University of Connecticut system benefits from state funding that keeps costs low across its four campuses. UConn-Waterbury offers the lowest net price at $8,896, while private options like University of Saint Joseph charge $27,375. All UConn campuses maintain the same $70,783 median graduate earnings despite the significant cost differences. This public funding advantage creates savings of over $20,000 annually compared to most private alternatives.

How do nursing graduate earnings compare across Connecticut schools?

Graduate earnings range from $68,139 to $80,309, with University of Hartford nursing graduates earning the highest at $80,309 annually. Central Connecticut State graduates earn $68,139, the lowest in the data, yet pay only $16,435 net price. Goodwin University graduates earn $74,105 despite paying $28,544 net price. The earnings variation of $12,170 shows that higher costs don't always translate to higher salaries in Connecticut's nursing market.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Connecticut nursing schools?

Graduation rates vary significantly regardless of price point, from Post University's 35.3% to UConn-Storrs' 83.8%. UConn-Waterbury, the cheapest option at $8,896, maintains a solid 59.5% graduation rate. Quinnipiac achieves 77.3% graduation rates but costs $39,207 annually. The data suggests that institutional support and student preparation matter more than tuition levels for nursing program completion.

Where can nursing students find the best debt-to-earnings ratios?

Southern Connecticut State University offers the best debt scenario with just $19,000 median debt and $71,015 graduate earnings. UConn system schools maintain $20,313 debt levels across all campuses while producing $70,783 earners. Goodwin University presents the worst ratio with $41,378 debt despite $74,105 earnings. Students can minimize debt burden by choosing public options that offer similar career outcomes at significantly lower borrowing levels.

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All Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs Best Colleges in Connecticut Best Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing in Connecticut

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.