# Best Nursing Colleges in Connecticut

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 20 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-connecticut

## Methodology

Nursing programs in Connecticut ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right nursing college can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Connecticut, where options are plentiful. Each institution on this list shares a commitment to training future healthcare professionals, but they differ significantly in outcomes and financial implications.

What sets the top nursing colleges apart is their performance in key areas: graduate rates, earnings, and student debt. In this ranking, we focus on how well graduates fare after leaving school, their ability to manage debt, and the overall completion rates of their programs. These factors paint a clearer picture of what students can expect when they enroll.

For instance, the University of Connecticut in Storrs boasts an impressive 84% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 56% rate at the Waterbury campus. However, while Storrs has a higher net price at $25,097, both schools report the same average earnings of $73,997. This contrast highlights the trade-offs students face when choosing between programs with different financial commitments and outcomes.

## Key Findings

- Graduation rates vary from 56% to 84%, showing a significant difference in student success.
- All top schools report average earnings of $73,997, indicating strong job prospects post-graduation.
- Net prices range from $10,875 to $25,097, reflecting varying financial burdens for students.
- The average graduate debt stands at $21,500, which is essential to consider when weighing options.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Saint Joseph](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-saint-joseph) | West Hartford, CT | 66% | $59,908 | $27,989 | $27,000 | 0.45x |
| 2 | [Quinnipiac University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/quinnipiac-university) | Hamden, CT | 77% | $83,759 | $40,675 | $26,000 | 0.31x |
| 3 | [University of Connecticut](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut) | Storrs, CT | 84% | $73,997 | $25,097 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 4 | [Connecticut State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/connecticut-state-community-college) | New Britain, CT | 21% | $41,344 | $11,513 | $9,200 | 0.22x |
| 5 | [Fairfield University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fairfield-university) | Fairfield, CT | 84% | $88,794 | $48,095 | $26,000 | 0.29x |
| 6 | [Western Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-connecticut-state-university) | Danbury, CT | 51% | $59,115 | $17,604 | $24,147 | 0.41x |
| 7 | [Southern Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-connecticut-state-university) | New Haven, CT | 49% | $55,043 | $20,857 | $22,250 | 0.4x |
| 8 | [Sacred Heart University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sacred-heart-university) | Fairfield, CT | 74% | $75,059 | $46,174 | $25,000 | 0.33x |
| 9 | [University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-waterbury-campus) | Waterbury, CT | 56% | $73,997 | $10,875 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 10 | [University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-hartford-campus) | Hartford, CT | 65% | $73,997 | $16,403 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 11 | [University of Hartford](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hartford) | West Hartford, CT | 56% | $60,823 | $30,282 | $27,000 | 0.44x |
| 12 | [University of Bridgeport](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-bridgeport) | Bridgeport, CT | 45% | $50,323 | $27,807 | $25,750 | 0.51x |
| 13 | [University of Connecticut-Stamford](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-stamford) | Stamford, CT | 57% | $73,997 | $16,798 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 14 | [University of Connecticut-Avery Point](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-avery-point) | Groton, CT | 59% | $73,997 | $13,807 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 15 | [Central Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-connecticut-state-university) | New Britain, CT | 49% | $58,562 | $16,857 | $22,300 | 0.38x |
| 16 | [Eastern Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-connecticut-state-university) | Willimantic, CT | 58% | $56,469 | $21,067 | $24,250 | 0.43x |
| 17 | [University of New Haven](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-haven) | West Haven, CT | 61% | $60,126 | $34,192 | $27,000 | 0.45x |
| 18 | [Mitchell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mitchell-college) | New London, CT | 43% | $39,115 | $30,260 | $25,150 | 0.64x |
| 19 | [Albertus Magnus College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/albertus-magnus-college) | New Haven, CT | 49% | $60,144 | $34,028 | $30,964 | 0.51x |
| 20 | [Goodwin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/goodwin-university) | East Hartford, CT | 58% | $43,596 | $29,249 | $33,500 | 0.77x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Nursing Colleges in Connecticut." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-connecticut

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.