2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Connecticut

1

Capital Community College
New Britain, CT

For return on investment in registered nursing, no school beat Capital Community College this year. Set in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,338 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,596. Students borrow a median of $17,876 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $76,364. That is a strong return on a $17,876 median debt.

2

Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT

Charter Oak State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in registered nursing, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of New Britain, Charter Oak State College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,506. Students borrow a median of $23,584 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $62,864. Set against $23,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT

A rank of #3 makes Central Connecticut State University one of the best values for registered nursing. Central Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the suburb of New Britain. In-state tuition and fees average $13,050, with out-of-state students paying around $16,550. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $26,236. Registered Nursing graduates of Central Connecticut State University earn a median of $180,640 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

4

Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT

Western Connecticut State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Danbury, Western Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,401, while out-of-state students pay about $16,901. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $26,000. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $106,854. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

5

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT

A rank of #5 makes Southern Connecticut State University one of the best values for registered nursing. Southern Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the city of New Haven. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,442, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,837 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Southern Connecticut State University generally make around $100,616. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Connecticut State University admits about 92% of applicants.

6

University Of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut came in at #6 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $27,000. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $117,021. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%.

7

University Of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT

University Of Bridgeport landed the #7 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the city of Bridgeport, University Of Bridgeport is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,760. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from University Of Bridgeport generally make around $89,752. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.

8

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University earned the #8 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $14,357. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $133,137. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

9

Saint Joseph College
West Hartford, CT

Saint Joseph College placed #9 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the city of West Hartford, Saint Joseph College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,278. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $30,990 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Saint Joseph College earn a median of $103,936 early in their careers. Set against $30,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

10

Goodwin College
East Hartford, CT

Goodwin College earned the #10 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of East Hartford, Goodwin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,188. Students borrow a median of $51,413 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Goodwin College generally make around $84,487. Set against $51,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

11

University Of Hartford
West Hartford, CT

University Of Hartford landed the #11 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the city of West Hartford, University Of Hartford is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $26,062. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from University Of Hartford generally make around $104,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

12

Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT

Quinnipiac University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Quinnipiac University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Hamden. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Quinnipiac University generally make around $116,250. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Quinnipiac University admits about 72% of applicants.

13

Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT

Sacred Heart University landed the #13 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,404. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $29,200. Registered Nursing graduates of Sacred Heart University earn a median of $107,149 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,200 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

14

Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University came in at #14 for value in registered nursing this year. Fairfield University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fairfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,400. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $27,000. Registered Nursing graduates of Fairfield University earn a median of $119,878 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.