Choosing to attend post-secondary school for nursing is a major decision, and it requires being financially prepared for your program of study's full duration. There are many different expenses to consider when attending a college or university nursing program. Aside from tuition and enrollment fees, students must also fund expenses for books, room and board, food, school supplies, and other living expenses.

Conscientious nursing students can save money by weighing their education options carefully. The state of Connecticut is home to several public and private nursing schools; public schools tend to be more affordable, while private schools often provide smaller class sizes and enhanced prestige. The all-in cost of nursing school also varies with the length of the program, which can be one to four years depending upon whether you pursue a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree.

Potential nursing students should also consider whether they wish to pursue a nursing specialty as part of their studies. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) -- a designation which includes the roles of nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife -- must hold a master's degree but often earn the highest returns on this education investment. In the state of Connecticut, APRNs earn an average $10 per hour more than their registered nurse counterparts.

To help you consider the all-in costs of nursing education in Connecticut, we've rank-ordered below the state's accredited nursing programs from most to least expensive.

Connecticut nursing schools: Most to least expensive

Lincoln Technical Institute - Hamden
Certificate in Practical Nursing (12-month program): tuition and fees $30,982, books and supplies $1,207, room and board $12,324
Lincoln Technical Institute - New Britain
Certificate in Practical Nursing (13-month program): tuition and fees $30,982, books and supplies $1,207, room and board $13,351
Lincoln Technical Institute - Shelton
Certificate in Practical Nursing (13-month program): tuition and fees $30,982, books and supplies $1,207, room and board $13,351
Stone Academy - East Hartford
Certificate in Practical Nursing (14-month program): tuition and fees $26,900, books and supplies $1,200, room and board $9,488
Nursing Assistant Certificate (4-month program): tuition and fees $7,400, books and supplies $100
Stone Academy - West Haven
Certificate in Practical Nursing (14-month program): tuition and fees $26,900, books and supplies $1,200, room and board $9,488
Nursing Assistant Certificate (4-month program): tuition and fees $7,400, books and supplies $100
Norwich Technical High School
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $11,300, books and supplies $1,600, room and board $15,000
Bullard-Havens Technical High School
Certificate in Practical Nursing (18-month program): tuition and fees $10,900, books and supplies $1,600, room and board $21,150
W F Kaynor Technical High School
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $10,300, books and supplies $1,600, room and board $15,000
Eli Whitney Technical High School
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $10,300, books and supplies $1,600, room and board $15,000
Albert I. Prince Technical High School
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $10,250, books and supplies $1,600, room and board $4,500
Vinal Technical High School
Certificate in Practical Nursing (15-month program): tuition and fees $10,200, books and supplies $1,600, room and board $15,000
Stone Academy - Waterbury
Nursing Assistant Certificate (4-month program): tuition and fees $7,400, books and supplies $100, room and board $6,420
School Program Length Tuition & fees
Lincoln Technical Institute - Hamden Certificate in Practical Nursing 12 months $30,982
Lincoln Technical Institute - New Britain Certificate in Practical Nursing 13 months $30,982
Lincoln Technical Institute - Shelton Certificate in Practical Nursing 13 months $30,982
Stone Academy - East Hartford Certificate in Practical Nursing 14 months $26,900
Nursing Assistant Certificate 4 months $7,400
Stone Academy - West Haven Certificate in Practical Nursing 14 months $26,900
Nursing Assistant Certificate 4 months $7,400
Norwich Technical High School Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $11,300
Bullard-Havens Technical High School Certificate in Practical Nursing 18 months $10,900
W F Kaynor Technical High School Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $10,300
Eli Whitney Technical High School Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $10,300
Albert I. Prince Technical High School Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $10,250
Vinal Technical High School Certificate in Practical Nursing 15 months $10,200
Stone Academy - Waterbury Nursing Assistant Certificate 4 months $7,400
Category: 
Connecticut