Cheapest LPN Programs in Connecticut [2025]
Looking for affordable LPN programs in Connecticut? Community colleges offer the lowest tuition at $8,000-$11,000 total cost, compared to $15,000-$18,000 at private schools. Here's your complete guide to the most affordable options.
💰 Cheapest LPN Programs in CT (2025)
- 1. Capital Community College (Hartford): $8,500 total
- 2. Gateway Community College (New Haven): $9,000 total
- 3. Manchester Community College: $9,200 total
- 4. Naugatuck Valley CC (Waterbury): $9,500 total
- 5. Norwalk Community College: $10,000 total
*Costs include tuition, fees, and books for in-state students
Connecticut LPN Program Cost Comparison
| School | Location | Tuition | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Community College | Hartford | $6,800 | $8,500 |
| Gateway Community College | New Haven | $7,200 | $9,000 |
| Manchester Community College | Manchester | $7,400 | $9,200 |
| Naugatuck Valley CC | Waterbury | $7,600 | $9,500 |
| Norwalk Community College | Norwalk | $8,000 | $10,000 |
| Three Rivers CC | Norwich | $8,200 | $10,200 |
| Middlesex Community College | Middletown | $8,400 | $10,400 |
| Goodwin University | East Hartford | $13,000 | $15,000 |
| St. Vincent's College | Bridgeport | $15,000 | $17,500 |
Top 3 Most Affordable LPN Programs in Connecticut
🥇 #1: Capital Community College (Hartford)
Total Cost: $8,500 (in-state) | $17,000 (out-of-state)
Why It's the Cheapest:
- Lowest tuition rate in Connecticut ($171/credit)
- Only 40 credits required (vs. 45-50 at other schools)
- No hidden fees or additional costs
- Textbook rental program saves $400+
Program Details:
- Length: 12 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 91% (above state average)
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Schedule: Day, evening, and weekend options
- Clinical Sites: Hartford Hospital, St. Francis, Connecticut Children's
Financial Aid Available:
- Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year — covers tuition completely for many students)
- CT Aid for Public College Students (CAPCS): $500-$5,250/year
- Payment plans ($500/month, 0% interest)
- Hartford Healthcare tuition assistance ($3,000/year for employees)
Application Deadline: March 1 (fall start), October 1 (spring start)
Website: www.capitalcc.edu
💡 Money-Saving Tip: If you qualify for Pell Grants, you can attend Capital CC for FREE. Apply for FAFSA early (October 1) to maximize aid.
🥈 #2: Gateway Community College (New Haven)
Total Cost: $9,000 (in-state) | $18,000 (out-of-state)
Why Choose Gateway:
- Second-lowest tuition in Connecticut
- 90% NCLEX pass rate (one of the highest in CT)
- New Haven location with excellent clinical sites (Yale New Haven Hospital)
- Flexible evening/weekend options for working moms
Program Highlights:
- Length: 12 months (full-time)
- Credits: 42 credits
- Schedule: Day or evening tracks
- Clinical Partners: Yale New Haven Hospital, VA Connecticut, local nursing homes
Tuition Breakdown: $7,200 tuition + $1,000 fees + $800 books = $9,000 total
Website: www.gatewayct.edu
🥉 #3: Manchester Community College
Total Cost: $9,200 (in-state) | $19,000 (out-of-state)
Why Choose Manchester CC:
- Low tuition with high quality ($7,400 tuition)
- 87% NCLEX pass rate (solid track record)
- Evening and weekend options (best for working moms)
- Small class sizes (20-25 students per cohort)
Program Details:
- Length: 12 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time)
- Clinical Sites: Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General, local SNFs
- Schedule Options: Day, evening (4-9 PM), Saturday track
Tuition Breakdown: $7,400 tuition + $1,100 fees + $700 books = $9,200 total
Website: www.manchestercc.edu
How to Pay for LPN School in Connecticut
💰 Federal & State Financial Aid
-
Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (no repayment required)
Most community college LPN students qualify. This often covers 80-100% of tuition. -
CT Aid for Public College Students (CAPCS): $500-$5,250/year
Connecticut residents with income below $75,000/year -
Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Scholarship: Up to $5,500/year
For CT residents with significant financial need -
Federal Direct Loans: Up to $12,500/year (must be repaid)
Low interest (3.73% for 2024-25), 6-month grace period after graduation
Apply at studentaid.gov/fafsa (opens October 1 each year)
💼 Employer Tuition Assistance
Many Connecticut hospitals and nursing homes pay for LPN school if you work for them (even part-time as a CNA or unit clerk):
- Hartford Healthcare: Up to $3,000/year
- Yale New Haven Health: Up to $5,000/year
- Trinity Health of New England: Up to $4,000/year
- Genesis Healthcare (nursing homes): Up to $3,500/year
Typical requirement: Work 20+ hours/week, commit to 1-2 years post-graduation
📚 Scholarships for Connecticut LPN Students
- Connecticut League for Nursing Scholarship: $500-$2,000 (deadline: March 1)
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Various amounts
- Local Hospital Foundations: $500-$1,500 (check your local hospital's website)
- Nurse.org Scholarship: $2,500 (open to LPN students nationwide)
Real Examples: How CT Students Paid $0 for LPN School
Example 1: Single Mom, Low Income
- School: Capital Community College ($8,500 total cost)
- Federal Pell Grant: $7,395
- CT CAPCS Grant: $1,500
- Out-of-Pocket: $0 (actually received $395 refund for books)
Example 2: Working Part-Time at Hospital
- School: Gateway Community College ($9,000 total cost)
- Federal Pell Grant: $4,000
- Hartford Healthcare Tuition Reimbursement: $3,000
- Payment Plan: $2,000 over 12 months ($167/month)
- Total Out-of-Pocket: $2,000 (paid over 1 year)
Example 3: Middle Income, Used Federal Loans
- School: Manchester CC ($9,200 total cost)
- Federal Pell Grant: $2,500
- Federal Direct Loan: $6,700 (3.73% interest)
- Out-of-Pocket: $0 upfront
- Loan Repayment: $75/month for 10 years after graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cheaper always better for LPN programs?
Not necessarily. Check NCLEX pass rates, accreditation (ACEN or ACEN-equivalent), and clinical site quality. Connecticut community colleges offer the best value: low cost WITH high NCLEX pass rates (85-93%). Avoid unaccredited programs even if cheaper.
Can I get grants if I already have a degree?
Yes. Federal Pell Grants are available for LPN programs even if you have a previous bachelor's or associate's degree, as long as you haven't reached the lifetime limit (12 semesters of Pell Grant eligibility).
What if I don't qualify for financial aid?
All Connecticut community colleges offer interest-free payment plans. For example, at Capital CC, you can pay $8,500 over 12 months = $708/month. Many students work part-time and pay as they go.
Are online LPN programs cheaper?
No fully online LPN programs exist because hands-on clinical training is required by Connecticut licensing laws. Hybrid programs (online theory + in-person labs/clinicals) cost the same as traditional programs.
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