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.
Ready to Apply to an Affordable Connecticut LPN Program?
Compare all accredited LPN programs in Connecticut and find the best fit for your budget and schedule.
Compare All CT LPN Programs