East Hartford, CTprivate forprofitarizonacollege.edu
Arizona College of Nursing - Hartford is a for-profit institution laser-focused on fast-tracking students into nursing careers with its accelerated three-year BSN program. With a 100% acceptance rate and a no-frills approach, it caters to career-changers and those seeking a direct path into healthcare—though its low graduation rates and high net costs demand scrutiny.
Arizona College of Nursing - Hartford operates with open admissions, accepting 100% of applicants—a stark contrast to the competitive nursing programs at traditional universities. In 2024, it received 82 undergraduate applications and enrolled 334 students, suggesting many applicants may be transferring in or enrolling in non-traditional pathways. Notably, SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended, emphasizing a focus on accessibility over selectivity. The YieldThe share of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Colleges watch it closely, which is why some weigh how interested you seem. rate (percentage of admitted students who enroll) is 37.8%, indicating that many admitted students choose other options.
The college offers a single, hyper-focused program: a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed to fast-track students into the workforce. The curriculum blends classroom instruction, hands-on simulations, and clinical rotations in Hartford-area healthcare facilities. Students with qualifying transfer credits can complete the degree in less than three years. However, the college lacks the breadth of traditional universities—there are no minors, electives, or general education offerings outside nursing. Faculty rankings suggest a heavy reliance on part-time instructors, with the school placing #143 out of 206 for full-time faculty representation.
This is a commuter school with minimal campus culture—no dorms, no Greek life, and no athletics. The primary student organization is the Student Nursing Association, which focuses on professional development. A peek at student life via social media reveals a no-nonsense, career-oriented vibe, with students juggling classes, clinicals, and study sessions. The college emphasizes flexibility for working adults, but those seeking a traditional college experience will find little here. Community service opportunities and occasional campus events provide limited outlets for socialization.
Data paints a mixed picture. Graduates can expect RN salaries in Hartford ranging from $80,440 to $125,080, per BLS data cited by the college. However, graduation rates are alarmingly low—sister campus Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe reports a 9% overall graduation rate, placing it in the bottom 5% nationally. Median earnings one year post-graduation hover around $36,427, suggesting some graduates may struggle to secure high-paying nursing roles immediately. The college does not publish NCLEX pass rates for Hartford (a critical metric for nursing programs), which raises questions about program rigor.
The average net price after aid is $43,500 per year, making this one of the more expensive nursing pathways in Connecticut. Financial aid options include federal loans and grants, but the college does not meet full demonstrated need. With a three-year program, total costs can exceed $130,000—a steep price given the uncertain graduation rates and lack of published NCLEX outcomes. Prospective students should rigorously compare these costs to community college ADN programs or public university BSN options, which often offer lower tuition and stronger outcomes.
Arizona College of Nursing - Hartford is singular in its narrow focus: a no-barriers, accelerated BSN for those prioritizing speed over tradition. Its 100% acceptance rate and lack of standardized testing requirements make it accessible to non-traditional students, but this comes with trade-offs—minimal student life, high costs, and unproven graduation rates. It may appeal to career-changers who can’t wait for competitive admissions cycles at public nursing schools, but students should enter with eyes wide open about the financial and academic risks.