Top RN to BSN Programs in New Hampshire

Top RN to BSN Programs in New Hampshire
Olivia Chen, NP

Olivia Chen, NP

June 19, 2025

The RN to BSN programs are created to assist registered nurses holding associate degrees or diplomas in obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. These programs serve New Hampshire by building up its nursing workforce to meet its healthcare requirements. BSN-prepared nurses gain value in hospitals and clinics because they develop skills in leadership, evidence-based practice, and community care. 

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2026 Top RN to BSN Programs in New Hampshire

Nurses seeking to advance their careers through an RN to BSN program in New Hampshire have excellent opportunities waiting. TopNursing.org has comprehensively evaluated and ranked the state's top nursing education pathways, focusing on program quality, affordability, and student outcomes. Our expert team analyzed multiple factors including faculty credentials, clinical placement opportunities, graduation rates, and student support services to create these definitive rankings. Whether you're looking to enhance your professional credentials or prepare for advanced nursing roles, these programs offer robust educational experiences designed to elevate your nursing practice. Each selected program demonstrates exceptional commitment to producing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH - Public 4-Year - unh.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of New Hampshire's RN to BSN online program provides a dynamic educational pathway for registered nurses seeking professional advancement. Tailored for working healthcare professionals, this comprehensive 120-credit degree enables students to leverage up to 90 transfer credits while studying entirely online. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and population health management, equipping nurses with critical skills for diverse clinical environments. Students must maintain an active RN license and benefit from personalized academic advising. The program's CCNE accreditation ensures high-quality nursing education, while its flexible structure allows nurses to seamlessly balance professional responsibilities with academic growth. No specific entrance exam is required for this online RN to BSN program.

  • Fully online RN to BSN program
  • Up to 90 transfer credits
  • 120 total credit requirement
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Active RN license required
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Collaborative, evidence-based curriculum
  • Flexible course options
  • Affordable tuition
  • Personalized academic advising
#2

Colby-Sawyer College

New London, NH - Private 4-year - colby-sawyer.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Colby-Sawyer College's RN to BSN program delivers a comprehensive online educational experience tailored for working registered nurses seeking professional advancement. This accelerated pathway enables nurses to complete their bachelor's degree in just 16 months, with unique advantages including substantial transfer credit allowances and professional experience recognition. The curriculum emphasizes critical areas like community health, nursing leadership, and evidence-based practice, strategically designed to enhance clinical competencies. By leveraging an 8-week asynchronous online format, the program accommodates busy healthcare professionals' schedules. Its strategic partnership with Dartmouth Health provides students exceptional networking and clinical learning opportunities, while maintaining CCNE accreditation ensures high-quality educational standards.

  • Online, flexible program
  • Up to 90 credits transferable
  • 8-week asynchronous courses
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Partnership with Dartmouth Health
  • Academic advisor support
  • Financial aid available
#3

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH - Private 4-year - anselm.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN Degree Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Anselm College's RN to BSN program delivers a strategic educational pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced professional development. Rooted in a comprehensive curriculum, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills essential for modern healthcare environments. Students benefit from flexible learning options designed for working professionals, enabling seamless integration of academic learning with existing clinical expertise. The program does not explicitly require SAT or ACT entrance exams for RN to BSN candidates. Notably, the program's holistic approach prepares nurses to navigate complex healthcare challenges, develop leadership competencies, and enhance patient care strategies across diverse clinical settings.

  • Professional nursing advancement
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Flexible learning options
  • Holistic patient care focus
  • Leadership skill development
#4

Franklin Pierce University

Rindge, NH - Private 4-year - franklinpierce.edu

Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S.N.

Online Learning - Visit Website

Franklin Pierce University's R.N. to B.S.N. online program provides registered nurses a strategic pathway to academic advancement and professional growth. Tailored for nurses holding associate degrees or diplomas, the curriculum strategically balances academic excellence with practical healthcare insights. Students can complete the degree within six academic terms, benefiting from innovative credit recognition for professional certifications and workplace experience. The program distinctively emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking skills, and ethical decision-making frameworks. Graduates emerge with enhanced career prospects, increased earning potential, and comprehensive healthcare knowledge that positions them for advanced nursing roles across diverse clinical environments.

  • 100% Online Degree
  • Six Academic Terms
  • Credit for Professional Experience
  • Leadership Skill Development
  • Professional Knowledge Enhancement
#5

Rivier University

Nashua, NH - Private 4-year - rivier.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Nursing—RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Rivier University's RN to BSN online program emerges as a premier educational pathway for registered nurses seeking career advancement. Tailored for working professionals, the curriculum enables swift degree completion within one year, accepting substantial transfer credits. ACEN-accredited and priced at $402 per credit, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership skill development. Students benefit from a flexible seven-week course format, gaining comprehensive healthcare knowledge while maintaining professional commitments. The program prepares nurses for diverse specialties and potential graduate studies, positioning graduates at the forefront of innovative nursing practice with a strong emphasis on quality patient care.

  • Online flexible format
  • ACEN-accredited program
  • Complete in 1-2 years
  • $402 per credit
  • Up to 90 transfer credits
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Seven-week course terms
  • Leadership skill development
  • Evidence-based practice focus
*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2023 Final Release Data.

Program Curriculum & Length

Length

Curriculum

Nursing Research
Public Health Nursing
Pharmacology
Pathophysiology
Healthcare Ethics and Law
Nutrition

Clinical Rotations

Are Online RN to BSN Programs Available in New Hampshire

RN to BSN programs can be completed online across New Hampshire thus providing working nurses with better opportunities to enhance their educational qualifications. The majority of programs exist entirely online with self-paced courses which adapt to working professionals’ timetables. Several universities provide hybrid programs that combine online courses with occasional classroom meetings taking place during evenings and weekends. Traditional classroom students can enroll in on-campus programs which provide classes outside regular business hours. Motivated students can use accelerated formats to finish their degrees quickly but part-time options support students who need to balance work and family responsibilities. Nurses throughout New Hampshire have multiple delivery options to pursue their educational objectives while fulfilling their professional duties because of the diverse program formats available in urban and rural areas.

2026 Fastest RN to BSN Program Options in New Hampshire

For nurses in New Hampshire looking to advance their careers quickly, RN to BSN programs offer streamlined pathways to professional growth. With options across cities like Manchester and Portsmouth, healthcare professionals can now complete their bachelor's degree faster than traditional routes. These shortest academic tracks help registered nurses upgrade their credentials efficiently, often allowing students to balance work and education. By choosing accelerated programs, nurses can potentially enhance their career opportunities, salary potential, and clinical skills in less time. The programs highlighted in our comparison table showcase different approaches to helping nurses transition smoothly from associate degrees to bachelor's level education across the Granite State.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Rivier University
  • Online flexible format
  • ACEN-accredited program
  • Complete in 1-2 years
  • $402 per credit
  • Up to 90 transfer credits
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Seven-week course terms
  • Ranked #1 in NH nursing
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Saint Anselm College
  • Professional nursing advancement
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Flexible learning options
  • Holistic patient care focus
  • Leadership skill development
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
University of New Hampshire
  • Fully online RN to BSN program
  • Up to 90 transfer credits
  • 120 total credit requirement
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Active RN license required
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Collaborative, evidence-based curriculum
  • Flexible course options
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

Admission Requirements

Active RN License 
 Current, unencumbered RN license in the state of practice
Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing 
 Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or NLNAC)
Official Transcripts 
 From all previously attended colleges or universities
Minimum GPA 
 Typically 2.0 cumulative GPA
Completed Prerequisites 
 Courses such as English Composition, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Psychology or Sociology, and Nutrition
Background Check and Immunizations 
 Required for practicum or community health experiences

Certification and Licensing

Certifying BoardNew Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBN)
CertificationGraduate from an NHBN‑approved BSN program, submit official transcripts and fingerprint clearance, and pass the NCLEX‑RN
License Renewal PeriodBiennial renewal on your birthday every two years
Continuing Education30 contact hours every two years
License Application Fee$116 application fee, plus NCLEX and fingerprint fees
Clinical HoursCompletion of all required didactic and clinical practicum hours, verified via transcripts
Application Processing TimeFirst‑come, first‑served, license issued once NCLEX results and background check clear
License by Endorsement$148 endorsement fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, and fingerprint clearance

Salary and Job Outlook

The nursing profession in New Hampshire offers its BSN-prepared nurses both promising employment opportunities and attractive compensation packages. The average annual compensation for registered nurses in New Hampshire reaches approximately $78,000 and BSN-prepared nurses typically bring home higher amounts within this range. The salary range for nurses in urban areas together with specialty roles reaches above $90,000 per year. New Hampshire faces persistent shortages of qualified nurses along with population aging that drives up demand for BSN-educated nurses throughout the state. Many hospitals and health systems currently prefer or mandate that new hires and promotional candidates hold a bachelor’s degree. The rising preference for BSN-prepared nurses creates better job prospects for graduates and ensures their professional stability throughout their careers. The RN to BSN degree provides New Hampshire graduates access to leadership positions, public health roles, and specialized clinical care across the state.

Salary & Career OutlookNew HampshireUSA
Avg Annual BSN Salary$78,500$62,340
Avg Hourly Wage$37.73$29.97
90th Percentile Salary>$90,000$80,510
Median Salary$68,000$62,340
10th Percentile Salary<$54,000$47,960
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)10%3%
Annual Job Openings~450~54,000

2026 Affordable RN to BSN Program Options in New Hampshire

Nurses looking to advance their careers in New Hampshire have multiple affordable RN to BSN program options across the state. Whether you're near Manchester, Portsmouth, or the seacoast region, expanding your nursing education can open doors to better opportunities and higher salaries. These programs understand the financial challenges healthcare professionals face and offer competitive pricing to make bachelor's degree completion accessible. By comparing tuition ranges and program highlights, nurses can find a pathway that fits their budget and professional goals. The right low-cost program can help registered nurses transform their credentials without creating significant financial strain, making educational advancement more achievable for working professionals throughout the Granite State.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Colby-Sawyer College
  • Online, flexible program
  • Up to 90 credits transferable
  • 8-week asynchronous courses
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Partnership with Dartmouth Health
  • Academic advisor support
  • Financial aid available
  • $14,700 - $22,100 (Undergraduate)
University of New Hampshire
  • Fully online RN to BSN program
  • Up to 90 transfer credits
  • 120 total credit requirement
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Active RN license required
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Collaborative, evidence-based curriculum
  • Flexible course options
  • $15,300 - $22,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $31,100 - $46,700 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Rivier University
  • Online flexible format
  • ACEN-accredited program
  • Complete in 1-2 years
  • $402 per credit
  • Up to 90 transfer credits
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Seven-week course terms
  • Ranked #1 in NH nursing
  • $30,200 - $45,300 (Undergraduate)
*IPEDS 2023 institutional statistics, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Advancement Pathways

A BSN degree creates multiple career advancement possibilities for nursing professionals. The earned BSN qualification makes students eligible for advanced certifications that focus on critical care, pediatrics, and oncology nursing. Most positions in charge nurse, nurse manager, and clinical educator roles at hospitals require nurses to have a BSN degree as their minimum educational requirement. The educational foundation provided by the BSN degree serves as an excellent base to start master’s level programs such as MSN or DNP for becoming nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists. BSN-prepared nurses working in New Hampshire frequently receive selection for quality improvement work and interdisciplinary team assignments. The BSN curriculum provides nurses with increased abilities in critical thinking combined with enhanced communication skills and evidence-based practice competencies.

List of RN to BSN Programs in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a diverse range of educational programs across its colleges and universities. From innovative technology tracks to robust liberal arts curricula, students can find programs tailored to their academic and career goals. These institutions provide high-quality education in urban and rural settings, supporting learners through comprehensive academic experiences and strong regional connections.
Jump to City:

Durham, NH

University of New Hampshire

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online RN to BSN program
    • Up to 90 transfer credits
    • 120 total credit requirement
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Active RN license required
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Collaborative, evidence-based curriculum
    • Flexible course options

Manchester, NH

Saint Anselm College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Degree Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Professional nursing advancement
    • Evidence-based curriculum
    • Flexible learning options
    • Holistic patient care focus
    • Leadership skill development

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN) (Bachelor's Completion)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online flexible program
    • Up to 90 transfer credits
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Regionally accredited program
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Active RN license required
    • Associate degree prerequisite
    • Collaborative, evidence-based curriculum

Nashua, NH

Rivier University

  • Bachelor's - B.S. in Nursing—RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible format
    • ACEN-accredited program
    • Complete in 1-2 years
    • $402 per credit
    • Up to 90 transfer credits
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Seven-week course terms
    • Ranked #1 in NH nursing

New London, NH

Colby-Sawyer College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online, flexible program
    • Up to 90 credits transferable
    • 8-week asynchronous courses
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Partnership with Dartmouth Health
    • Academic advisor support
    • Financial aid available

Plymouth, NH

Plymouth State University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • 120 Total Credit Hours
    • Pre-licensure and RN-BSN Options
    • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
    • High Employment Success Rate
    • Comprehensive Clinical Experiences
    • Multiple Healthcare Career Paths

Rindge, NH

Franklin Pierce University

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S.N.

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Degree
    • Six Academic Terms
    • Credit for Professional Experience
    • Leadership Skill Development
    • Professional Knowledge Enhancement
*Data accessed from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.