Compare costs, completion times, and online options at every NH RN-to-BSN program.
Many New Hampshire hospitals now require or strongly prefer nurses with a bachelor’s degree, a trend driven by the Magnet recognition program and research connecting BSN education to lower patient mortality. Seven in-state RN to BSN programs serve as bridges for licensed RNs, most delivered fully online so nurses can keep working while they advance. Tuition, credit requirements, and transfer policies differ widely, making the choice both a financial and academic calculation. For registered nurses in New Hampshire, the decision is not whether to earn a BSN, but which pathway fits their schedule and budget.
New Hampshire’s RN to BSN landscape offers a range of affordable, flexible pathways for licensed nurses ready to advance. The schools below stand out for their commitment to working professionals, competitive net prices, and strong connections to the state’s health systems. Each program is ranked based on a balance of cost, completion support, and long-term earnings potential.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | Manchester, NH | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | Budget-savvy online completers | |
As the online arm of the state’s public university system, UNH College of Professional Studies Online delivers a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN that maximizes transfer credit and prior learning. It is built for working New Hampshire RNs, with rolling admissions, 8-week terms, and a clear non-licensure completion pathway. The low net price and lifetime career advising make it a practical choice for cost-conscious nurses.
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| #2 | Plymouth State University | Plymouth, NH | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Campus-based cohort learners | |
Plymouth State University offers a cohort-based, on-campus RN to BSN that emphasizes leadership and public health. With a strong job placement record and CCNE accreditation, graduates emerge ready for management or specialty roles. The program accepts up to 57 transfer credits, helping ADN-educated nurses finish efficiently.
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| #3 | University of New Hampshire | Durham, NH | $24,000/yr (net price) | Flagship university online experience | |
The University of New Hampshire’s Durham-based RN to BSN brings the flagship university’s resources to an online format. The program mirrors its College of Professional Studies counterpart in flexibility and credit transfer, but sits within UNH’s highly regarded nursing department. Its strong institutional graduation rate and earnings outcomes signal long-term value for New Hampshire nurses.
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| #4 | Colby-Sawyer College | New London, NH | $27,000/yr | ||
Colby-Sawyer College’s online RN to BS in Nursing is deeply connected to New Hampshire’s largest health system through a partnership with Dartmouth Health. The asynchronous, 8-week courses and rolling start dates accommodate busy RNs, while the ability to earn up to 30 credits for licensure or experience accelerates the path. A 16-month completion timeline offers a clear finish line.
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| #5 | Rivier University | Nashua, NH | $28,000/yr | ||
Rivier University’s online RN to BSN stands out for its affordability at $415 per credit and a swift one-year completion option. ACEN-accredited and named the top program in the state by RegisteredNursing.org, it leverages 7-week courses to keep momentum high. The curriculum’s focus on technology integration and evidence-based practice aligns with modern nursing demands.
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| #6 | Franklin Pierce University | Rindge, NH | $27,000/yr | ||
Franklin Pierce University’s 100% online RN to BSN offers six academic terms per year and the flexibility to study part-time or full-time. ACEN accreditation, a strong job placement rate, and credit for prior certifications support nurses aiming for leadership or graduate study. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking and ethical decision-making prepares graduates for broader responsibilities.
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| #7 | Saint Anselm College | Manchester, NH | $35,000/yr | ||
Saint Anselm College’s campus-based RN to BSN blends a liberal arts foundation with Benedictine values to develop compassionate, well-rounded nursing leaders. CCNE accreditation and a sterling institutional reputation in New Hampshire underscore its quality. The program draws on experienced faculty and a dedicated director to support RNs seeking a bachelor’s degree in a traditional college setting.
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The net price shown is the average cost after grants and scholarships for full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduates, based on the most recent College Scorecard data. It is an institution-wide figure and not a personalized quote; your actual cost may differ. Public universities in New Hampshire offer significantly lower tuition and net price compared to private institutions, though some private schools may provide substantial aid. Estimated monthly payments assume a 10-year repayment term and a 6.8% interest rate.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Median Graduate Debt | Est. Monthly Payment (10-yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | Public | $7,724 | $9,284 | $10,864 | $26,814 | $308 |
| Plymouth State University | Public | $14,626 | $25,566 | $19,216 | $26,000 | $299 |
| University of New Hampshire | Public | $19,202 | $39,852 | $23,805 | $26,814 | $308 |
| Franklin Pierce University | Private | $46,442 | $46,442 | $27,154 | $27,000 | $310 |
| Colby-Sawyer College | Private | $19,125 | $19,125 | $27,431 | $27,000 | $310 |
| Rivier University | Private | $39,488 | $39,488 | $28,082 | $26,956 | $310 |
| Saint Anselm College | Private | $48,920 | $48,920 | $34,779 | $27,000 | $310 |
Five of the seven ranked RN to BSN programs in New Hampshire are delivered fully online, providing a practical path for registered nurses who need to balance work, family, and education. These online options eliminate the need to commute while still offering the same curriculum quality as on-campus programs. The remaining two programs operate on a traditional campus schedule.
In most RN to BSN programs, “fully online” refers to the didactic coursework. Students complete assignments, watch lectures, and participate in discussions through an asynchronous learning management system. However, many programs still require a clinical or practicum component to develop advanced nursing competencies. These clinical hours are typically arranged at a facility near the student, often with the school’s assistance in securing a preceptor. For some programs, such as Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) RN to BSN, the design eliminates traditional in-person clinical requirements entirely. Instead, the curriculum integrates practice-based projects that can be completed within the student’s current workplace.
SNHU’s RN to BSN is a standout choice for cost-conscious students. At $354 per credit and a total program cost of $10,620 for 30 credits, it is among the most affordable options in the state. The program is 100% online and can be finished in just 12 months of full-time study. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and does not require any campus visits. The absence of a separate clinical practicum makes it especially convenient for nurses who already hold an active RN license and want to earn their BSN without interrupting their employment.
Several other New Hampshire institutions offer CCNE- or ACEN-accredited online RN to BSN pathways. University of New Hampshire’s College of Professional Studies provides an online, 120-credit-hour program with rolling admissions and 8-week terms. Colby-Sawyer College’s asynchronous online format features six start dates per year and partnerships with Dartmouth Health for clinical placements. Franklin Pierce University and Rivier University also deliver their programs 100% online, with flexible pacing.
For students who prefer face-to-face interaction, Plymouth State University and Saint Anselm College offer RN to BSN programs in a traditional campus setting. Plymouth State uses a cohort-based model with a leadership practicum, while Saint Anselm provides a CCNE-accredited curriculum on its Manchester campus.
New Hampshire residents are not limited to in-state schools. Many nationally available online RN to BSN programs accept students from any state. Before enrolling, it is wise to verify that the program holds approval from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, especially if it includes clinical placements. Most accredited programs clearly state their state authorization status on their websites.
For registered nurses in New Hampshire, earning a BSN typically takes between one and two years of focused study after completing an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Full-time students can finish in as little as 12 months at some schools, while part-time learners may need two to three years to balance coursework with work and personal commitments.
Programs vary in scheduling flexibility. At the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies (UNH CPS), the online RN to BSN completion program is designed to be completed in 12 to 18 months of full-time study. Rivier University offers an online RN-to-BSN that can be finished in about 12 months full-time, with a part-time track spanning six semesters (roughly two years). These timelines assume a typical course load and that all prior general education and nursing credits transfer smoothly.
The length of your program heavily depends on how many credits you can transfer. Most New Hampshire RN to BSN programs require a total of 120 credits for the bachelor's degree. ADN-prepared nurses often enter with a block of credits from their nursing diploma or associate degree, plus any general education courses. Schools like UNH CPS and Rivier University accept up to 90 transfer credits, leaving as few as 30 credits (the residency requirement) to complete at the university. If you have fewer transferable credits, perhaps because your ADN was from a program that did not align perfectly, you may need extra time. Always request a preliminary transcript review before enrolling to see exactly where you stand.
Some states feature accelerated RN to BSN tracks with compressed terms or eight-week courses, but currently no New Hampshire school advertises a distinct accelerated pathway. The fastest route available is full-time enrollment, which can wrap up in a year. If you are in a hurry, look for programs that allow you to take courses year-round without long breaks between terms.
In summary, plan on roughly 12 to 18 months if you study full-time and have a solid transfer credit evaluation. Part-time paths stretch to about two or three years. Always verify details with a program advisor, as actual completion time will reflect your individual transfer credit picture and the pace you choose.
Before you dive into detailed program profiles, here is a snapshot of what you can expect. Most RN to BSN programs in New Hampshire require between 30 and 40 nursing-specific credits and can be completed in as little as one year full-time. Costs vary by school, with net prices ranging from around $10,800 to $34,800.
Admission to New Hampshire's RN to BSN programs balances prior academic performance with nursing licensure and practical considerations like start dates and transfer credits. While each school sets its own bar, a few common threads emerge: an associate degree or diploma in nursing, an active unencumbered RN license, and a cumulative GPA that typically lands between 2.5 and 3.0. Some programs also evaluate the last 60 credits or specific science prerequisites more closely.
Most programs expect you to hold an accredited nursing credential. The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies and Rivier University both list an associate degree in nursing as the baseline, though a diploma may be accepted in some cases. A current, unrestricted RN license is mandatory across the board. GPA thresholds vary: UNH CPS does not publish a rigid floor but considers the overall academic picture, while Rivier similarly reviews transcripts holistically. Other schools, such as Plymouth State and Saint Anselm College, may set explicit minimums around 2.5 or 2.75, especially for science courses like anatomy and microbiology. Prerequisite coursework often includes general education classes (English, psychology, sociology) and sciences, but the exact list differs. Some programs require that certain sciences be completed within the past five to seven years; UNH CPS and Rivier indicate no strict recency limit, though older courses may prompt an advising conversation.
Transfer credit flexibility is a major selling point for RN to BSN completion. Both UNH CPS and Rivier cap the number of credits you can bring in at 90, leaving 30 credits of core nursing coursework to finish at the institution. This aligns with the standard 120-credit bachelor's degree structure. When previous coursework is decades old, programs may ask you to retake critical sciences, but many New Hampshire schools evaluate such cases individually rather than imposing a blanket expiration date. Conditional admission may be an option if you're still finishing your RN license or a prerequisite; UNH CPS explicitly offers this pathway, allowing you to start classes while finalizing credentials.
Start-date flexibility can accelerate your timeline. Rivier University admits students for fixed cohort launches, with a recent start date set for January 19, 2026, and typically offers additional entry points throughout the year. UNH CPS, in contrast, often uses rolling admission, allowing you to jump in during fall, spring, or summer terms. Plymouth State and Saint Anselm College may lean toward traditional semester schedules. Application deadlines generally fall a few months before the intended start, but rolling programs may accept applications up to the term's beginning if space permits. Keep in mind that online delivery does not always mean open enrollment: Rivier's program, for example, is not available to California residents due to state authorization regulations.
Before applying, verify each program's specific prerequisites, minimum GPA, and any practice hour requirements (such as a minimum number of clinical hours worked in the last year) directly with the admissions office. Requirements evolve, and the most accurate information comes from a conversation with an enrollment counselor.
CCSNH graduates can transfer up to 90 credits from their Associate of Science in Nursing degree directly into the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies' online RN to BSN program. This streamlined pathway means working nurses with a New Hampshire license only need to complete 30 additional credits to earn their bachelor's degree, all while paying the same per-credit tuition rate they had at the community college level.
The partnership between the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and UNH CPS is built on a guaranteed admission model for eligible candidates. Key details include:
Follow this path to move from associate degree to bachelor's with minimal friction:
1. Graduate from any CCSNH nursing program with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. 2. Pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain your New Hampshire RN license in good standing. 3. Complete the UNH CPS RN-BSN application; your application fee is waived as part of the CCSNH-USNH pathway. 4. Upon acceptance, enroll and finish the 30-credit online curriculum. 5. Graduate with a BSN from UNH College of Professional Studies.
This sequence eliminates prerequisite guesswork and guarantees that your ADN credits transfer in full, without needing to retake general education courses.
While the UNH CPS route is the most direct RN-BSN option, CCSNH maintains over 100 transfer pathways with the broader University System of New Hampshire (USNH). These agreements typically include application and transcript fee waivers, and they can benefit nurses who may later pursue a different bachelor's degree or who want to compare program formats. For registered nurses specifically, the CCSNH-UNH CPS partnership remains the primary streamlined bridge from community college to a BSN.
Hospitals across the state are shifting toward predominantly BSN-educated nursing staff to qualify for Magnet recognition and improve patient outcomes, a trend that directly shapes salary trajectories and job mobility.
Registered nurses in New Hampshire earn a median annual wage of approximately $96,900, well above the national median of $93,600. Entry-level nurses in the lowest 10th percentile bring in around $69,300, while those in the top 10th percentile earn roughly $120,100. These figures highlight a sizeable spread that rewards experience, specialization, and advanced credentials.
New Hampshire-specific data on the ADN-to-BSN pay premium is scarce, but national surveys routinely show BSN-prepared nurses earning $10,000 to $20,000 more per year than their ADN counterparts. The gap tends to widen in acute care and Magnet-designated facilities, where BSNs are often preferred for roles that carry higher base pay or shift differentials. For many RNs, completing a BSN unlocks salary growth that represents a strong return on the cost of the program.
A BSN opens doors beyond the bedside. It fulfills the educational requirement for Magnet-designated hospitals, a growing number of which operate in New Hampshire. It is also the standard prerequisite for master’s-level advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse anesthetist, as well as for leadership positions like nurse manager or director. Nurses who plan to move into education or public health nursing also benefit from holding a bachelor’s degree.
Many of the state’s largest healthcare employers offer tuition assistance that can dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket cost of an RN to BSN program. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Elliot Hospital, Catholic Medical Center, and Concord Hospital all maintain tuition reimbursement or tuition remission programs for employees seeking a BSN. Typically, these benefits require a year or more of service and pay a set amount per credit hour or per year, with some programs covering up to 100% of tuition at partner institutions. Nurses should check their employer’s human resources portal or speak with a nurse recruiter to learn about current offerings.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook projects steady job growth for registered nurses nationally,Occupational Outlook Handbook and New Hampshire’s aging population and rural healthcare needs suggest sustained demand. Completing a BSN while working positions nurses for advancement and salary increases as the market increasingly favors baccalaureate preparation.
The AACN’s goal of an 80% BSN-prepared nursing workforce by 2020 remains unmet. In 2024, only 72.9% of RNs held a bachelor’s or higher, according to New America’s report on the 80 Percent Goal. RN to BSN programs in New Hampshire can help close that gap.
Considering an RN to BSN program in New Hampshire? Below are answers to common questions about salaries, program length, costs, transfer policies, and more.
