Compare BSN, ADN, and accelerated nursing programs across NH by cost, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes.
New Hampshire offers fewer than 20 accredited nursing programs statewide, a small, concentrated landscape where every choice carries weight. A two-year associate degree at a public community college can carry an effective net price under $16,000, while a four-year BSN from a private university may exceed $34,000 after aid. Between those poles, students navigate campus, hybrid, and online formats, each tied to different clinical placements and cohort schedules.
With NCLEX-RN pass rates holding above 96%, the real pressure isn’t passing the exam; it’s selecting a program whose cost, location, and timeline align with your next step in a market where major employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses.
New Hampshire's nursing landscape spans rural community colleges, state universities, and private liberal arts institutions, each bringing distinct strengths to the table. This ranking weighs affordability, graduation rates, career earnings, and program-specific factors to help you identify schools that align with your goals.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | White Mountains Community College | Berlin, NH | $7,000 – $15,000/yr | Budget-minded students pursuing an ADN | |
White Mountains Community College in Berlin provides an ACEN-accredited associate degree that keeps costs low (net price $15,474) and graduate debt among the smallest in the state ($11,000). With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio and a 61.8% institution-wide graduation rate, students benefit from close support and a clear LPN-to-RN bridge option.
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| #2 | University of New Hampshire | Durham, NH | $24,000/yr (net price) | Career changers pursuing a direct-entry MSN | |
The University of New Hampshire's flagship campus in Durham offers a CCNE-accredited BSN and a direct-entry MSN for career changers. Strong institutional outcomes (76.1% graduation rate, $66,479 median earnings) and 814 clinical hours in the BSN alone underscore rigorous preparation for licensure and advanced study.
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| #3 | Saint Anselm College | Manchester, NH | $35,000/yr | Students who prioritize NCLEX pass rates | |
Saint Anselm College in Manchester combines a liberal arts foundation with a CCNE-accredited BSN that boasts a 99% NCLEX pass rate. With an 88% retention rate and $73,371 median earnings, graduates are well prepared for top-tier hospital placements and advanced practice roles.
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| #4 | Keene State College | Keene, NH | $18,000/yr (net price) | ||
Keene State College's CCNE-accredited BSN reports a 100% employment rate for graduates as RNs. An institution-wide graduation rate of 60.1% and a net price of $17,887 make it a competitive public option in southwestern New Hampshire, with small classes and a state-of-the-art simulation lab.
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| #5 | Colby-Sawyer College | New London, NH | $27,000/yr | ||
Colby-Sawyer College in New London offers a BSN with clinical rotations at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, CCNE accreditation, and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. While the net price ($27,431) is higher than public options, the personalized attention and strong clinical partnerships appeal to learners seeking a small, hands-on program.
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| #6 | Nashua Community College | Nashua, NH | $23,000/yr | ||
Nashua Community College's associate degree in nursing offers a 69-credit pathway with a low median graduate debt of $11,000 and a high ROI ratio. Small class sizes and a supportive learning environment help students meet the TEAS and prerequisite requirements for entry into this ACEN-accredited program.
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| #7 | Plymouth State University | Plymouth, NH | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Plymouth State University's CCNE-accredited BSN emphasizes holistic care and evidence-based practice, with a reported 100% employment rate and an institution-wide graduation rate of 52%. A separate RN-BSN track accommodates working nurses, while competitive admission (3.0 GPA) ensures a focused cohort.
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| #8 | Great Bay Community College | Portsmouth, NH | $16,000/yr (net price) | ||
Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth offers an ACEN-accredited associate degree with a net price of $15,768 and flexible full- or part-time scheduling. Transfer agreements with RN-BSN programs and high NCLEX pass rates make it a practical launch point for both immediate employment and continued education.
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| #9 | NHTI-Concord's Community College | Concord, NH | $18,000/yr | ||
NHTI, Concord's Community College delivers an ACEN-accredited associate degree that emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning. With a net price of $18,011 and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, it serves a diverse student body across central New Hampshire while requiring a TEAS score of 66% for admission.
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| #10 | Rivier University | Nashua, NH | $28,000/yr | ||
Rivier University in Nashua stands out for its evening and weekend A.S. in Nursing, designed to accommodate working students. Recognized externally as a top nursing school in the state, it pairs extensive clinical partnerships with a focus on experiential learning and critical thinking, though net price ($28,082) is on the higher side.
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Choosing between an ADN and BSN is one of the most important decisions for aspiring nurses in New Hampshire. While both pathways lead to RN licensure, they differ in time, cost, and career opportunities. This side-by-side comparison breaks down the key factors to help you decide which path fits your goals.
The net price shown reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships across all students at the institution; your individual financial aid offer may differ. Among BSN programs, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, and the University of New Hampshire offer the lowest net prices in the state, all below $24,000. For associate-degree seekers, River Valley Community College, White Mountains Community College, and Great Bay Community College are the most affordable options, with net prices under $16,000.
| School | Program | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid | Program Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | Direct Entry MSN | $10,448 | $11,708 | $10,864 | campus |
| River Valley Community College | Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN-RN) | $6,940 | $15,190 | $14,804 | hybrid |
| White Mountains Community College | Nursing | $7,050 | $15,300 | $15,474 | campus |
| Great Bay Community College | Associate Degree Nursing Program | $7,200 | $15,450 | $15,768 | campus |
| Keene State College | Nursing | $14,784 | $26,840 | $17,887 | campus |
| NHTI-Concord's Community College | Nursing | $7,200 | $15,450 | $18,011 | campus |
| Plymouth State University | Nursing (BS) | $14,626 | $25,566 | $19,216 | campus |
| Nashua Community College | Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) | $7,140 | $15,390 | $23,154 | campus |
| University of New Hampshire | Nursing Major (B.S.) | $19,202 | $39,852 | $23,805 | campus |
| New England College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $27,474 | $27,474 | $26,972 | hybrid |
| Franklin Pierce University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $46,442 | $46,442 | $27,154 | online |
| Colby-Sawyer College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $19,125 | $19,125 | $27,431 | campus |
| Rivier University | A.S. in Nursing | $39,488 | $39,488 | $28,082 | campus |
| Saint Anselm College | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $48,920 | $48,920 | $34,779 | campus |
96.5%, that’s the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for New Hampshire nursing programs in 2024, well above the national figure of 91.2% for U.S.-educated candidates. With 836 first-time test-takers across the state, the data signals strong program preparation, but averages only tell part of the story. Individual school performance varies, and a handful of programs report data from 2023, so prospective students should verify the most current figures directly with each institution.
New Hampshire’s overall pass rate has consistently outpaced the national average. In 2024, the state’s BSN programs collectively achieved a 97.8% first-time pass rate, while ADN programs hit 95.2%. For context, the national average for all U.S.-educated candidates sits at 91.2%, marking New Hampshire as a reliably strong performer. Still, not every program clears the state’s 96.5% average, and even small differences can signal variations in curriculum, clinical placement quality, or exam readiness support.
The table below lists the most recent available first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for New Hampshire schools. Data is drawn from state board reports and program outcome disclosures, with reporting years noted where they differ from the 2024 cycle.
Note: The University of New Hampshire’s Direct Entry Master’s (DEMN) pathway is a graduate-level entry program that also qualifies candidates for NCLEX-RN licensure. For BSN and DEMN, 2024 rates were not publicly available at the time of this review, so 2023 data is shown. Manchester Community College and St. Joseph reported 2024 numbers, both exceeding the national average comfortably.
All listed schools surpass the 91.2% national mark, so no program here falls below that critical threshold. However, the DEMN pass rate of 96.55%, while strong, sits slightly under the state’s overall 96.5% average and notably below the 97.8% state BSN average. For an accelerated, graduate-level program, a dip of even a couple percentage points can raise questions about pacing, student support, or exam preparation. Prospective applicants should ask programs directly about NCLEX remediation resources, first-time pass rate trends over the past three years, and the specific support offered to students if they don’t pass on the first attempt.
High pass rates are encouraging, but they shouldn’t be the only factor. A program with a 100% rate but only a handful of test-takers may not have a statistically meaningful record, while a larger program with a 95% rate might better prepare you for diverse clinical settings. Always look at multi-year trends, ask about attrition, and consider how well a school’s clinical partnerships align with your career goals. The NCLEX is a critical gate, and New Hampshire’s nursing schools generally equip students to clear it, but personal fit and long-term outcomes matter just as much.
National nursing accreditation standards continue to evolve alongside employer expectations, making a program's accrediting body one of the first filters you should apply when comparing New Hampshire nursing programs.
Accreditation verifies that a nursing program meets nationally recognized quality benchmarks. It affects your ability to sit for the NCLEX, transfer credits, and pursue graduate education later. Employers and state licensing boards routinely look for graduates of accredited programs, and degree portability across states often hinges on this status. The two main nursing accreditors in the U.S. are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)1 and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)2. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but they serve slightly different purposes.
CCNE typically accredits baccalaureate and graduate-level nursing programs, while ACEN accredits all levels including associate degree programs. In New Hampshire, this distinction is clear: - CCNE-accredited BSN programs: University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Colby-Sawyer College, Keene State College, Saint Anselm College, and New England College. - ACEN-accredited ADN programs: NHTI-Concord's Community College, Great Bay Community College, White Mountains Community College, River Valley Community College, Nashua Community College, and Rivier University. Some schools, like Franklin Pierce University, hold ACEN accreditation for their BSN, but the pattern above holds for most institutions. Checking current directories directly through the CCNE or ACEN websites is the best way to confirm status at the time you apply.
New Hampshire nursing programs share a common set of prerequisites, though specifics vary. Most BSN programs require a minimum high school or college GPA of 2.75 to 3.0, with higher thresholds for progression within the major. Core sciences, including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, are almost always required, often with a grade of C or better. Entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI are common; community colleges like NHTI and River Valley CC set a TEAS benchmark around 66%, while four-year schools may use the exam as one of several factors in a holistic review. Additional requirements can include CPR certification, background checks, drug screenings, and professional references.
New Hampshire's modest population creates an intense bottleneck for clinical placements. The state has fewer large hospital systems than many regions, so programs compete for limited slots at partners like Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Concord Hospital, and Catholic Medical Center. Schools with long-established relationships and dedicated clinical coordinators often have an edge, but students should ask every program how clinical rotations are assigned and whether travel to distant sites is necessary. Securing a placement is rarely automatic, and delays can extend time to graduation.
Institutional acceptance rates at New Hampshire's four-year nursing schools range from about 78% to 93%, but these overall numbers mask nursing-specific selectivity. Many programs operate on a competitive-entry model with limited cohorts, meaning even a high overall admit rate doesn't guarantee a seat in the nursing major. Community colleges often have open institutional admission but enforce a secondary application for nursing with strict prerequisite and testing cutoffs. Always ask programs for their nursing-specific acceptance rate and average admitted student profile to gauge your chances realistically.
New Hampshire nursing schools offer several routes to a degree beyond the traditional four-year on-campus experience. While no single state resource lists every online, hybrid, or accelerated option side by side, a few targeted searches can help you identify the right fit. Each program's official website is the most current source for format details, so explore each school's website directly.
Start with the state's largest nursing educators. At the University of New Hampshire (UNH), check the Department of Nursing for an "Accelerated BSN" or "RN-to-BSN" page. Granite State College, now a campus within the University System of New Hampshire, has historically emphasized flexible learning and may list online BSN or RN-to-BSN tracks. Plymouth State University and Franklin Pierce University both have nursing departments that periodically update their delivery options; look for "hybrid BSN," "online RN-to-BSN," or "accelerated nursing" in their program menus. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is known for online degrees and typically offers an RN-to-BSN fully online, with multiple start dates per year.
Before getting too far into the details, confirm any program is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Their website maintains a list of pre-licensure and advanced programs. If you have questions about length or part-time availability that the website does not answer, contact the program director directly. Directors can clarify whether a program officially offers part-time enrollment, even if the published materials emphasize full-time cohorts.
When you reach out to admissions offices, come prepared with specific questions. Inquire whether the track is fully online or requires some on-campus components (often called a hybrid). Ask for a typical completion timeline: an accelerated BSN for second-degree holders might range from 12 to 24 months, while an RN-to-BSN could be finished in as little as one year. Also ask if part-time study is allowed, as many online programs accommodate working nurses with lighter course loads.
If you need wider benchmarks, professional resources can add perspective. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing offers lists of accelerated BSN and RN-to-BSN programs, though not always filtered down to individual states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides employment outlook data that can underscore the value of flexible educational paths. Use these alongside your school-specific research to build a complete picture.
New Hampshire nurses earn less than the national median of $93,600, but wages are competitive within northern New England. While Massachusetts RNs bring in over $100,000, Vermont and Maine medians hover around $83,000. The state's aging population and rural provider shortages keep demand strong, with BLS projecting 5% national job growth through 2034.
New Hampshire's nursing education landscape now includes more hybrid and accelerated formats than ever, but the core decision still hinges on a methodical checklist. The following steps help you weigh accreditation, cost, format, NCLEX performance, and clinical access so you pick a program that aligns with your career timeline and budget.
The first filter is accreditation from ACEN or CCNE, which ensures your credits qualify for financial aid and that you can sit for the NCLEX. Equally important is approval from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing: without it, you may not be eligible for licensure even with a degree from an out-of-state school offering clinicals in NH.
Sticker tuition rarely tells the whole story. Use the net price data in the tuition comparison table above to estimate what you actually pay after grants and scholarships. At many New Hampshire nursing schools, the average net price is thousands less than published rates. Factor in program length, fees, and the cost of relocating or commuting. A low-tuition ADN might cost less upfront, but a BSN often unlocks higher lifetime earnings, so measure ROI, not just the first-year bill.
NCLEX results are a non-negotiable quality checkpoint. Programs with pass rates consistently below 80 percent raise red flags: either the curriculum underprepares students or the school lacks adequate academic support, risking delays in your licensure timeline. Aim for programs where first-time pass rates hover at or above the state average year after year, not just in a single good cycle.
Working adults often gravitate toward hybrid or online coursework, but those formats trade scheduling flexibility for less organic peer networking and hands-on skill practice. Campus-based programs offer more face time with instructors and easier access to lab facilities, advantages that matter for building clinical confidence. If you thrive on structure and in-person mentorship, a traditional track may be worth the commute.
New Hampshire's rural geography means some hospitals and clinics are a long drive from campus. Before enrolling, ask where current students complete their rotations and whether the school coordinates placements or leaves you to find your own. If possible, visit a clinical site to gauge the learning environment and commute time. A program with strong hospital partnerships and geographically compact placements saves you hours behind the wheel across multiple semesters.
Here we answer common questions about nursing programs in New Hampshire, from top schools and costs to transfer pathways and licensure. Use these FAQs to get the facts you need to choose the right program for your career in nursing.
