New Hampshire’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
If you’ve considered becoming a nurse, New Hampshire is a great place to start your nursing career. New Hampshire has a projected registered nurse (RN) growth rate of 9% between 2020-2030, just above the national RN growth rate of 6% between 2021-2031. There is a projected 880 RN job openings annually in New Hampshire, which means there will be plenty of job opportunities for aspiring nurses.
US News ranks New Hampshire as the sixth state overall. The Granite State is full of natural beauty, with many valleys, rivers, lakes, and mountains. It also has 13 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. This makes it a great place to enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, camping, horseback riding, or spending time at beautiful beaches.
You will find that New Hampshire has no sales tax, being one of only four states in the US that offer this. No sales tax means that the price you see is the price you pay. Due to this, buying property is also much more affordable. This has led to an increased quality of life for residents of New Hampshire.
Regarding healthcare, you can’t get much better than New Hampshire. It ranks among the top three states in the 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance. Ranking number one in the country for healthcare access has led to excellent preventative care services in the state. Their high rankings in healthcare make it a perfect place to start your RN career.
The Best Nursing Schools in New Hampshire
Learn more about the best nursing schools in New Hampshire to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in New Hampshire based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the New Hampshire Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 New Hampshire ADN Nursing Program
River Valley Community College
River Valley Community College is a two-year college in Claremont and Keene, New Hampshire. They offer a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to RN bridge program, an LPN to RN direct entry program, or a traditional Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN-RN) degree program. Their ASN-RN degree program can be completed in two years when attending full-time. With low faculty-to-student ratios and clinical placements in critical care hospitals, students receive the education and training needed to be RNs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,500
Out-of-State: $19,450
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,500 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$19,450 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.87% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
76.1% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
694 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 New Hampshire ADN Nursing Program
Nashua Community College
Nashua Community College is a public community college located in Nashua, New Hampshire. They offer an ADN program with experienced faculty who guide students through comprehensive classroom instruction, in-depth scenarios in their state-of-the-art simulation lab, and purposeful clinical placements that allow students to integrate their learning with actual patients. Class sizes at Nashua Community College are small, with only 32 students, which allows for personalized attention for each student.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,330
Out-of-State: $12,130
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,330 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$12,130 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
90% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
71% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
95% |
| Students Enrolled |
13,864 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 New Hampshire ADN Nursing Program
Great Bay Community College
Great Bay Community College is a public community college in Portsmouth and Rochester, New Hampshire. They offer an ASN-RN degree program with faculty committed to guiding students in class, clinical, and lab to teach them how to think like a nurse. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN jobs upon program completion.
Students will complete their learning in the classroom, in skills and simulation labs, and in clinical opportunities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,200
Out-of-State: $15,450
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,200 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,450 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
89.74% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021-2023 |
64.58% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,565 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
85% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 New Hampshire BSN Nursing Program
Plymouth State University
Plymouth State University is a public university located in the towns of Plymouth and Holderness, New Hampshire. They offer a BSN program with a mission to provide nursing curricula that support excellence in nursing education. Upon completing the program, graduates are competent nurses who make sound clinical judgments, communicate effectively, and make decisions using the best evidence to practice in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment.
Average Tuition
In-State: $14,492
Out-of-State: $24,872
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$14,492 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,872 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
92% |
| Retention Rate |
64% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,224 |
| Institution Type |
Public university |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
58% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 New Hampshire BSN Nursing Program
Saint Anselm College
Saint Anselm College is a private Benedictine liberal arts college in Goffstown, New Hampshire. They offer a comprehensive BSN program that prepares students for a career in healthcare. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences to ensure students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field. Its program is known for its commitment to providing a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students receive individualized attention from experienced faculty members.
Average Tuition
In-State: $43,340
Out-of-State: $43,340
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$43,340 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$43,340 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2020-2021 |
96.55% |
| Admission Rate |
78% |
| Retention Rate |
89% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,954 |
| Institution Type |
Private Benedictine liberal arts college |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes- by the CCNE |
#3 New Hampshire BSN Nursing Program
University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is a public university with its main campus in Durham, New Hampshire. They offer a BSN program emphasizing evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care. Students develop high-quality clinical and problem-solving skills in their innovative nursing labs, which include mannequins, task trainers, and equipment to simulate clinical situations. Hands-on learning opportunities are provided through opportunities to participate in research at home and abroad, clinical experiences offered at area hospitals and community health agencies, and internships. Graduates of the nursing program at UNH are well-prepared to meet the nursing profession’s challenges and positively impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $15,520
Out-of-State: $34,430
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$15,520 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$34,430 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.59% |
| Admission Rate |
85% |
| Retention Rate |
87% |
| Students Enrolled |
16,210 |
| Institution Type |
Public university |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes- by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Hampshire
When choosing a nursing program in New Hampshire, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 9 ADN and 9 BSN programs in New Hampshire are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in New Hampshire
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and New Hampshire estimates a nursing growth of 9% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
New Hampshire is ranked among the top three states in the 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance. The state received high marks for healthcare access and affordability, prevention and treatment, healthy lives, reproductive and maternal health, and racial and ethnic equity. In addition, it was ranked number one in the country for access to a usual source of healthcare for adults and medical homes for children, leading to excellent preventative services.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in New Hampshire earn an average annual salary of $83,420, which is below the national average. However, with no sales tax in the state, your dollar will stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Hampshire
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in New Hampshire is $83,420, and it employs 13,510 nurses. New Hampshire also employs 1,090 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $110,680.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in New Hampshire for RNs |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME |
$83,570 |
| West Central-Southwest New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area |
$83,570 |
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME |
$82,230 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New Hampshire
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in New Hampshire, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in New Hampshire:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first New Hampshire RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education. You also need to have 400 working hours as an RN within four years of the renewal application date or have completed the NCLEX exam within two years of the application date.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in New Hampshire:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in New Hampshire.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- New Hampshire APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. Before renewal, APRNs need 30 of the 60 required continuing education hours in their specialty certification. Their additional 30 continuing education hours should include at least five hours of pharmacology. APRNs with an active DEA number for prescribing will need three of the five hours to address opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance abuse disorder. APRNs need 400 active hours in practice specialty in the four years immediately preceding the date of application. If newly graduated as an APRN within the previous two years before licensure, program coursework and clinical count for the first renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New Hampshire
Is New Hampshire a good place for nurses to work?
New Hampshire was ranked third for health system performance, making it a great place to practice nursing. It was ranked number one in the nation for access to a usual source of healthcare for adults and medical homes for children. Due to this, residents have the access they need for preventative care, allowing them to remain healthy.
Is New Hampshire a compact state for nursing?
Yes. New Hampshire is a compact state for nursing. This means that RNs issued by your primary state of residence will be recognized in New Hampshire and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in New Hampshire?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your New Hampshire RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education and will need 400 working hours as an RN within four years of the renewal application.
How much does a New Hampshire RN license cost?
There is a $148 application fee to apply for your New Hampshire RN license and a $200 fee to take the NCLEX-RN exam. To renew your New Hampshire RN license, it costs $108.
