nursingadmissionscareersNew Hampshire

Best Nursing Schools in New Hampshire: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 30, 2026

Explore 14 accredited nursing programs across New Hampshire—from affordable community colleges to prestigious universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and earning potential to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers 14 accredited nursing programs across the state, providing multiple pathways for aspiring nurses at different price points and academic levels. Whether you're seeking an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a community college or a Bachelor's Degree (BSN) from a university, New Hampshire has options that fit various budgets and career goals.

The state's nursing programs range from highly selective private institutions to open-access community colleges. In-state tuition varies dramatically—from as low as $6,940 per year at River Valley Community College to $46,810 annually at Saint Anselm College. This diversity means prospective nursing students can pursue quality nursing education regardless of their financial situation.

All nursing programs in New Hampshire prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), the standardized test required to become a licensed registered nurse. The choice between a 2-year ADN and a 4-year BSN depends on your timeline, budget, career ambitions, and learning preferences.

Top University Nursing Programs in New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus (Durham)

Program Type: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (4-year)
Tuition: $19,112/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 86.9%
Graduation Rate: 77.1%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $121,657/year (Graduate Certificate holders)

UNH's nursing program stands out for its strong graduation rate and exceptional graduate earnings. As New Hampshire's flagship public university with 11,230 students, UNH offers extensive resources, research opportunities, and clinical partnerships across the state. The program is located in Durham, a college town environment that supports student engagement and community involvement.

The 77.1% graduation rate indicates strong student support and program quality. UNH nursing graduates earn significantly above state averages, suggesting employers value the university's rigorous curriculum and clinical training.

Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester)

Program Type: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (4-year)
Tuition: $16,450/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 96.1%
Graduation Rate: 43.2%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $77,504/year

SNHU is New Hampshire's largest university with 156,755 students and offers one of the most affordable BSN programs in the state. The high acceptance rate (96.1%) makes this program accessible to students with varied academic backgrounds. However, the 43.2% graduation rate is notably lower than peer institutions, suggesting the program may require careful time management or additional support for some students.

SNHU's Manchester location provides urban amenities and proximity to major healthcare employers. The affordable tuition makes this an attractive option for students with financial constraints.

Keene State College (Keene)

Program Type: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (4-year)
Tuition: $14,710/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 89.1%
Graduation Rate: 58.9%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $68,170/year

Keene State offers competitive in-state tuition with a solid 58.9% graduation rate. With 2,680 students, the college maintains a smaller community feel while offering quality nursing education. The program is well-integrated into a liberal arts curriculum, which some students prefer for developing well-rounded clinical judgment and communication skills.

Plymouth State University (Plymouth)

Program Type: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (4-year)
Tuition: $14,558/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 91.0%
Graduation Rate: 49.2%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $64,283/year

Plymouth State offers the lowest tuition among public 4-year universities in New Hampshire. Located in the scenic White Mountains region, the university serves 3,298 students. The program's affordability makes it attractive for budget-conscious students, though the 49.2% graduation rate suggests prospective students should assess their readiness for independent study and time management.

Private University Options

Saint Anselm College (Manchester)

Tuition: $46,810/year
Acceptance Rate: 78.3%
Graduation Rate: 84.2%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $72,764/year

Saint Anselm's nursing program boasts the highest graduation rate (84.2%) among New Hampshire's nursing schools, reflecting strong student support and program quality. The Benedictine college emphasizes ethics and values-based nursing care. However, the tuition is the highest among all programs listed.

Rivier University (Nashua)

Tuition: $37,791/year
Acceptance Rate: 81.8%
Graduation Rate: 58.2%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $106,878/year (Master's Degree)

Rivier offers graduate nursing degrees with exceptional earning potential ($106,878/year). The university serves 1,312 students and provides specialized nursing pathways for career advancement. This is an excellent choice for students seeking advanced practice roles.

Franklin Pierce University (Rindge)

Tuition: $44,963/year
Acceptance Rate: 90.2%
Graduation Rate: 49.3%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $83,930/year

Franklin Pierce combines reasonable accessibility (90.2% acceptance) with solid earning outcomes. The university's location in southwestern New Hampshire provides a quieter, more rural setting.

Colby-Sawyer College (New London)

Tuition: $18,400/year
Acceptance Rate: 90.0%
Graduation Rate: 61.0%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $71,380/year

Colby-Sawyer offers mid-range tuition with a respectable 61.0% graduation rate. The college serves 778 students, providing a tight-knit community environment.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

New Hampshire's five community colleges offer Associate's Degrees in Nursing (ADN) at significantly lower costs than 4-year universities. Community college nursing graduates earn the same RN license and can practice as registered nurses immediately upon passing the NCLEX-RN.

Most Affordable Options

River Valley Community College (Claremont)

Tuition: $6,940/year (lowest in state)
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $60,506/year

White Mountains Community College (Berlin)

Tuition: $7,050/year
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $67,257/year

NHTI-Concord's Community College (Concord)

Tuition: $7,200/year
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $60,298/year

Great Bay Community College (Portsmouth)

Tuition: $7,200/year
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $65,275/year

Private Community College

St Joseph School of Nursing (Nashua)

Tuition: $22,978/year
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $68,084/year

The ADN vs. BSN Decision

Choose an ADN (Associate's Degree) if you:

Need to start working quickly (2-year timeline)
Have budget constraints (tuition as low as $6,940/year)
Want to earn an RN license and begin practicing immediately
Plan to pursue a BSN later through RN-to-BSN bridge programs

Choose a BSN (Bachelor's Degree) if you:

Can invest 4 years in education
Want broader career opportunities and management roles
Prefer a university environment with research opportunities
Plan to pursue advanced practice degrees (Master's, DNP)

Many New Hampshire nursing students start with an ADN, work as RNs, and later complete a BSN through evening or online programs while employed.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

1. Assess Your Financial Situation

Calculate total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, housing, and living expenses. Community college ADN programs cost $13,880–$14,400 for the entire 2-year program, while BSN programs range from $58,232 to $187,240 for 4 years. Research financial aid eligibility (federal loans, grants, state programs) before deciding.

2. Evaluate Graduation Rates

Graduation rate indicates program quality and student support. Saint Anselm College (84.2%) and UNH (77.1%) have strong completion rates. Lower graduation rates (43.2% at SNHU, 49.2% at Plymouth State) don't necessarily indicate poor programs—they may reflect more diverse student populations with varying preparation levels—but they suggest you should assess your readiness for rigorous coursework.

3. Consider Location and Campus Culture

Do you prefer an urban setting (Manchester, Nashua), a college town (Durham, Keene), or a rural area (Berlin, Claremont)? Campus size matters too: SNHU's 156,755 students offers different experiences than Colby-Sawyer's 778 students.

4. Research Clinical Partnerships

Strong nursing programs partner with major hospitals and healthcare systems. Ask programs about their clinical rotation sites. Proximity to diverse clinical settings (urban hospitals, rural clinics, specialty facilities) enriches your education.

5. Review Admission Requirements

Most programs require high school diploma or GED, prerequisite coursework (biology, chemistry, anatomy/physiology), and a minimum GPA (typically 2.5–3.0). Some require TEAS or HESI entrance exams. Community colleges often have more flexible admission standards than universities.

Nursing Job Market in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a strong demand for registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing jobs are projected to grow 6% nationally through 2032, with strong demand in New Hampshire due to an aging population and expanding healthcare systems.

Earning Potential by Degree Level:

Associate's Degree (ADN): $60,298–$67,257/year
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): $64,283–$83,930/year
Master's Degree: $89,235–$121,657/year

Major employers in New Hampshire include Dartmouth Health, Catholic Medical Center, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and Concord Hospital. Many rural areas face nursing shortages, creating additional opportunities for new graduates.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in New Hampshire

Federal Aid

Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2023-24) for eligible low-income students
Federal Student Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans available to all eligible students
FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov

State Programs

New Hampshire Nursing Loan Repayment Program: Forgives loans for nurses working in underserved areas
New Hampshire Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit: Provides tax credits for employers hiring nursing graduates

Institutional Aid

Most universities offer merit scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study opportunities. Contact financial aid offices directly for program-specific scholarships.

Private Scholarships

National League for Nursing scholarships
State nursing association awards
Healthcare employer scholarships (many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement)

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore New Hampshire nursing programs in detail? Visit GradeToGrad's Health Disciplines page for New Hampshire to:

Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates side-by-side
Read student reviews and program descriptions
Access direct links to program websites and application portals
Filter by program type (ADN vs. BSN), location, and cost
Connect with current students and alumni

Final Recommendations

For Budget-Conscious Students: Start with a community college ADN program (River Valley, White Mountains, or NHTI-Concord). You'll earn your RN license in 2 years for under $15,000, then advance to a BSN through an RN-to-BSN program while working and earning.

For Traditional Students Seeking Excellence: Choose University of New Hampshire (strong graduation rate, excellent earnings) or Saint Anselm College (highest graduation rate, values-based education).

For Career Changers: Rivier University's graduate programs offer accelerated pathways to advanced practice roles with strong earning potential.

For Flexible Learning: UNH College of Professional Studies Online offers master's degree programs at affordable tuition ($7,812/year) for working professionals.

New Hampshire's 14 nursing programs ensure that motivated students—regardless of financial situation or background—can access quality nursing education and launch rewarding healthcare careers.