More residents than ever are seeking health care in New Hampshire, causing the need for qualified nurses to grow. The New Hampshire Employment Security, Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau projects that the state will need about 19 percent more registered nurses in 2025 than it had in 2012.
If you've thought about becoming a nurse or want to further your education to become an advanced practice nurse, you can find more information about the field and corresponding requirements in the following guide.
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Top Nursing Schools in New Hampshire
Methodology +
BEST 4-YEAR NURSING SCHOOLS
The top nursing programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ration
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
#1 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Durham-based University of New Hampshire-Main Campus is a public college that offers a DNP program. Enrollees develop the transferrable skills and knowledge necessary for the nursing field. Degree-seekers benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty through research and more.
The nursing program supports in-person and online learning formats. Enrollees can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance throughout their studies.
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 207
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 76%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 90%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,193
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 63%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,601
Average Price After Aid: $24,056
#2 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Campus
Saint Anselm College supports numerous programs from its main campus in Manchester. Its nursing programs foster learning through robust curriculums and supportive learning communities. Degree-seekers benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty through research and more.
Nursing students can learn in person or online. Degree candidates can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Saint Anselm College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 43
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 69%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,498
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#3 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Keene State College
Keene, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Keene State College supports in-person learning and distance learning opportunities from its main campus in Keene. Learners looking to advance in the nursing field should consider the college's bachelor of science in nursing. Beyond the classroom, students can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Degree-seekers benefit from flexible study, with the option to pursue in-person or online learning. Students can enroll full or part time. When considering remote study, applicants should know that 1% of the college's programs support online learning. Degree candidates benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
Keene State College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 83
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 97%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,488
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 70%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,392
Average Price After Aid: $19,805
#4 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Plymouth State University offers numerous degrees from its main campus in Plymouth. Learners looking to advance in the nursing field should consider the college's nursing program. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Working professionals and busy students benefit from the program's flexibility. They can learn in person or online. Leading in online education, the college supports four online programs. All students can access institutional resources and receive personal and professional guidance.
Plymouth State University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 145
Number of Online Programs: 4
Admission Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,820
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 74%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,665
Average Price After Aid: $19,675
#5 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Granite State College
Concord, NH - 4 years
- Online
A public institution, Granite State College operates a main campus in Concord. The college's RN-to-BSN degree provides students interested in a nursing career with a world-class education. The program boasts a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling collaborative endeavors such as faculty-driven research projects.
Degree candidates can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. Online programs make up 100% of the college's programs. Students can make use of campus resources, such as academic advising and library services, while enrolled.
Granite State College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 58
Number of Online Programs: 58
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 19%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 84%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,742
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 53%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,424
Average Price After Aid: $11,392
#6 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Franklin Pierce University
Rindge, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Franklin Pierce University operates a main campus in Rindge. Learners looking to advance in the nursing field should consider the college's master's entry program in nursing. Enrollees benefit from learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom. They can pursue collaborative projects such as faculty-driven research, internships, and more.
Degree candidates can complete the program in person or online. Remote students can choose from one of 45 fully online degrees. Students can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources during their studies.
Franklin Pierce University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 74
Number of Online Programs: 45
Admission Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 49%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 80%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $11,493
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#7 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Rivier University
Nashua, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rivier University supports numerous degrees from its main campus in Nashua. Learners looking to advance in the nursing field should consider the college's LPN-to-ASN program. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, degree-seekers can pursue their studies at their own pace. Of its programs, 25% allow for fully online study. Regardless of learning modality, enrollees can access institutional resources, such as career services, geared toward student success.
Rivier University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 72
Number of Online Programs: 18
Admission Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 69%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,743
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#8 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colby-Sawyer College, a private college based in New London, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The college's master of science in nursing education program equips students with industry-relevant study, preparing them for the demands of a nursing career. Learners can benefit from the program's collaborative nature. Enrollees can pursue research projects and other learning opportunities.
Students can learn in person or in a distance format. Online programs make up 3% of the college's degrees. Students can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources during their program.
Colby-Sawyer College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 29
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 100%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 72%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,479
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#9 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern New Hampshire University supports numerous programs, both in person and online, from its main campus in Manchester. Learners seeking flexible study in nursing will benefit from the college's nursing programs. The college boasts a 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration through faculty-driven research projects.
Students can complete coursework on campus or pursue remote learning. Leading in online education, the college supports 84 online degrees. Candidates can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources during their studies.
Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 134
Number of Online Programs: 84
Admission Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 77%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 68%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,303
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#10 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Lakes Region Community College
Laconia, NH - 2 years
- Campus
A public institution, Lakes Region Community College operates a main campus in Laconia. Students pursuing the associate of science in nursing benefit from world-class faculty and a well-rounded education. The program boasts a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling collaborative endeavors such as faculty-driven research projects.
Learners can complete the program in person or online. Degree candidates can make use of campus resources, such as academic advising and library services, while enrolled.
Lakes Region Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 60
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 41%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 86%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,604
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 50%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,844
Average Price After Aid: $15,409
#11 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
River Valley Community College
Claremont, NH - 2 years
- Campus
River Valley Community College reaches learners worldwide through its flexible academic programs, available in person and online. Enrollees hoping to advance in a nursing-adjacent career will benefit from the college's licensed nursing assistant program. Students seeking supplementary study can benefit from faculty-driven research projects and other collaborative learning opportunities.
Learners can pursue in-person or online learning, and enroll full or part time. Enrollees can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
River Valley Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 36
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 32%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 86%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,309
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 42%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,484
Average Price After Aid: $17,366
#12 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Nashua Community College
Nashua, NH - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Nashua Community College, a public college based in Nashua, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The college's nursing program equips learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferrable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. Beyond the classroom, students can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Students can learn on campus or online. The college reports that 2% of its programs sustain online study. Regardless of enrollment format, participants can access campus resources including academic advising, library services, and tutoring.
Nashua Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 52
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 32%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 69%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,471
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 33%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,967
Average Price After Aid: $11,946
#13 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
White Mountains Community College
Berlin, NH - 2 years
- Campus
White Mountains Community College, a public college, is located in Berlin. Students in the associate of science in nursing program benefit from world-class faculty and a well-rounded education. Degree-seekers complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining a well-rounded education.
Working professionals and busy students benefit from the program's flexibility. They can learn in person or online. Degree candidates can access campus resources including career services and academic advising.
White Mountains Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 47
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 49%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 89%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,863
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 53%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,326
Average Price After Aid: $13,703
#14 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
Great Bay Community College
Portsmouth, NH - 2 years
- Campus
Great Bay Community College is a Portsmouth-based college supporting academic programs in dual modalities. The school's associate of science in nursing prepares students for future careers through foundational and specialized coursework. While completing coursework, students can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Learners can complete the program in person or online. Degree-seekers can access institutional resources, such as career services, geared toward student success.
Great Bay Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 54
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 23%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 73%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $3,660
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 36%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,867
Average Price After Aid: $15,396
#15 Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire [2022 Guide]
St. Joseph School of Nursing
Nashua, NH - 2 years
- Campus
A private institution, St. Joseph School of Nursing operates a main campus in Nashua. The college's nursing programs equip learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferrable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. Learners benefit from an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, enrollees can pursue their studies at their own pace. Degree candidates can access institutional resources and receive personal and professional guidance.
St. Joseph School of Nursing at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 1
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: Data not available
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 64%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $3,850
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
Locating Nursing Schools in New Hampshire
In order to legally practice as a nurse in New Hampshire, or any other state, professionals must have an active state license. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing monitors and approves nursing education programs to ensure each licensee has successfully completed an accredited education and training program that includes both clinical experiences and classroom time. Admission to these nursing schools can be competitive.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nursing schools in New Hampshire enrolled more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 2014, and produced 329 graduates across all degree levels. The search tool below can help prospective New Hampshire students locate a school to meet personal and professional needs.
How to Obtain a Nursing License in NH
Aspiring nurses in New Hampshire must follow the guidelines of the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) to earn a license and practice in the state. Advanced practice nurses are held to additional requirements that include earning an advanced degree. Below is a list of the requirements for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses as well as how and when to renew a license.
Requirements
New Hampshire is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. As a result, if your primary state of residence is New Hampshire, you may apply for a multi-state license that is valid in all 25 states in the NLC. If New Hampshire (or another NLC state) is not your primary state of residence, you can apply for a single-state New Hampshire nursing license, which is valid only in New Hampshire. The licensure process includes:
- Submitting an application for licensure and paying the initial application by examination fee of $120. Those submitting an application by endorsement are subject to the same $120 fee.
- Completing a Board-recognized nursing program and requesting that official transcripts be sent directly to the Board of Nursing
- Applying with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam and paying the required fee. Those who hold a current license in another state may apply for reciprocity by submitting written verification or online verification through Nursys
- Completing a criminal background check, which includes FBI fingerprinting, no more than six months prior to completing all licensing requirements
NH License Renewal
New Hampshire nursing licenses need to be renewed every two years, before midnight of the nurse's birthday. Reminders are sent about six weeks prior to the expiration date, so it's important to keep contact information up-to-date with the Board of Nursing. Registered nurses need to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education during each two-year license cycle and 400 hours of active practice every four years. Those without the active practice time can supplement with a board-approved refresher program or take the NCLEX exam.
Requirements for Advanced Practice Licensure in NH
Advanced practice nurses work in specialized settings as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, acute care nurses, pediatric nurses, and similar specialty fields. In addition to RN licensing requirements, APRNs must also take the following steps:
- Complete and submit proof of a graduate degree or higher in the advance practice area where you're seeking licensure
- Earn certification from the specialty's national organization
- Pay the licensing fee
You can find more information about advanced practice licensing and renewal at the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.
Nursing Stats in New Hampshire: RNs & APRNs
The increasing need for nurses in New Hampshire is on target with the national average, as is the average salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's expected that some 500 job openings will be up for grabs each year from 2012 to 2025. And APRNs in specialty areas, such as midwives and nurse practitioners, can expect an even greater demand for services. Below, find out more about the salary and employment outlook for nurses in New Hampshire.
Top-Paying Areas for RNs in New Hampshire
| Area | Hourly Median Wage | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Western New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $33.74 | $70,170 |
| Manchester | $32.15 | $66,870 |
| Portsmouth NH-ME | $30.88 | $64,220 |
| Other New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $30.10 | $62,620 |
| Nashua NH-MA NECTA Division | $29.94 | $62,270 |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $28.59 | $59,460 |
| Rochester-Dover NH-ME | $28.45 | $59,170 |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $27.46 | $57,110 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
New Hampshire vs. National Numbers
[statistics graphs]
Resources for NH Nurses
Home Care Association of New Hampshire
The Home Care Association of New Hampshire is a nonprofit membership organization aiming to improve the quality of care provided by home health care agencies. Its members work with families and other health care providers to educate the public and connect families to community agencies.
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
The New Hampshire Board of Nursing is responsible for licensing nurses in the state and ensuring that anyone practicing has necessary continuing education and training to ensure the safety of the general public.
New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association
This non-profit professional advocacy group strives to improve patient access to quality health care services. It provides an arena for advanced practice nurses to network locally, nationally and internationally.
New Hampshire Nurses Association
In cooperation with the American Nurses Association, the New Hampshire Nurses Association offers education, advocacy and support for its membership.
New Hampshire Online Licensing
Nurses and other health care professionals can renew their licenses online using New Hampshire Online Licensing provided by the New Hampshire state government.