Nursing in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s nursing programs are primarily concentrated in the southern and central urban corridors of Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and the Seacoast. While there are roughly 20 nursing programs across 15 campus locations, the majority are situated in the state's southern half rather than the northern or western regions. In these population centers, community colleges like NHTI and Great Bay serve as the primary affordable entry points for nursing education.

The quality of nursing education here is generally strong. The state’s average NCLEX pass rate of about 93% is slightly above the national average and shows a positive upward trend. However, pass rates vary between programs, ranging from the mid-80s to nearly 97%. Some smaller or newer programs show consistently lower pass rates, often due to limited resources and clinical placement challenges. Importantly, New Hampshire has no significant presence of for-profit nursing schools, which helps maintain overall education quality.

New Hampshire nurses benefit from being in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to practice across 39 participating states without obtaining additional licenses. This broad reciprocity improves mobility and job flexibility, especially for nurses near state borders like Vermont and Massachusetts.

Regarding employment, New Hampshire currently employs around 14,380 RNs, with strong demand expected to continue through 2026, driven by an aging population and healthcare facilities such as Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Concord Hospital. Salaries for RNs average $89,410 but can range from about $66,600 in rural areas to over $109,900 in urban centers and specialized roles. Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses earn significantly more.

Tuition rates differ widely across program types. LPN programs at community colleges typically cost between $8,000 and $12,000 for full completion. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs cost roughly $12,000 to $18,000, while Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs...mostly offered by universities like the University of New Hampshire... range from $20,000 to over $30,000. These tuition figures are relatively competitive nationally, but students must also consider New Hampshire’s above-average cost of living, especially housing prices in the southern urban corridor, which can strain budgets on typical nursing salaries.

This page will help you compare schools based on location, tuition, and NCLEX outcomes. You can also explore programs by type and find scholarships specifically available to New Hampshire nursing students.