University of New Hampshire Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The UNH School of Nursing in Durham offers pre-licensure BSN and Direct Entry MSN pathways, online RN-to-BSN completion, and graduate NP and DNP programs. This guide summarizes official program lists, UNH-published NCLEX exam-year outcomes, and UNH Student Accounts tuition tables—always confirm your cohort year with UNH and the New Hampshire OPLC Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UNH emphasizes relationship-based care and reflective practice in Durham while also operating CPSO nursing programs in Manchester. The senior-year clinical practicum places students across New Hampshire, northern New England, and select Boston teaching hospitals—use UNH’s practicum page to see example sites and confirm placement processes for your cohort.
Overview & Why Students Choose UNH
Set between the Seacoast and the Lakes Region, the University of New Hampshire’s Durham campus anchors the College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing. UNH trains pre-licensure students in a four-year BSN and offers a Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing (DEMN) for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s in another field, plus online RN-to-BSN completion and multiple MSN and DNP pathways aligned with workforce demand in northern New England.
Undergraduate students learn in the Health Sciences Simulation Center and complete clinical rotations that UNH describes as spanning acute, community, mental health, and population-health settings. Graduate programs are largely delivered online with specialty tracks in family, psychiatric-mental health, and adult-gerontology acute care nursing, among others.
UNH publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by exam year for BS and DEMN graduates on its NCLEX Information page (2021–2023 exam years summarized on that page at the time of this review). For state-level verification and licensure questions, use the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Board of Nursing. Confirm cohort-year definitions with UNH and the Board.
Reasons students choose UNH
Published NCLEX snapshot
UNH reports a 96.06% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for BS graduates across exam years 2021–2023, with cohort-level rows on the same page (for example, 2023 BS cohort: 74 of 74 first-time test takers passed, per UNH). Confirm current cohorts with UNH and NH OPLC.
Regional clinical breadth
UNH’s clinical practicum materials list teaching-hospital experiences from New Hampshire through Boston (for example, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Maine Medical Center, and several Boston academic medical centers). Placement varies by student and year.
Full nursing pathway
Students can progress from pre-licensure BSN or DEMN into MSN NP tracks or DNP programs listed on the School of Nursing site, with several certificates for post-master’s specialization.
Transparent tuition structure
UNH Student Accounts publishes Durham undergraduate tuition bands and states that BS pre-licensure nursing pays a program differential; graduate tuition tables similarly note a Direct Entry MS nursing differential.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below mirrors UNH’s School of Nursing “Programs of Study” page (undergraduate, graduate, certificates). UNH does not list a PhD in nursing on that page—doctoral work highlighted is the DNP. Always confirm titles, tracks, and campus (Durham vs. online/CPSO) in the current catalog.
Pre-licensure
Traditional BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Four-year pre-licensure BSN on the Durham campus (in-person). UNH lists ~128 credits in the program overview; major courses include fundamentals, adult health, mental health, pediatrics/family, population health, and a transition-to-practice capstone.
Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing (DEMN)
Accelerated pathway for applicants who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and seek RN licensure via NCLEX-RN. UNH Graduate Tuition & Fees notes a tuition differential for this pre-licensure master’s program.
Post-licensure
RN-to-BSN
Online B.S.N. completion for licensed RNs; coordinated through UNH CPSO contacts per the School of Nursing program list.
Graduate (APRN & leadership)
MSN tracks
UNH lists MSN options including Family NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Clinical Nurse Leader, Evidence-Based Practice, and Health Care Leadership (several delivered online).
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Post-master’s DNP and BS-to-DNP specialty pathways (FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, CNL) published as online programs on UNH’s nursing site.
Post-master’s graduate certificates
Primary Care Family NP and Psychiatric Mental Health NP graduate certificates (online) appear on the UNH nursing program list.
Program availability, tracks, and delivery modes change. Confirm your pathway in the UNH academic catalog and on the School of Nursing site before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to UNH’s NCLEX Information page (exam years 2021–2023 summarized on that page), the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of New Hampshire baccalaureate (BS) nursing graduates was 96.06% across those three exam years combined. UNH also publishes year-by-year rows: for example, for exam year 2023, UNH reports 74 BS graduates took the NCLEX for the first time and all 74 passed (100% of that first-time cohort, per UNH’s table). For the Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing (DEMN) program, UNH reports a 94.68% first-time pass rate across 2021–2023 combined.
New Hampshire’s RN licensure authority is the Board of Nursing within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Use OPLC resources for official program approval status and any state-published exam statistics; UNH’s page is a school disclosure, not a substitute for Board reporting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BSN first-time pass rate (combined exam years 2021–2023) | 96.06% (UNH NCLEX Information page) |
| BSN exam year 2023 (example cohort) | 100% first-time pass among 74 test takers (UNH-reported; confirm methodology on UNH page) |
| DEMN first-time pass rate (combined exam years 2021–2023) | 94.68% (UNH NCLEX Information page) |
| Source | UNH School of Nursing — NCLEX Information; NH OPLC Board of Nursing. Confirm current cohort data with UNH and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting methodology. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates and test-taker counts with UNH and the New Hampshire OPLC Board of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with UNH (Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate School, or International Students & Scholars) and the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo thresholds for degree admission at UNH.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluation requirements for UNH Graduate School or undergraduate admissions, if applicable.
- New Hampshire Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm eligibility, background checks, and documentation with NH OPLC.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical attendance and program pace may interact with visa status; confirm with UNH and your immigration advisor.
Policies change frequently. This section is guidance, not legal advice. Verify with UNH and the NH OPLC Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UNH’s nursing major is capacity-limited. First-year and external transfer applicants work through UNH Admissions; follow the competitive-major guidance published on the university site. Current UNH students seeking to change into nursing use the School of Nursing internal transfer process with a firm deadline and prerequisite expectations.
Application timeline
| Applicant type | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Internal transfer (current UNH students) | March 1 (or next business day) | Fall-only entry at sophomore level; see UNH internal transfer page |
| First-year / external transfer | Varies by applicant type | Confirm with UNH Admissions for your entry term (early action, regular decision, transfer) |
| Graduate nursing (MSN/DNP/DEMN) | Program-specific | Apply through the UNH Graduate School; NursingCAS may apply to select graduate cycles |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Internal transfer GPA guidance | UNH recommends cumulative GPA 3.2 or higher; prerequisites C or better; major progression requires cumulative 2.5 GPA per catalog |
| TEAS / HESI | Not publicly disclosed on the internal transfer checklist summarized here; confirm for your pathway with UNH Admissions or the School of Nursing |
Applicant tips
Internal transfer applicants submit UNH grade reports, essay/letter of intent, and prerequisite documentation per UNH’s online form. Finish anatomy & physiology early—UNH notes priority when at least one final A&P grade is posted. First-year applicants should preserve strong prerequisite science and math performance and monitor competitive-major deadlines.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from UNH Student Accounts 2025/2026 tuition schedules for Durham undergraduates and standard graduate students. UNH bills mandatory fees separately; housing, food, books, and health insurance are additional lines on the full cost of attendance.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Durham undergraduate tuition (full-time, 12–20 credits) | NH resident $15,908 / year; out-of-state $37,070 / year; NERSP $27,839 / year (2025/2026, UNH Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — Durham) |
| Mandatory undergraduate fees (full-time 12–20 credits) | $3,774 per year including technology fee (2025/2026 UNH table) |
| BS pre-licensure nursing differential | UNH states CHHS BS pre-licensure nursing students pay a tuition differential each semester. The 2026/2027 estimated table lists $900/semester ($1,800/year) in addition to base tuition—confirm whether your entry year uses the 2025/26 or 2026/27 differential table. |
| Graduate tuition (9–16 credits, standard rate) | NH resident $14,880 / year; out-of-state $29,210 / year (2025/2026 Graduate Tuition & Fees) |
| Direct Entry MS nursing differential | UNH states graduate students in the Direct Entry MS pre-licensure nursing program pay a tuition differential each semester—confirm the dollar amount on the Graduate Tuition & Fees page for your year. |
| Source | UNH Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Durham); UNH Graduate Tuition & Fees; UNH Cost of Attendance. Confirm billed charges with Student Accounts. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
RN workforce demand in northern New England remains strong, but your individual outcomes depend on licensure success, geographic mobility, and specialty interest. Use UNH’s disclosures as a starting point, then confirm employment statistics with UNH Career & Professional Success if you need placement data.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (BSN, combined 2021–2023 exam years) | 96.06% (UNH NCLEX Information page) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (DEMN, combined 2021–2023 exam years) | 94.68% (UNH NCLEX Information page) |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed in the sources summarized for this page; see UNH career outcomes or consumer information if published for your cohort |
| Source | UNH NCLEX Information. Confirm current rates with UNH and the NH OPLC Board of Nursing. |
Is UNH the Right Fit for You?
UNH fits students who want a public university experience in a smaller city with access to Seacoast and Boston clinical ecosystems. It may be less ideal if you require a fully online pre-licensure program or the lowest possible net tuition without aid research.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a CCNE-accredited BSN with simulation-heavy preparation and regional hospital placements.
- Plan to pursue NP or DNP education through UNH’s online graduate tracks after licensure.
- Value a program that publishes multi-year NCLEX transparency on its website.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need guaranteed placement in a single hospital system—UNH assigns senior practicum based on fit and geography.
- Expect a nursing-specific acceptance rate published by UNH (not publicly disclosed here).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
New Hampshire’s mix of community hospitals, academic affiliates, and Seacoast population health agencies gives UNH nursing students exposure to rural and urban care contexts. UNH’s clinical practicum page lists examples of local hospitals (such as Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital), regional centers (including Concord Hospital and Elliot Hospital), and teaching hospitals as far as Boston and Portland.
| Setting | Examples (UNH clinical practicum page) |
|---|---|
| Seacoast / local | Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Exeter Health Resources, York Hospital |
| Regional NH | Elliot Hospital, Concord Hospital, Catholic Medical Center, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center |
| Teaching hospitals (examples) | Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Maine Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital (per UNH list) |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Undergraduate nursing is centered in UNH’s Health Sciences facilities on Colovos Road, including the Health Sciences Simulation Center used for high-fidelity scenarios and skills labs. The School of Nursing highlights student organizations such as the Student Nurse Organization and Sigma Theta Tau International honor society chapter. Manchester-based CPSO programs (for example, RN-to-BSN advising) operate from UNH’s Commercial Street location—distinct from Durham residential life.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Durham, NH
- Address
- Health Science Simulation Center, 25 Colovos Road, Durham, NH 03824-3563, US
- Telephone
- (603) 862-2299
- Contact email
- nursing.department@unh.edu
- Website
- UNH School of Nursing (chhs.unh.edu)
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official UNH School of Nursing and download the current program brochure or student handbook if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS, HESI, or other entrance exam. Confirm on the admissions page which test and minimum scores apply for your target semester.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of New Hampshire a good school for nursing?
UNH’s School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited at the undergraduate level per UNH’s public materials, publishes multi-year NCLEX exam-year outcomes for BS and DEMN students, and offers breadth from pre-licensure BSN through online NP and DNP programs. “Good fit” still depends on your goals, cost, and geography—confirm current accreditation scope and outcomes with UNH and the New Hampshire OPLC Board of Nursing.
What GPA do I need to transfer into UNH nursing as a current UNH student?
UNH’s internal transfer page recommends a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and lists prerequisite courses that must be completed with grades of C or better before starting the fall nursing sequence. The catalog also notes maintaining a cumulative 2.5 GPA in the major. Confirm current thresholds with the School of Nursing.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UNH’s BSN program?
UNH reports a 96.06% first-time pass rate for BS graduates across exam years 2021–2023 on its NCLEX Information page, with cohort-level rows by year. Confirm newer exam years as UNH updates its disclosure and compare with NH OPLC statistics when available.
Does UNH offer an online RN-to-BSN program?
Yes. UNH lists Nursing: RN to BSN (online B.S.N.) on its School of Nursing programs page. Contact the RN-to-BSN coordinator listed on UNH’s site for admission specifics.
How much is Durham undergraduate tuition for UNH nursing (2025/26)?
UNH Student Accounts lists Durham undergraduate tuition at $15,908 per year for New Hampshire residents and $37,070 per year for out-of-state students (full-time, 2025/2026), plus mandatory fees. Nursing majors also pay a program differential—see the UNH tuition page for the amount that applies to your entry year.
Where does UNH send senior nursing students for clinical practicum?
UNH’s clinical practicum page lists examples of local, regional, and teaching-hospital partners across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. Final placements depend on student interest, capacity, and geographic preference—confirm with the clinical placement office.
What graduate nursing programs does UNH offer online?
UNH’s program list includes online MSN tracks (FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, CNL, EBP, Health Care Leadership), online DNP pathways, and post-master’s certificates, with specialty-specific directors listed on UNH pages.
Does UNH require the TEAS for nursing admission?
TEAS requirements are not publicly summarized on the UNH internal transfer page excerpted here. Confirm whether your applicant pathway (first-year, transfer, or graduate) requires standardized testing through UNH Admissions or the School of Nursing.
Who regulates RN licensure for UNH graduates in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure and approves nursing education programs. Use OPLC resources for licensure by examination or endorsement. This FAQ is informational, not legal advice.
References
- University of New Hampshire School of Nursingchhs.unh.edu/nursing
- UNH NCLEX Information (school-reported exam outcomes)chhs.unh.edu/nursing/about/nclex-information
- UNH Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — Durham Campus (2025/2026)unh.edu/business-services/tuition-fees/undergraduate-tuition-fees-durham-campus
- UNH Graduate Tuition & Feesunh.edu/business-services/tuition-fees/graduate-tuition-fees
- UNH Nursing — How to Apply (internal transfer)chhs.unh.edu/nursing/academics/how-apply-nursing/internal-transfer
- UNH Clinical Practicum (example placement sites)chhs.unh.edu/nursing/opportunities/clinical-practicum
- New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Nursingoplc.nh.gov/nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for UNH program naming accuracy, NCLEX disclosure alignment, and tuition table fidelity to UNH Student Accounts.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-27 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy