Keene State College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Keene State offers a CCNE-accredited pre-licensure BSN with small cohorts and a hands-on simulation environment in the Monadnock region. This page summarizes 2025–2026 tuition from Keene State’s Financial Aid office, catalog admissions and progression rules, and official New Hampshire OPLC links for first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Nursing cohorts are capped at 32 students, with NURS classes never larger than 32 and a high-fidelity simulation lab on campus—useful if you want a public BSN with a small clinical group and clear progression rules.
Overview & Why Students Choose Keene State College
Keene State College sits in Keene, New Hampshire, part of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). Its nursing program is built as a liberal-arts-grounded pre-licensure BSN: students enter as Nursing majors and move into upper-division nursing in junior year if they meet progression standards. The program emphasizes simulation, capped class sizes, and faculty who teach both classroom and clinical courses.
Keene State publicly states that the baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing—always confirm current status with the school and the Board before you apply.
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for New Hampshire programs are published through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (NH OPLC) nursing education resources. This page does not cite a specific percentage here because the latest table should be read directly from NH OPLC. Confirm outcomes with the school and the Board.
Reasons students choose Keene State College
Defined progression
The 2025–2026 catalog spells out GPA and science-course requirements for moving from pre-nursing coursework into junior nursing courses, which helps students plan prerequisites early.
Simulation and small groups
Keene State highlights a high-fidelity simulation lab and caps NURS sections at 32 students per its program materials.
Clinical variety
The catalog notes travel outside the Keene area for some clinical experiences, exposing students to diverse settings while requiring reliable transportation.
Public college cost
Student Financial Services publishes 2025–26 tuition and fees separately for New Hampshire residents and out-of-state students, with optional room and board lines on the same page.
Nursing Programs Offered
The Keene State catalog centers on one pre-licensure pathway: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Nursing B.S.) for students who are not yet licensed RNs. The curriculum includes allied sciences, integrative studies, and nursing courses from fundamentals through transition to practice and NCLEX prep. Graduate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP) are not listed on the undergraduate Nursing (B.S.) catalog page reviewed for this guide.
Pre-licensure
Traditional BSN (Nursing B.S.)
Pre-licensure major; students may start as first-year Nursing majors and progress to junior nursing courses after meeting GPA, science, and orientation requirements. The catalog lists 100 credits in the major and eligibility to sit for NCLEX-RN after degree completion. Campus-based instruction with clinical placements (travel required).
Post-licensure
Not publicly listed on the Keene State Nursing (B.S.) catalog page used for this guide. If you are already an RN seeking a bachelor’s completion program, confirm whether Keene State offers or is planning an RN-to-BSN pathway with the Nursing department.
Program offerings change. Verify the current degree list in the Keene State academic catalog and on the Nursing program page.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Keene State’s nursing pages state a program goal that graduates pass NCLEX-RN on the first attempt at or above the national pass rate for RN graduates. For an official, school-specific first-time pass rate, use the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (NH OPLC) nursing education statistics and the New Hampshire Board of Nursing resources, which publish examination outcomes for approved programs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not stated on this page—use NH OPLC nursing education statistics for the latest Keene State cohort. |
| Source | NH OPLC — Board of Nursing Education Programs (statistics and links). New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NH OPLC). Confirm current data with the school and NH OPLC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with NH OPLC and Keene State.
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 Keene State College and the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- New Hampshire Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Keene State’s admissions and international offices and the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Keene State describes first-year students as conditionally admitted to the Nursing major, with a maximum cohort of 32 students. Progression to junior nursing courses is not automatic: you must meet catalog GPA and science-grade thresholds after sophomore coursework. Internal and external transfer applicants face additional requirements, including the TEAS at “Proficient” or higher.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-year Nursing (typical) | Not publicly disclosed on this page | Confirm priority and regular deadlines with Undergraduate Admissions. |
| Transfer into Nursing | Apply before spring of sophomore year if eligible | Catalog: contact nursing@keene.edu for openings; TEAS required. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| High school GPA (first-year Nursing) | Minimum 3.25; B or higher in math and science courses per Keene State nursing marketing page. |
| Progression GPA (to junior nursing) | Overall GPA ≥3.4; science GPA ≥3.25; B or higher in chemistry, A&P I–II, and microbiology per 2025–2026 catalog. |
| TEAS | Required at Proficient+ for internal/external transfer applicants to the Nursing major; two attempts per calendar year, 90 days apart, full retest per catalog. |
Honest tips
If you are a direct freshman admit, map your science sequence early so you can hit the 3.25 science GPA and 3.4 overall GPA before junior nursing. If you hope to transfer in, email the program promptly—seats are limited—and schedule TEAS preparation well before the application window.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Keene State College publishes 2025–2026 undergraduate charges on its Financial Aid page. Amounts below are full-time tuition and mandatory fees only; room, board, and nursing-specific expenses are additional.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (full-time, 2025–26) | NH resident: $12,408 per year. Out-of-state: $24,406 per year. |
| Mandatory fees (2025–26) | $3,106 per year (same for NH and out-of-state on Keene State’s table). |
| Room & board (example, 2025–26) | Double room: $8,814; Owl Access meals: $5,320 (per Keene State table—confirm housing assignment). |
| Nursing-specific costs | Catalog: immunizations, differential clinical fees, travel, uniforms, ATI materials, background checks, and drug testing. |
| Source | Keene State College — Financial Aid (2025–26 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees). Estimate your costs. Confirm amounts on your award and bill. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Keene State lists program goals in its materials—for example, targets for program completion, NCLEX performance, employment, and graduate/employer satisfaction. Treat those as institutional goals, not guarantees. For verified NCLEX results, rely on NH OPLC statistics.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | See NH OPLC nursing education statistics for first-time pass rates by program and cohort. |
| Job Placement / Employment | Keene State nursing pages describe strong graduate employment; confirm definitions, survey response rates, and cohort year with the program. |
| Source | NH OPLC / New Hampshire Board of Nursing; Keene State Nursing program pages. |
Is Keene State College the Right Fit for You?
Keene State fits students who want a public, residential undergraduate experience in western New Hampshire with a clearly structured pre-licensure BSN and small nursing sections. It may be less convenient if you cannot travel for clinicals or need a fully online pre-licensure program.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a CCNE-accredited BSN with cohort caps and explicit progression criteria.
- Prefer faculty-led simulation and small NURS classes (≤32).
- Plan to live on or near campus and can commute to regional clinical sites.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need guaranteed placement without meeting junior-year GPA/science thresholds.
- Cannot travel outside the Keene area for clinical assignments.
- Are licensed RNs seeking an online RN-to-BSN—confirm whether Keene State serves that pathway.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Keene anchors the Monadnock region’s health care community. Major employers include community hospitals, primary care networks, and long-term care organizations across Cheshire County and neighboring Vermont towns. Keene State’s catalog requires travel beyond Keene for some clinical experiences, so students should expect a mix of local and regional sites.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Cheshire Medical Center (Dartmouth Health) | Keene-based acute care hospital; a major regional referral point for southwestern New Hampshire. |
| Regional partners | Exact clinical contracts rotate; confirm current agencies with the Nursing program. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Keene State promotes a high-fidelity nursing simulation environment and emphasizes peer support through structures such as the Nursing Club and tutoring groups referenced on its nursing pages. The broader campus reports about a 16:1 student–faculty ratio institution-wide—confirm nursing-specific ratios with the department if that matters for your decision.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Keene, NH
- Address
- 229 Main Street, Keene, NH 03435, US
- Telephone
- Admissions: 603-358-2276 · General: 800-572-1909
- Contact email
- Nursing program: nursing@keene.edu · Financial Services: ksc.sfs@keene.edu
- Website
- keene.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Keene State nursing website and open the Nursing (B.S.) catalog and student handbook link if published.
- Review the prerequisite and progression list in the catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If you are applying as a transfer into Nursing, register for the TEAS and aim for the Proficient level or higher; confirm retest rules in the catalog. First-year applicants should confirm whether TEAS applies to their pathway.
- Draft questions for Admissions (603-358-2276) and, if needed, nursing@keene.edu.
- Bookmark the NH OPLC nursing education programs page for NCLEX statistics.
- Outline how you will meet the junior-year GPA and science-grade thresholds.
- Check application deadlines for your entry term on Keene State Admissions and add calendar reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Keene State College offer?
Keene State’s catalog lists a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Nursing B.S.) for students who are not yet RNs, with junior-level nursing courses after progression criteria are met. The program is CCNE-accredited and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing per Keene State. Keene State does not list separate RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP programs in the undergraduate Nursing (B.S.) catalog page reviewed for this guide—confirm graduate options separately if you already hold an RN license.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Keene State College?
This guide does not state a percentage because an automated pull of the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (NH OPLC) pass-rate tables was not completed here. For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Keene State College, use NH OPLC nursing education statistics and the New Hampshire Board of Nursing resources, and confirm cohort details with the school.
How much is Keene State College tuition for 2025–2026?
Keene State College’s Financial Aid page lists 2025–26 full-time undergraduate tuition at $12,408 for New Hampshire residents and $24,406 for out-of-state students, plus mandatory fees of $3,106; room and board are listed separately on the same table. Nursing students should also budget for clinical fees, travel, uniforms, and ATI materials per the catalog.
Does Keene State College require the TEAS for nursing admission?
The 2025–2026 catalog states that internal and external transfer applicants to the Nursing major must complete the TEAS at the Proficient level or above, with retest rules. Entering first-year Nursing majors are described with high school GPA and science grade criteria rather than TEAS in the same catalog excerpt—confirm current testing rules for your pathway with Admissions and the Nursing program.
What GPA does Keene State College require to progress in nursing?
Keene State’s catalog states progression to junior nursing courses requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.4, a science GPA of at least 3.25, and a grade of B (3.0) or higher in required science courses, along with other requirements such as the nursing Basic Math Competency and orientation. Students must also earn B or higher in each NURS course and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to graduate with the BSN.
How large is each Keene State College nursing cohort?
The 2025–2026 catalog states each nursing cohort is limited to a maximum of 32 students, with NURS classes capped at 32 students per Keene State’s nursing program pages.
Where do Keene State College nursing students complete clinicals?
The catalog states travel outside the Keene area is required for clinical experiences and students provide their own transportation. Keene sits near major providers such as Cheshire Medical Center (Dartmouth Health); exact placement sites vary by semester—confirm current contracts with the Nursing program.
How do I contact Keene State College Nursing?
The Nursing program lists contact via nursing@keene.edu for director inquiries referenced in the catalog for transfer applicants. Undergraduate Admissions can be reached at 603-358-2276; Student Financial Services lists 800-572-1909 and 603-358-2280 and ksc.sfs@keene.edu. Main campus: 229 Main Street, Keene, NH 03435.
References
- Keene State College — Nursing program overviewkeene.edu/academics/programs/nursing
- Keene State College — Academic Catalog, Nursing (B.S.) 2025–2026keene.edu/nursing/program/bs/nursing
- Keene State College — Financial Aid (2025–26 tuition and fees)keene.edu/admissions/aid
- NH OPLC — Board of Nursing Education Programsoplc.nh.gov/board-nursing-education-programs
- NH OPLC — New Hampshire Board of Nursingoplc.nh.gov/new-hampshire-board-nursing
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)aacnnursing.org/CCNE
- 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 program scope (pre-licensure BSN), 2025–2026 tuition alignment with Keene State Student Financial Services, and NH OPLC sourcing for NCLEX.
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 Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy