Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers ACEN-accredited, 100% online nursing programs designed to fit busy schedules. With a focus on accessibility and affordability, SNHU provides high-quality nursing degrees that prepare students for success in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Programs Offered
-
BSN Completion
- Online format
- Total cost: $50,400
- Program duration: 48 months
- Graduation rate: 70%
-
RN to BSN
- Online format
- Total cost: $15,120
- Program duration: 15 months
- Graduation rate: 70%
About Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU is an accredited institution offering nursing education programs designed to prepare graduates for licensure and professional practice. The nursing profession is in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting approximately 3.1 million registered nurses employed in the U.S. as of 2022. The field is projected to add roughly 193,100 openings per year through 2032 due to retirements, population growth, and an aging patient population requiring complex care.
Key factors in choosing a nursing program include programmatic accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, clinical partnerships, faculty expertise, and total cost of attendance. SNHU holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring the curriculum meets nationally recognized standards, graduates are eligible for licensure, and credits are transferable to graduate programs.
Admissions
- RN to BSN Program:
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on the degree-awarding transcript.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 may qualify if they have completed at least 9 credit hours post-diploma/associate degree with a 2.5 GPA in those credits.
- Active, unencumbered RN license (equivalent to NCLEX-RN) required. Applicants without a license may be admitted but must provide evidence of licensure before the second nursing term.
- Must hold a diploma or associate degree in nursing from an accredited program (ACEN, CCNE, CNEA) or a State Board–approved program preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Why Choose SNHU for Nursing?
- Accreditation: SNHU holds ACEN accreditation, ensuring the program meets nationally recognized standards for nursing education quality.
- Career Prospects: The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 as of May 2024 (BLS), with approximately 189,100 RN job openings projected annually through 2034.
- Flexibility: Online programs are predominantly asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule within weekly deadlines.
Schedule & Format
- Delivery Modes: Online and on-campus options available.
- Online Courses:
- Predominantly asynchronous with no set class times.
- Undergraduate courses run in 8-week terms; graduate courses run in 10-week terms.
- Two deadlines per week (typically Thursdays and Sundays).
- Six 8-week undergraduate terms and five 10-week graduate terms per academic year.
Program-Specific Details
- BSN Completion: Online courses are predominantly asynchronous with no set class times.
- RN to BSN:
- Minimum GPA: 2.5.
- Online courses are predominantly asynchronous with no set class times.
What to Consider When Evaluating a Nursing School
- Accreditation: Ensure the program holds accreditation from CCNE or ACEN.
- NCLEX Pass Rates: First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are a key indicator of program quality (national average: 87–89%).
- Clinical Partnerships: Strong partnerships with hospitals and clinics ensure diverse, high-quality hands-on experience.
- Student Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources contribute to student success.
- Career Placement: Some schools partner with healthcare employers to facilitate hiring of new graduates.