New England offers a wide selection of Accelerated BSN programs suited for career changers. Whether you prioritize speed, affordability, clinical exposure, or online flexibility, there are strong programs across the region. Prospective students should match their GPA, timeline, and learning preferences to the best-fit program.
School Comparison Table
| School | State | City | Length | Tuition | GPA | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CT | New Haven | 12 Months | $11,373 | 3.0 | Dec 15, Jul 15 | |
CT | New Britain | 15 Months | $28,860 | 3.0 | Sep 1 | |
CT | Fairfield | 15 Months | $47,560 | 3.0 | Feb 1 | |
CT | Bridgeport | 15 Months | $49,416 | 3.0 | Rolling | |
CT | East Hartford | 16 Months | $53,016 | 3.0 | May 31 | |
CT | North Haven | 15 Months | $59,860 | 3.0 | Jun 1 / Nov 1 | |
CT | Storrs, Avery Point, Waterbury | 12 Months | $39,015 | 3.0 | Sep 1 | |
CT | Danbury | 15 Months | $16,055 | 2.7 | Jan 2 | |
CT | Fairfield | 15 Months | $57,320 | 3.0 | Feb 1 | |
CT | West Hartford | 15 Months | $55,140 | 3.0 | May 1 | |
MA | Boston | 12 Months | $39,150 | 3.0 | Feb 1 / May 1 / Sep 1 | |
MA | Dartmouth | 17 Months | $41,418 | 3.0 | Feb 15 | |
MA | Boston | 12 Months | $87,200 | 3.0 (preferred) | Jan 15 / Mar 3 | |
MA | Salem | 15 Months | $34,715 | 3.0 | Jan 15 | |
MA | Amhearst | 16 Months | $40,310 | 3.0 | Jan 8 | |
MA | Boston | 16 Months | $85,080 | 3.0 | Oct 1 / May 1 | |
MA | Burlington, MA; Fall River, MA; Charlotte, NC | 16 Months | $88,768 | 3.0 | Rolling | |
MA | Beverly | 16 Months | $73,966 | 3.0 | Nov 1 | |
MA | Weston | 16 Months | $81,960 | 3.0 | Mar 15 / Nov 15 | |
MA | Milton, Plymouth | 16 Months | $60,000 | 2.7 | May 1 | |
MA | Worcester | 16 Months | $61,500 | 3.0 | Jan 15 | |
MA | Chicopee | 20 Months | $109,540 | 3.2 | Rolling | |
ME | Standish | 15 Months | $54,900 | 3.0 | Varies by cohort | |
ME | Portland | 12 Months | $68,940 | 3.0 | April 1 | |
ME | Portland | 15 Months | $24,605 | 3.0 | October 1 | |
NH | Nashua | 16 Months | $25,730 | 3.0 | Rolling | |
NH | New London | 16 Months | $57,800 | 3.0 | Rolling | |
RI | Providence | 20 Months | $30,000 | |||
VT | Northfield | 18 Months | $40,000 | 3.0 | rolling |
Are There Any 12-Month ABSN Programs in New England?
Yes, several ABSN programs in New England can be completed in 12 months:
- University of New England (ME)
- UMass Boston (MA)
- MGH Institute of Health Professions (MA)
- University of Connecticut CEIN/BS (CT)
- Southern CT State
- Quinnipiac University (CT)
These programs are full-time and intensive, designed for rapid entry into nursing practice.
Price Range: What’s the Cost of ABSN Programs?
ABSN tuition in New England ranges widely:
Most Affordable:
- Rhode Island College: ~$30,000
- Southern Connecticut State University: ~$28,398
- University of Southern Maine: ~$13,200 (in-state); ~$20,910 (regional discount)
Mid-Range:
- UMass Amherst: ~$40,310
- Norwich University: ~$29,625–$39,500
- Rivier University: ~$36,000
- University of New England: ~$45,000
Most Expensive:
- Sacred Heart University: ~$105,000
- Quinnipiac University: ~$81,000
Programs under $50,000 include UNE, UMass Dartmouth, Rivier, and Norwich.
Are There Online or Hybrid ABSN Programs?
While no program is fully online, many offer hybrid formats:
- Hybrid Programs: Assumption University (MA), UMass Dartmouth (MA), Goodwin University (CT), Saint Joseph’s College (ME), Rivier University (NH)
- Blended Learning with Online Didactics: MGH Institute, UMass Boston, Northeastern
These options combine online coursework with in-person clinicals and labs for flexibility and hands-on training.
What Are the Admissions Requirements?
Common requirements across New England include:
- A non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA between 2.7 and 3.2
- Completion of prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology I/II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition, and Psychology
- Additional documents: resume, personal statement, recommendation letters
- Some programs require TEAS or HESI scores
Low GPA options: Curry College (MA) and WCSU (CT) accept GPAs as low as 2.7.
What Is the Curriculum Like?
ABSN programs share common curriculum features:
- Foundational Nursing Courses: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment
- Clinical Areas: Adult/Geriatric, Pediatrics, Mental Health, Maternal/Newborn, Community/Public Health
- Leadership and Research: Evidence-Based Practice, Capstone Projects
- Simulation Training: Most schools offer state-of-the-art labs
Programs such as UNE, Elms College, and Regis College emphasize simulation and interprofessional learning.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Top-performing New England programs:
- Regis College (MA): 100%
- Elms College (MA): 97.3%
- UNE (ME): 98%
- MCPHS (MA): 96%
- MGH Institute (MA): 91%
- Sacred Heart (CT): 97% (4-year avg)
- WCSU (CT): 91–100%
These rates indicate excellent licensure preparation.
Clinical Experience Overview
All programs feature in-person clinical rotations across:
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- Mental health facilities
- Pediatric and maternity units
Notable clinical partnerships:
- Elms College: International mission trips
- Rivier University: Boston Children’s Hospital
- Colby-Sawyer: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Hands-on learning is built into each semester, beginning early in most programs.
Best ABSN Programs in New England
Based on affordability, outcomes, and flexibility:
- University of Southern Maine – Best value, strong curriculum, and clinical diversity
- University of New England – 12-month format, 98% NCLEX pass rate
- Elms College – Global clinicals and high NCLEX success
- Regis College – Perfect NCLEX results and advanced labs
- Rivier University – Low-cost hybrid program with respected clinical placements
Are There Options for Low GPA Applicants?
Yes. These programs are accessible for students with below-3.0 GPAs:
- Curry College (MA): Minimum GPA 2.7
- MGH Institute (MA): Accepts 2.7 with strong prerequisites
- Western Connecticut State (CT): GPA minimum 2.7
- Norwich University (VT): Holistic review with 3.0 preferred
Other schools may also consider healthcare experience or strong prerequisite performance in holistic evaluations.