Top 10 Yellow Ribbon Medical Schools
A medical school education is expensive for veterans and non-veterans alike. While students can take several financial aid paths, active duty, qualifying spouses and school-age dependents, and veterans also have the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program. These programs significantly expand veterans’ opportunities to attend some of the nation’s top medical schools without the burden of additional financial strain.
Below are the best medical schools in the U.S. participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
What Is the Yellow Ribbon Program?
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a Post-9/11 GI Bill provision that picks up where the GI Bill leaves off—it helps cover tuition and fees that the GI Bill doesn’t pay. This program makes higher education more accessible and affordable and provides veterans with increased flexibility and financial support when attending private, out-of-state, or graduate schools.
10. University of Colorado
The CU School of Medicine offers a four-year MD program and graduate-level programs leading to PhD degrees. The school also provides three-year programs for the Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (CHAPA) and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. Its Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) awards both MD and PhD degrees.
Each year, about 650 MD students are enrolled, along with 350 students in the Physician Assistant and Physical Therapy programs and 400 students in Graduate Medical Education.
9. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine offers a four-year MD program and three dual degree programs. The MD/MBA program integrates medical education with business studies, covering topics like economics, finance, and healthcare management.
Other programs include the MD/PhD program (the Medical Scientist Training Program or MSTP) supported by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and the MD/MPH program, which prepares students for jobs in the public health sector.
8. University of California, San Francisco
The UCSF School of Medicine includes four professional schools—dentistry, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. It offers master’s and doctoral programs, two certificate programs, and a physical therapy program. Some graduate programs are also available through UCSF Global Health Sciences.
The university is the country’s biggest recipient of research funding from the National Institutes of Health, and it has partnerships with several companies, including Pfizer and GE Healthcare.
7. University of California, San Diego
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine’s Integrated Scientific Curriculum (ISC) combines clinical medicine with medical science. Students can enroll in additional courses or pursue bioengineering and healthcare leadership degrees via the UCSD College of Integrated Life Sciences.
Clinical training is provided at prominent institutions in the area, including UC San Diego Medical Center, VA San Diego Hospital, Naval Regional Medical Center, and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.
Students can also participate in activities through one of 35 organizations, such as the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project, which delivers healthcare services to underserved communities throughout San Diego.
6. University of California, Los Angeles (Geffen)
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA has a curriculum organized into three stages—Human Biology and Disease, Core Clinical Clerkship, and Fourth Year Colleges. Students can also pursue combined degrees, such as an MD/PhD, an MD/MBA, or an MD-Oral Surgery Residency.
The school is affiliated with premier healthcare facilities, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, all providing extensive clinical training opportunities.
5. Ohio State University
Students at the Ohio State University College of Medicine can pursue MD degrees or joint degrees that combine an MD with another advanced degree. The MD/PhD program trains physician-scientists, while the MD/MBA program focuses on healthcare management. Other dual degree options allow medical students to earn a JD, a Master’s of Health Administration, or a Master’s of Public Health.
4. Northwestern University (Feinberg)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine‘s curriculum employs different teaching methods, from large group sessions to one-on-one mentoring.
Feinberg offers a full-time MD degree program, dual degree programs, graduate medical education, and continuing medical education. The school encompasses numerous departments, including ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, pathology, pediatrics, and pharmacology.
3. Hofstra University (Zucker)
Hofstra’s Zucker School of Medicine admits 99 students annually and provides several degree options, including an MD and a PhD. It offers joint degrees such as an MD/MPH (Master of Public Health), MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), and MD/OMS (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery). A dual-degree “4+4” program allows students to earn an undergraduate degree (BA or BS), followed by automatic enrollment into the School of Medicine. The school also provides Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Continuing Medical Education (CME).
2. Emory University
Emory University School of Medicine has a curriculum structure unlike other schools—its students first enter a condensed 1.5-year preclinical phase that covers basic medical sciences. By February of their second year, they take the USMLE Step 1, allowing them to begin medical clerkships at Emory-affiliated hospitals. There’s a five-month Discovery Phase in the third year, allowing them to study basic science, translational medicine, clinical research, and public health.
Emory also offers dual degree programs, including an MD-Master’s in Public Health, an MD-Master’s in Clinical Research, an MD-Master’s in Business Administration, an MD-MA in Bioethics, and an MD-PhD.
1. Case Western Reserve University
At Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine, students can pursue one of three distinct MD tracks. The University Program offers a traditional four-year curriculum, while the College Program extends to five years and integrates research with extensive clinical experience. The Medical Scientist Training Program allows students to earn an MD and a PhD over approximately seven years.
The school provides approximately 25 graduate degree options, including a traditional MD and various combined Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
Students can gain practical experience by contributing to the community at The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland or participating in over 35 student organizations.
About the author
Michelle Nati is a contributing writer to CollegeRecon who has written about higher education and finance for Granita Media/Big Edition site Work and Money. She's also written law content for Leaf Group's Legal Beagle site and is a ghostwriter of non-fiction books. She lives in Los Angeles and spends her spare time combing flea markets for vintage photos and decor and playing with her dogs, Jellybean and Jukebox.