Veterans often consider resuming their education in nursing after active duty, but choosing a college can be challenging, mainly due to the expense.
We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 graduate-level nursing schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and helps cover tuition and fees exceeding the standard benefits for veterans attending private, out-of-state, or graduate schools.
Graduate School-Level Nursing Schools Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program
If you’re interested in getting a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a similar graduate degree, the following nursing schools are the best in the country that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, according to US News and World Report.
10. George Mason University
George Mason University offers a comprehensive curriculum preparing students for advanced practice and leadership roles in healthcare. GMU’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) allows students to collaborate with experienced professionals in the office, community, and public health environments.
Classes are available on-campus and through a hybrid format, combining online coursework and hands-on experiences.
9. University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
BSN to MSN and RN to MSN students have plenty of coursework options at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) ‘s School of Nursing. Here, students can choose from varied specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (with an Oncology option), Family Nurse Practitioner, Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader, Education, Informatics, Outcomes Management, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
8. New York University (Meyers)
The Rory Meyers College of Nursing’s Master’s programs are ideal for students who wish to advance their clinical practice, administration, education, and informatics careers. Myers graduates typically earn leadership positions in education, clinical research, nursing management, and advanced practice nursing in adult care, elderly care, pediatric care, and mental health.
7. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers flexible plans that allow students to complete their degree in two to three years. Students can choose from several specialties, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, and Nurse Midwifery/Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner.
The school also offers an online Leadership, Analytics, and Innovation MSN program that students can complete in two years.
6. Vanderbilt University
The MSN program at Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing offers multiple pathways for nurses and non-nurses to take part in various advanced practice specialties and flexible course delivery formats, including distance learning.
Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities and have an extensive nurse faculty practice network to support their success. Vanderbilt also provides dual degree options with Vanderbilt Divinity School (MSN/MTS-DIV).
5. University of Pennsylvania
Penn Nursing’s MSN program includes specializations in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Primary care options include Adult-Gerontology, Family, Pediatric, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioners.
Starting in 2025, the school’s online Nursing and Healthcare Leadership program will combine and enhance the curricula of Nursing, Healthcare Administration, and Health Leadership.
4. Ohio State University
The Ohio State University College of Nursing MSN program strongly focuses on patient-centered care, combining clinical practice and classroom learning. Students can access top faculty, research facilities, and support services while enjoying personal attention and interaction.
Graduates can become certified as Nurse Midwives or Nurse Practitioners in various specialties. A traditional Master of Science option is available for students with a BSN (with the option of online courses.)
3. Duke University
Students at Duke University’s School of Nursing can complete their Master’s studies on campus or via online formats, but most majors do require occasional on-campus intensives, where students participate in face-to-face interactions, simulations, and hands-on activities.
Available majors include Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Acute and Primary Care), Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Informatics, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, Nursing Education, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute and Primary Care), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
2. Johns Hopkins University
The MSN Entry into Nursing program at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing focuses on leadership, global impact, quality and safety, and evidence-based interprofessional education. It integrates humanities, public health, genetics, and physical and organizational sciences into nursing practice. The program also offers opportunities to explore interests in global health, research, quality and safety, and various specialty areas.
1. Emory University (Woodruff)
Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing has been consistently rated as the nation’s top nursing schools for a few years. Recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing, it combines cutting-edge resources and clinical experiences, with knowledgeable faculty and partnerships with leading health care providers to shape the future of nursing.
Students can earn an MSN/Master of Public Health (MSN/MPH); specialized tracks include family nurse-midwife, Health Systems Leadership, Nurse-Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute and Primary Care, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.