Best Nursing Schools for Veterans: 2025 Guide
Nursing is one of the most in-demand careers for veterans transitioning to civilian life. This guide evaluates nursing schools based on Yellow Ribbon support, NCLEX pass rates, and veteran-specific programs.
Top Nursing Schools for Veterans
| School | Programs | Yellow Ribbon | NCLEX Pass Rate* | Military Friendly** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | ABSN, MSN, DNP | Yes | 94.7% | Gold |
| Johns Hopkins | ABSN, MSN, DNP, PhD | Yes | 96.2% | Gold |
| George Washington U | BSN, MSN, DNP | Yes | 91.3% | Gold |
| University of Arizona | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD | Yes | 88.5% | Silver |
| Chamberlain University | BSN, RN-BSN, MSN | Yes (most locations) | 84.1% | Gold |
*NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates from state boards of nursing, 2023-2024. National average: 89.0%.
**Military Friendly ratings from Military Friendly Schools Guide 2025-2026: Gold = top 10%, Silver = top 20%, Bronze = top 30% based on veteran outcomes.
Understanding Military Friendly Ratings
The Military Friendly designation is earned through a rigorous evaluation process:
| Rating | Meaning | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Top 10% of schools | Score within 10% of top-ranked school in category |
| Silver | Top 20% of schools | Score within 20% of top-ranked school |
| Bronze | Top 30% of schools | Score within 30% of top-ranked school |
Ratings are based on: veteran graduation rates, job placement rates, loan repayment rates, academic policies, military support services, and career outcomes. Full methodology here.
Featured School: Duke University School of Nursing
Duke stands out for veterans because of its dedicated Military Programs track:
| Yellow Ribbon | Full tuition coverage for 100% GI Bill eligible veterans |
| ABSN Program | 16-month accelerated program for career changers |
| NCLEX Pass Rate | 94.7% (NC Board of Nursing) |
| U.S. News Ranking | #1 Best Online MSN for Veterans (2024 Rankings) |
| Contact | Duke Military Programs |
Nursing Program Types for Veterans
| Program | Best For | Duration | GI Bill Months Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | Veterans starting from scratch | 4 years | 36 |
| ABSN (Accelerated) | Veterans with prior bachelor’s degree | 12-18 months | 12-18 |
| LPN-to-BSN | Veterans with military LPN/68W training | 2-3 years | 24-30 |
| RN-to-BSN | Working RNs seeking advancement | 1-2 years | 12-18 |
| MSN Direct Entry | Non-nurses seeking NP/advanced practice | 3 years | 36 |
Rogers STEM Scholarship: Extra Benefits for Nursing Students
Nursing qualifies for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship, which provides:
- Up to 9 additional months of GI Bill benefits
- Maximum $30,000 in additional funding
- Eligible programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, and other STEM nursing degrees
Eligibility: Must have used at least 6 months of GI Bill benefits and be enrolled in a qualifying STEM program. Apply here.
Nursing Salaries: What to Expect
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023):
| Role | Education | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | ADN or BSN | $81,220 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | MSN or DNP | $121,610 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | DNP | $203,090 |
| Nurse Midwife | MSN or DNP | $120,880 |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2023 data
Veterans with Military Medical Training
If you served as a 68W (Combat Medic), Hospital Corpsman, or similar MOS, you may qualify for accelerated pathways that give credit for your military training.
Schools Accepting Military Medical Credit
- Excelsior College: RN program specifically designed for military medics
- Fitchburg State: Military LPN-to-BSN bridge program
- Chamberlain: Evaluates JST for transfer credit
To maximize credit:
- Request your Joint Services Transcript (JST)
- Check ACE Military Guide for credit recommendations
- Contact each school’s veteran office about their specific policies
Online vs On-Campus: Important Consideration
VA Healthcare Employment
The VA is the largest employer of nurses in the United States and offers:
- Veteran preference in hiring (5-10 point advantage)
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $40,000 in student loan repayment
- Federal benefits: Pension, health insurance, job security
How to Choose a Nursing School
Essential Criteria (Non-Negotiable)
- NCLEX pass rate above 80% – Check your state board of nursing
- CCNE or ACEN accreditation – Required for licensure. Verify at CCNE or ACEN
- Clinical placement support – School should arrange clinical rotations
Veteran-Specific Criteria
- Yellow Ribbon participation
- Military credit transfer policies
- Dedicated veteran support services
- Flexible scheduling for family obligations
Next Steps
- Check Yellow Ribbon schools: VA Yellow Ribbon Search
- Verify NCLEX pass rates: NCSBN Pass Rates
- Apply for STEM scholarship: Rogers STEM Scholarship
- Get free application help: Service to School
Sources
- Duke School of Nursing – Military Programs
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Registered Nurses (May 2023)
- Military Friendly Schools Guide – Methodology
- VA Rogers STEM Scholarship
- NCSBN NCLEX Pass Rates
This guide is for informational purposes. NCLEX pass rates and program details change; verify current information directly with each school before applying.
