Columbia DNP vs. Yale MSN

[GreenMagus87]

So I imagine a few folks will be in this position, but at the moment, I have been accepted to Columbia's DNP program and have interviewed for Yale's MSN. If I get into Yale as well, I will have a tough (but admittedly desirable) choice on my hands. I was hoping to get anyone's take on this decision who either has experience with these schools, has applied to both, or has significant experience in the field (and can talk about the merits of the DNP vs. the MSN).

Pros Columbia (for me):

DNP as opposed to an MSN.

I think the DNP has some extra content in the curriculum (policy, bioethics, etc. that would be useful).

Cons Columbia:

VERY Expensive.

Classes during the DNP summers.

Pros Yale:

Actually seems somewhat more financially manageable than Columbia.

MSN summers are free.

Cons Yale

MSN vs. DNP.

Perhaps less linked into major job markets compared to Columbia's vantage point in NYC?

Tied

Everyone knows they are both great schools.

I don't know how to feel about locations. A younger me would have been fascinated by the idea of a 3 year stay in NYC. At 33, in a pandemic, and past my party days (not that I will have time anyways) however its 50-50. I've studied at Yale before, love it there, and know New Haven well.

Anyways, fire away. If I'm being honest, if Yale's program was a DNP I think my answer would be a lot easier, so if anyone can speak to the distinction between degrees at its importance it would be appreciated!

[Nurse2be2021]

So glad I found this thread. @GreenMagus87 I am in the same boat. I, too am 33 and already have a Master's so I am drawn to a DNP. In my interview Yale, my interviewer told me that the clinical DNP (not leadership/health care) is new but MSN students are very encouraged to do it and entry is seamless. I also like that Yale's DNP does not require living/working in New Haven. From my calculations if we enter Columbia this Summer, we will graduate with a Master's Spring 2022 and (if taking no gap b/w programs and do full-time) graduate with a DNP in Fall 2024. If we enter Yale in the fall, we will earn our certificate Summer 2022 and (if full-time) graduate with a MSN Spring 2024. We would then start the clinical DNP Fall 2024 and graduate Spring 2026.

Here's my pros and cons:

Yale:

Pros: half the class size to Columbia; having more potential contact with faculty; many opportunities for community health initiatives with Yale Med and PA schools; many tracks/subspecialties; living in a cheaper, smaller, less distracting city than NYC; and graduating from a university that is regarded as one of the top, if not best university in the US.

Cons: MSN; the YSN may feel disconnected from main campus being West Haven location; maybe too small of a class size?; I believe a car is needed for clinicals.

Columbia:

Pros: We are already admitted in the DNP; DNP is faster; NYC resources; DNP program is ranked #1 by US Rankings; bigger alumni network; more extensive faculty at Nursing School.

Cons: More expensive; higher cost of living; a concern that I read MDE program will be too big and will therefore have less contact with faculty.

I imagine many people reading this thread will roll their eyes at the thought of debating between such high-caliber programs. But this is a big decision and a long-term investment.