In this comprehensive article, we will take a closer look at the best pharmacy schools and universities in the U.S. Based on factors such as academic reputation, notable alumni’s, research opportunities, and post-graduation success, we’ve compiled a list of institutions that consistently rank among the top in the country.
As the healthcare industry evolves and expands, so does the demand for professional pharmacists. If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, finding the right school or university to meet your educational needs is very important that’s why this article is written to help you narrow your search to the best institutions that will help you achieve your dreams.
What Is A Pharmacy School?
Pharmacy schools are institutions of higher education that offer specialized training and education for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy by providing students with a comprehensive education and practical experience.
Why Study Pharmacy
There are many compelling reasons to study pharmacy. Here are some reasons why you might choose to pursue a career in pharmacy:
- Job opportunities: The demand for pharmacists is on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth rate in employment of pharmacists from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
- High-pay Salary: Pharmacists earn a quite a high-pay salary, records has shown that the annual wage for pharmacists in the U.S. is over $128,000.
- Diverse career opportunities: a graduate of pharmacy has an advantage of different career opportunities ranging from community pharmacy to research and development.
- Care For Sick Patient: Pharmacists play a very important role caring for patients, prescribe medications for patients, provide counseling and education, and monitor for adverse drug interactions.
- Public health: Pharmacists play a key role in public health. They work with other healthcare professionals to promote health and prevent disease, and they help ensure that patients receive appropriate and effective medication therapy.
- Continuous learning: Pharmacy is a constantly evolving field, with new medications and treatments being developed all the time. This means that pharmacists must continuously learn and adapt to new information, making it a stimulating and rewarding field for those who enjoy lifelong learning.
Prerequisites For Pharmacy School
Getting into a pharmacy school is quite competitive and difficult cause it requires specific prerequisites that students must meet before they can be admitted to the program. This prerequisites depends on the school, but some common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree: Most pharmacy schools require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, although the degree can be in any major.
- Pre-pharmacy coursework: applicants must complete specific pre-pharmacy coursework, which typically includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English.
- GPA: Most pharmacy schools require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- PCAT: The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a standardized test that measures knowledge and skills in the areas of biology, chemistry, critical reading, and quantitative reasoning.
- Work experience: Some pharmacy schools require or strongly encourage applicants to have work experience in a healthcare or pharmacy setting.
- Letters of recommendation: Pharmacy schools typically require applicants to provide letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or healthcare professionals who can attest to the applicant’s academic and professional abilities
15 Best Pharmacy Schools And Universities In The U.S
These schools and universities listed are based on their rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Below is a list of the best Pharmacy schools and universities in the U.S:
- UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Texas A&M School of Pharmacy
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- UIC College of Pharmacy
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
- UC Davis School of Medicine
- SIUE School of Pharmacy
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
- The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
- University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
- WVU School of Pharmacy
- University of Florida College of Pharmacy
- Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
1. UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Website: Visit here
Address: Irvine, CA 92697, United States
Phone: +1 949-824-5011
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Average Tuition: $12,000.00
Overview
UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is a leading pharmacy program located in Southern California.
The school is also known for its research programs, with a particular focus on drug discovery and development, pharmacology, and clinical pharmacy.
2. Texas A&M School of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: Administration Building, 400 Bizzell St, College Station, TX 77843, United States
Phone: +1 979-845-3211
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Average Tuition: $19,000.00
Overview
Texas A&M School of Pharmacy is committed to providing a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences, with a focus on developing students’ clinical skills and knowledge.
The school is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Translational Cancer Research and the Center for Biomolecular Structure and Function.
3. UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: Chapel Hill, NC, United States
Phone: +1 919-962-2211
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Average Tuition: $12,000.00
Overview
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is one of the top-ranked pharmacy schools in the country. The school offers a range of degree programs, including a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, a PhD program in pharmaceutical sciences, and several dual-degree programs.
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, the Center for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, and the Institute for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy.
4. UIC College of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: 1200 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Phone: +1 312-996-7000
Acceptance Rate: 59.7%
Average Tuition: $13,000.00
Overview
UIC College of Pharmacy is highly competitive, with an emphasis on developing clinical expertise and leadership skills.
It is one of the largest medical schools in the United States, with over 1,400 medical students and more than 1,300 residents and fellows.
UICOM offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in medicine and health sciences, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, as well as several joint degree programs in partnership with other colleges at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
5. Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Website: Visit here
Address: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
Phone: +1 858-534-2230
Acceptance Rate: 36.6%
Average Tuition: $15,000.00
Overview
Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a highly respected institution that offers exceptional pharmacy education and research opportunities.
Its focus on interdisciplinary research and education, commitment to community engagement, and state-of-the-art facilities make it an attractive option for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy or the health sciences.
6. University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
Phone: +1 612-625-5000
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Average Tuition: $18,000.00
Overview
The College of Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota is one of the oldest and most respected pharmacy schools in the United States.
The college has a long history of achievement in pharmacy education, research, and practice dating back to its founding in 1892.
7. UC Davis School of Medicine
Website: Visit here
Address: 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, United States
Phone: +1 530-752-1011
Acceptance Rate: 48.8%
Average Tuition: $16,000.00
Overview
The UC Davis School of Medicine is a leading medical school located in Sacramento, California. It has a solid reputation for excellence in medical education, research, and patient care, making it one of the best medical schools in the country.
Its dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and community engagement make it an attractive option for students hoping to make a difference in the healthcare industry.
8. Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: 1201 S State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307, United States
Phone: +1 231-591-2000
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Average Tuition: $12,000.00
Overview
Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy is a nationally recognized institution. The college offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, as well as a variety of other programs in the health sciences, including pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, and dental hygiene.
The PharmD program at Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy is designed to prepare students for careers as pharmacists in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and research institutions.
9. University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
Phone: +1 352-392-3261
Acceptance Rate: 31%
Average Tuition: $5,135.00
Overview
The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is a nationally recognized institution located in Gainesville, Florida.
The college is one of the largest and most comprehensive pharmacy schools in the United States, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in the pharmaceutical sciences.
10. WVU School of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
Phone: +1 304-293-0111
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Average Tuition: $13,000.00
Overview
WVU School of Pharmacy is a highly respected institution with a strong reputation for excellence in pharmacy education, research, and community engagement.
Its commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences and engaging in innovative research make it an attractive option for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy or the health sciences.
11. The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: Athens, GA 30602, United States
Phone: +1 706-542-3000
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Average Tuition: $14,000.00
Overview
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy is a highly respected institution with a strong reputation for excellence in pharmacy education, research, and community engagement.
The college also has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, with a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and cultural competence among students and faculty.
12 University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Website: Visit here
Address: Buffalo, NY 14260, United States
Phone: +1 716-645-2000
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Average Tuition: $19,000.00
Overview
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is designed to prepare students for careers as pharmacists in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and research institutions.
Its program includes a strong focus on the pharmaceutical sciences, with courses covering topics such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics.
13. The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: Austin, TX 78712, United States
Phone: +1 512-471-3434
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Average Tuition: $18,000.00
Overview
University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy is designed to prepare students for a range of careers in pharmacy, including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and research.
Its program includes a strong focus on the pharmaceutical sciences, with courses covering topics such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics.
14. Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: New Brunswick, NJ, United States
Phone: +1 848-445-4636
Acceptance Rate: 66.9%
Average Tuition: $23,000.00
Overview
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, established in 1892 and is regarded as one of the oldest and most respected pharmacy schools in the United States.
The school has a rich history of excellence in pharmacy education, research, and community service.
15. SIUE School of Pharmacy
Website: Visit here
Address: 1 Hairpin Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62026, United States
Phone: +1 618-650-3705
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Average Tuition: $14,000.00
Overview
School of Pharmacy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a highly respected pharmacy program located in the Midwest region of the United States.
The school offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Conclusion
In this article I listed 15 Best Pharmacy Schools and Universities in the U.S which you can do a background check on and choose the one that will suit your financial ability. What do you think about this piece?
FAQs
How many pharmacy schools are in the U.S.?
As of January 2022, there are 141 U.S.-based colleges and schools of pharmacy.
How many years does it take to study pharmacy in USA?
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program requires at least two years of specific undergraduate college study followed by four academic years.
Is pharmacy school Hard?
With required topics such as pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacokinetics, there can be no doubt that pharmacy school is hard.
What is the number one pharmacy school in the US?
University of North Carolin – Chapel Hill.
Do any Ivy League schools have pharmacy
Ivy League doesn’t have pharmacy
What is the easiest pharmacy school
- Oregon State University.
- University of Arizona.
- University of Utah.
- University of Kentucky.
- South College School of Pharmacy.
- Texas Southern University
References:
indeed
admissions.pharmacy.ufl.edu
collegeaffordabilityguide.org
stilt.com
pcom.edu