The best pharmacy schools in the U.S. in 2024
By value for money, the best pharmacy schools in the U.S. are Northeastern University, Butler University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
The pharmacy schools with the highest earning grads, 4 years after leaving the program, are the University of the Pacific, the University of Southern California, and Touro University California.
Direct-entry pharmacy programs can help students save big on their PharmD.
Pharmacists are more than just fancy cashiers for pills – they are crucial, highly educated healthcare professionals who possess deep knowledge of medication – its purposes, proper dosage, potential side effects, counterindications, and more.
They also earn pretty sweet paychecks – an average of $136,030 per year according to the BLS.
The catch? Pharmacy school is expensive, with the average debt at graduation sitting at $146,014 according to data from the NCES.
To help you achieve your dream of becoming a pharmacist while avoiding excessive student debt, we have compiled a list of the best pharmacy schools in the country – ranked by value for money.
These schools offer the optimal combination of relatively low net cost and high earnings post-graduation, according to government data. As a bonus, we’ve provided information on their NAPLEX pass rates, direct-entry options, minimum GPAs, and more.
The top pharmacy schools – by value for money
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. Its Bouvé College of Health Sciences houses the highly esteemed School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The PharmD program at Northeastern is unique in its focus on cooperative education experiences, allowing students to get paid real-world experience while they’re still studying.
- 93.8% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Required for non-early assurance students
- Early assurance option– Yes
- Preferred GPA – 3.0+
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state students – No
Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Butler University is a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is home to a great-value PharmD program, which is offered through its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Butler offers a highly respected PharmD program that focuses heavily on experiential rotations, allowing students to graduate with valuable work experience.
- 90.5% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required or preferred
- Early assurance option –Yes
- Preferred GPA – 3.0+
- Online option – Yes
- Preference for in-state students – No
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a public research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is home to the Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy, which was founded way back in 1896.
The highly regarded PharmD program at Pitt teaches students all about medications, from drug discovery to safe patient use.
- 91.5% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Preferred GPA – 3.0+
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state students – No
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of Rhode Island (URI) is a large public research university in Kingston, Rhode Island. The College of Pharmacy at URI offers a great value Pharm-D program.
The program offers state-of-the-art facilities and an intimate environment with a low student-faculty ratio. This 6-year PharmD program is intended for high-school graduates.
- 82.9% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – SAT or ACT
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Direct admissions only program
- Median GPA – N/A
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state students – No
The University of Montana
Missoula, Montana
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of Montana (UMT or UM) is a public research university in the scenic mountain town of Missoula. It is home to the respected Skaggs School of Pharmacy, which was established in 1907.
It’s PharmD program offers the best-value for money in the western United States. It offers a small faculty-to-student ratio, training a new generation of medication experts who go on to work in a variety of settings.
- 84.3% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.5
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state students – No
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Duquesne University is a private Catholic research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1878, it was the first Catholic University in Pennsylvania. It is home to the highly regarded Duquesne School of Pharmacy.
Its top-ranked online PharmD program has an innovative curriculum rich with experiential learning opportunities. Students also have tailored “success coaching” placements, helping guide them through the pre-professional phase of the program. It is the best-value online PharmD program in the country.
- 86.2% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – optional
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – No
- Minimum GPA – 2.5
- Online option – Yes
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Albany, New York
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private college in Albany, New York. Its College of Pharmacy is one of the oldest in the U.S., founded in 1881.
The PharmD program at Albany does an excellent job preparing students to become pharmacists. Students participate in faculty-led research, work in student-operated pharmacies, and access 600+ rotation sites.
- 70.8% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Preferred GPA – 2.75+
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Wilkes is a private university in Wilkes-Barre, a small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Its Nesbitt School of Pharmacy was established in 1996.
The 4-year PharmD program at Wilkes teaches students to provide pharmaceutical care to patients in many settings. The curriculum emphasizes clinical training, using cutting-edge technologies, and research skills.
- 75.4% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.5
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of Kansas (KU) is a large public research university in the small town of Lawrence. It is home to a high-value school of pharmacy that is one of the best in the Midwest.
The PharmD program boasts industry-leading faculty conducting state-of-the-art research, high residency match rates, numerous clinical rotations, and a practice-based curriculum.
- 91.4% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required or preferred
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.5
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
West Virginia University (WVU) is a public research university in Morgantown, a small city in the northeast corner of the state. It is home to a high-value school of pharmacy.
WVU PharmD students have access to state-of-the-arts facilities, where they are trained to conduct research and deliver high-quality professional pharmacy services.
- 75.8% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.8
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
Texas Southern University
Houston, Texas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Texas Southern University (Texas Southern or TSU) is a public university in Houston, Texas. It is a historically Black university (HBCU) and one of the largest in the country.
The PharmD program , offered through the Joan M. Lafleur College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, takes an integrated and problem-based approach to pharmacy education. Students complete an internship at the end of the program consisting of 7 six-week rotations.
- 84.1% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.5
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public research university in Fargo. NDSU is home to a pharmacy school that offers very good value for money.
PharmD students at NDSU learn to promote health, prevent disease, and optimize medication. Facilities are cutting edge and the curriculum is enriched by hands-on experiences.
- 86.3% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – Yes, the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT)
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – No
- Minimum GPA – 3.0
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – Yes
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, Oklahoma
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is a public university in the small town of Weatherford. It is home to a competitive – and high-value – school of pharmacy.
SWOSU’s PharmD program features small classes, a personalized environment, and a unique twice-yearly admissions deadline. Students of this 4-year program focus on pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacotherapy, including a year of rotations.
- 84.8% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.50
- Online option –No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Idaho State University (ISU) is a public research university in Idaho. It is home to the L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy (the second pharmacy school on this list named after the Skaggs family).
The competitive ISU PharmD program can be completed in Pocatello or Meridian, Idaho, or Anchorage, Alaska. The 4th year clinicals can be completed in Idaho, Alaska, or Nevada.
- 79.5% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Preferred
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.5
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – Yes (plus students from Alaska)
St. John’s University, New York
Queens, New York
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
St. John’s University is a private Catholic University in Queens, New York City. Its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a highly respected PharmD program.
This 6-year program incorporates state-of-the-art technology, pharmacy simulations, and applied science laboratories. The first 2 years are devoted to a broad liberal arts and science curriculum, and the remaining 4 are traditional pharmacy classes. Because this program is a direct-admissions-only program, it does not mandate any college-level prerequisite courses.
- 73.8% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes, direct admissions only
- Minimum GPA – N/A
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
The University of Findlay
Findlay, Ohio
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of Findlay is a private Christian university in Findlay, Ohio. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Churches of God denomination. Its College of Pharmacy is an ideal place for students who wish to study in a Christian, faith-centered environment.
The PharmD program at Findlay has a strong academic reputation, and students complete faculty-led research in their final years. Students here can also pursue their PharmD online.
- 83.7% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 3.0
- Online option – Yes
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Purdue University is a public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Purdue College of Pharmacy is the 3rd-oldest public pharmacy school in the U.S.
The 4-year PharmD program at Purdue is home to distinguished faculty conducting cutting-edge pharmaceutical research. The integrated curriculum takes a hands-on approach, with experiential learning beginning in the first year.
- 87.4% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – No
- Minimum GPA – 2.5
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of Mississippi, better known as Ole Miss, is a public research university in Mississippi. Its School of Pharmacy is in the small, aptly named town of University.
The PharmD program at Ole Miss prepares students to become highly competent pharmacists who practice in community, institutional, or non-traditional settings.
- 76.9% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – Yes, the CASPer
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – 2.75
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
MCPHS University
Boston, Massachusetts
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy of Health Sciences (MCPHS) is a private healthcare-focused university in Boston. It offers a variety of flexible pharmacy programs.
A 6-year direct-entry program and an accelerated 3-year PharmD program are offered at the Worcester and Manchester campuses. Students work in immersive laboratories and gain experience learning from practiced experts.
- 67.2% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Minimum GPA – N/A
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Ferris State University (FSU or Ferris) is a public university in Big Rapids, Michigan. Its College of Pharmacy is the best in the state.
Ferris’s PharmD program is perfect for students looking to combine a scientific foundation with hands-on pharmaceutical experience while mitigating their student loans.
- 75.9% first-time NAPLEX pass rate
- Standardized tests – No
- Bachelor’s degree – Not required
- Early assurance option – Yes
- Preferred GPA – 2.5+
- Online option – No
- Preference for in-state applicants – No
Honorable mentions
Below, we list the best pharmacy programs in Texas, California, and New York.
Best pharmacy schools in Texas
| College | Average earnings | Average debt |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Southern University | $127,953 | $74,412 |
| Texas A&M University | $139,164 | $133,620 |
| University of Houston | $127,260 | $127,984 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | $135,485 | $219,290 |
| University of Texas at Austin | $136,681 | Unknown |
Best pharmacy schools in California
| College | Average earnings | Average debt |
|---|---|---|
| Touro University California | $159,098 | $232,627 |
| University of the Pacific | $161,645 | $227,653 |
| University of Southern California | $160,422 | $234,278 |
| Western University of Health Sciences | $147,397 | $233,798 |
| Loma Linda University | $145,746 | $233,845 |
Best pharmacy schools in New York
| College | Average earnings | Average debt |
|---|---|---|
| Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | $134,325 | $66,000 |
| St. John’s University, New York | $135,501 | $96,870 |
| Long Island University | $125,308 | $102,669 |
| University at Buffalo | $132,793 | $123,815 |
| St. John Fisher University | $129,416 | $175,497 |
How we ranked pharmacy schools
To rank pharmacy programs by value for money, we used our signature methodology.
Our methodology uses just 2 variables – average cost (or debt) and post-graduation earnings – to generate an economic score that reflects a program’s return on investment (ROI) value.
The lower the economic score, the better.
Programs with a good economic score provide the optimal combination of affordability and high earnings. Given the skyrocketing cost of college, we believe this is a better way to evaluate degrees than murkier metrics like prestige.
- Debt refers to the average total debt at graduation accrued by students to pay for their PharmD. It does not include undergraduate student debt.
- Earnings refers to the average yearly earnings of program graduates, 4 years after leaving school.
All cost and earnings data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics’ IPEDS tool, a primary government source on economic outcomes of degree programs.
Of the 142 pharmacy schools in the U.S., 78 disclosed sufficient outcome data to the NCES for us to rank them.
Data on NAPLEX pass rates comes from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Data on GPA preferences, early assurance programs, etc. comes from programs’ websites and PharmCAS, the Pharmacy College Application Service.
Pharmacy school accreditation
The main accrediting body for pharmacy programs is the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Make sure the pharmacy program you are considering is accredited by the ACPE. All programs mentioned in this article are ACPE accredited.
The pharmacy programs with the highest-earning grads
If you’re lucky enough not to care about student debt, your definition of the “best pharmacy programs” may boil down to future earnings. Below, we show the 10 pharmacy schools with the highest average earnings, 4 years after graduation, according to NCES data.
| College | Average earnings, 4 years on |
|---|---|
| University of the Pacific | $161,645 |
| University of Southern California | $160,422 |
| Touro University California | $159,098 |
| Western University of Health Sciences | $147,397 |
| Loma Linda University | $145,746 |
| University of Washington | $139,333 |
| Texas A & M University, College Station | $139,164 |
| University of Wyoming | $137,551 |
| Oregon State University | $136,880 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $136,681 |
What are direct entry pharmacy programs?
Direct entry pharmacy programs, also known as early assurance pharmacy programs, allow promising, motivated students to enter pharmacy school directly after high school.
Direct entry pharmacy programs take 6 years to complete – 2 years are spent on general education and pharmacy prerequisites, followed by 4 normal years of pharmacy school.
The advantage of early assurance programs is that students are guaranteed a spot in competitive pharmacy schools, and they save money on their undergraduate education, paying for just 2 years of bachelor’s-level courses instead of 4. Most early assurance pharmacy programs confer bachelor’s degrees as well as a PharmD.
How to get into pharmacy school
- Complete the pre-requisite courses. Each college has different prereqs for pharmacy school, but they usually include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy, microbiology, statistics, calculus, and English composition. If you do not take these courses during college, you can take them independently, earning college credits even if you don’t pursue a degree. You can also complete your pre-reqs as part of an associate degree program.
- Maintain a high GPA. While most pharmacy schools post an official “minimal GPA,” average GPAs tend to be higher. According to PharmCAS, the average GPA for successful pharmacy school applicants was 3.35 in 202-2023.
- Volunteer or get work experience. Getting experience in a healthcare setting can be a big plus on your resume.
- Get great letters of recommendation. Participate in class discussions, go to office hours, and try to complete some faculty-supervised research as an undergrad to snag some great letters of recommendation.
- Take any required standardized tests. Pharmacy schools used to require applicants to take an exam called the PCAT. However, it was discontinued in January 2024. Most pharmacy schools no longer require any standardized tests, but several do, so plan accordingly.
- Apply to pharmacy schools through PharmCAS. This centralized application service will help you apply for multiple pharmacy schools at once. Note that high school students applying for direct entry programs are not eligible; they’ll need to apply to programs directly.
Do you need a bachelor’s for pharmacy school?
Surprisingly, no!
Many pharmacy schools do not require you to have a bachelor’s degree, as long as you have taken the pre-requisite science classes.
According to PharmCAS, only 61.2% of pharmacy school applicants have a bachelor’s degree. Meanwhile, 29.1% have an associate degree, 1.9% have a certificate or credential, and 5.8% have a master’s degree when applying for pharmacy school.
The most common majors for pharmacy school applicants are biology, pharmacy, and chemistry, according to the same source.
Is it hard to get into pharmacy school?
Pharmacy school is much easier to get into than medical or dental school. According to a report by PharmCAS, 86.8% of pharmacy school applicants were accepted for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Of course, this doesn’t mean just anyone can get into pharmacy school. You do still need to have completed the prerequisite science courses, meaning much of the applicant pool is already self-selected.
Also remember that pharmacy school is no walk in the park: with a 12.7% attrition (i.e. drop out) rate, you want to make sure you’re well prepared before enrolling, or else you’ll just rack up student debt with no degree to show for it.
How long is pharmacy school?
Pharmacy programs traditionally take 4 years to complete.
However, some accelerated programs take 3 years, and some direct-entry programs, which include 2 years of prerequisite courses instead of a bachelor’s degree, take a total of 6 years.
Final thoughts
The world needs pharmacists, and if it’s your dream to become one, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to do that without drowning in student loans.
To start your pharmacy career on the right foot, consider a high-value PharmD degree on our list that will thoroughly prepare you to succeed as a financially secure pharmacist. A PharmD is a great investment in your future, but you still need to be smart about the program you pick.
Not sure pharmacy is for you after all? See our list of high-paid allied health jobs that don’t require too much schooling.
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