50 Best Pharmacy Schools in the U.S.

If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, it’s definitely worthwhile to research the top pharmacy schools in the US. You’d want to make sure you get as much exposure as possible to this unique and groundbreaking field.

To help you out, we take a closer look at the current top 5 pharmacy schools in the US, then we’ll list the latest best 50 pharmacy schools in order.

Top 5 Pharmacy Schools in the U.S.

1. University of North Carolin – Chapel Hill

There are three distinctive degree programs available at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy:

1. Doctor of Pharmacy
2. Pharm.D. program
3. Ph.D. program

The Ph.D. program provides unique research experiences and a specially-tailored curriculum for advanced training in drug development, drug delivery, and drug policy.

2. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy offers a very wide range of programs in the pharmaceutical field. These include:

• A Doctor of Pharmacy
• Various graduate programs including Medicinal Chemistry and Integrated Biological Sciences
• Dual Degree Programs
• A Postgraduate Pharmacy Residency Program
• Continuing Professional Development

The University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy believes patient care is at the center of pharmacy practice. Their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Professional Program is therefore aimed at educating students to become generalist pharmacy practitioners. The dual degree programs include a PharmD/MBA Dual Degree Program and a PharmD/MPH Dual Degree Program.

You can read more about the different programs here.

3. University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

The UCSF School of Pharmacy offers various degree programs, as well as postdoctoral and international programs. There are even career development and leadership courses available.

UCSF School of Pharmacy’s degree programs include the following single and combined degree programs:

• PharmD
• PharmD/MSCR
• PharmD/PhD
• Master of Translational Medicine degree program

Their Ph.D. graduate degree programs include:

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering (BioE)
• Ph.D. in Biological and Medical Informatics (Bioinformatics pathway) (BI)
• Ph.D. in Biophysics (BP)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB)
• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmacogenomics (PSPG)

4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy offers a wide range of programs you can choose from. These include a PharmD program, a Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacy, Ph.D. in Medical Chemistry, and many more.

The University of Michigan also offers unique dual programs such as a Dual PharmD and MBA Program, and Dual PharmD and MPH Program.

5. University of Texas – Austin

You can enroll in a Pharm.D. Program, various specialized graduate study programs, and advanced professional training and research at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy.

Areas of research this pharmaceutical college focuses on is:

• Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery
• Environmental & Developmental Mechanisms of Health and Disease
• Health Outcomes, Economics, and Equity Research
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer
• Neuropharmacology and Addiction
• Translational Research in Drug Delivery

To find out more details about the various programs the University of Texas College of Pharmacy offers, take a look at their website here.

Top 50 Ranking U.S. Pharmacy Schools

1. University of North Carolin – Chapel Hill
2. University of Minnesota
3. University of California – San Francisco
4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
5. University of Texas – Austin
6. Ohio State University
7. University of Illinois – Chicago
8. University of Kentucky
9. Purdue University
10. University of Florida
11. University of Maryland – Baltimore
12. University of Pittsburgh
13. University of Southern California
14. University of Washington
15. University of Wisconsin – Madison
16. University of Arizona
17. University of Iowa
18. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
19. University of Utah
20. Virginia Commonwealth University
21. University of Kansas
22. University at Buffalo – SUNY
23. University of Colorado – Denver
24. University of Mississippi
25. Auburn University (Harrison)
26. University of California – San Diego
27. University of Georgia
28. University of Nebraska Medical Center
29. University of Oklahoma
30. Medical University of South Carolina
31. Rutgers University – Piscataway (Mario)
32. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
33. Northeastern University
34. University of Cincinnati
35. University of Connecticut
36. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
37. University of Missouri – Kansas City
38. Wayne State University (Applebaum)
39. West Virginia University
40. Creighton University
41. Oregon State University
42. University of the Sciences – Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science
43. Washington State University
44. St. Louis College of Pharmacy
45. University of Houston
46. University of New Mexico
47. Butler University
48. Drake University
49. Duquesne University (Mylan)
50. Mercer University

5 Best Student Loans for Pharmacy School

As the healthcare landscape evolves, pharmacy stands out as a pivotal profession. While the promise of a rewarding career is enticing, the cost of pharmacy education can be daunting. To aid in this journey, we’ve highlighted lenders best suited for varying credit backgrounds to help you fund your pharmacy dreams.

AmOne (Best for Okay to Good Credit)

As future pharmacists embark on their academic journey, AmOne serves as an ideal partner for those with okay to good credit histories. Bridging the gap between aspiring healthcare professionals and an array of lenders, AmOne stands out with its adeptness at pairing students with financial solutions tailored to their individual credit situations. With the rigorous demands and potential rewards of pharmacy school, students who’ve maintained a reasonable credit standing can count on AmOne to secure the funds needed for their specialized education.

Check rate on website

on website

AmOne Personal Loans

4.5

Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.

Min. credit score

600

Fixed APR

3.99%-35.99%

Variable APR

N/A

View details

Overview

• Minimum credit score: 600.
• Fixed APR: 3.99%-35.99%.
• Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000.
• Repayment: 1 to 7 years.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• While there’s no specific income requirement, a consistent source of income is essential for the applicant.

Pros

• Suitable for individuals with lower credit scores.
• No cost for the matching service.
• Attractive loan rates.

Cons

• Acts as an intermediary, not a direct lender.
• Risk of multiple contacts from prospective lenders.
• Lack of clarity on lender details.

Spring Loans (Best for Bad and No Credit)

Dedication to the pharmaceutical field should not be thwarted by past financial hurdles or a lack of credit history. Recognizing this, Spring Loans emerges as a crucial ally for those with limited credit backgrounds. By adopting a more holistic evaluation approach, Spring Loans ensures that future pharmacists are not denied their dreams due to financial constraints from the past. This broader perspective on lending ensures that the healthcare world is enriched with talented professionals, regardless of their prior credit challenges.

Check rate on website

on website

Spring Loans Personal Loans

4.2

Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.

Min. credit score

None

Fixed APR

27.00%

Variable APR

N/A

View details

Overview

• Minimum credit score: None.
• Fixed APR: 27.00%
• Loan amounts: $3,000.
• Repayment: 48 months.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate a recurrent income.
• Minimum age prerequisite: 18 years.
• Validate U.S. citizenship status with an SSN.
• Provide a legitimate U.S. driver’s license or a state identity card.
• Establish a functional bank account for incoming deposits.
• Adhere to any specific demands by the loan provider.

Pros

• Open to applicants with any credit background.
• Four-year loan period aids in structured financial management.
• The $3,000 offer addresses several short-term financial challenges.
• Wide-reaching eligibility criteria invite a broad spectrum of applicants.
• The focus on dependable income over job title benefits varied income sources.

Cons

• The set 27% APR is higher than many alternatives.
• Restriction to a $3,000 loan might not cover all financial outlays.
• Possessing specific IDs is mandatory, sidelining some applicants.
• A prerequisite for an ongoing bank account may limit certain users.

First Premier Lending (Best for Bad Credit)

For budding pharmacists who have faced credit challenges but are determined to excel in the healthcare sector, First Premier Lending offers a beacon of hope. With a belief that everyone deserves a second chance, this lender delves beyond mere credit scores. By examining potential and understanding the long-term rewards of a pharmacy degree, First Premier Lending provides opportunities that help students overcome their past financial setbacks and focus on their future roles as healthcare leaders.

Check rate on website

on website

First Premier Lending Personal Loans

4.2

Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.

Min. credit score

None

Fixed APR

27.00%

Variable APR

N/A

View details

Overview

• Minimum credit score: None.
• Fixed APR: 27.00%.
• Loan amounts: $3,000.
• Repayment: 48 months.

Qualifications

• Maintain a consistent source of income.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess valid U.S. citizenship and a legitimate social security number.
• Hold a current U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID.
• Keep an active bank account for direct deposit.
• Satisfy any lender-specific criteria, such as credit rating, borrowing history, or place of residence.

Pros

• No minimum credit score requirement allows accessibility for those with varied credit histories.
• 48-month term provides clarity and allows for long-term financial planning.
• Specific loan amount of $3,000 can meet many short-term financial needs.
• Broad set of qualifications make the loan accessible to a wide range of people.
• Emphasis on consistent income, not necessarily employment type, allows flexibility for borrowers.

Cons

• A fixed APR of 27% is relatively high.
• Loan amount is capped at $3,000, which might not cater to larger financial requirements.
• Requirement of a U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID could exclude some individuals.
• Mandatory active bank account could be limiting for those who are unbanked.

College Ave (Best for Good Credit)

College Ave, renowned for its comprehensive student loan offerings, is the go-to choice for pharmacy students with solid credit standings. Providing competitive interest rates and unmatched flexibility, College Ave applauds the commitment of pharmacy students by offering loan solutions that reflect their financial diligence. With the costs of pharmacy school being substantial, students can lean into College Ave’s customized loan options, ensuring their hard work in both academics and credit management is rewarded.

Check rate on website

on website

College Ave Undergraduate Private Student Loans

4.8

Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.

Min. credit score

600 or better

Fixed APR

4.41% - 16.99%

Variable APR

5.49% - 16.99%

View details

Overview

• Minimum credit score: 600 or better.
• Fixed APR: 4.59% – 16.99%.
• Loan amounts: 5.49% – 16.99%.
• Repayment: 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 years.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• For undergraduate loans: Part-time enrollment at an accredited college/university.
• International students: Need a Social Security number and a co-signer.
• For refinance loans: Must be 18 years or older.
• For refinance loans: Graduation from an eligible school is required.

Pros

• Prequalify with a soft credit check
• Flexible repayment options
• Offers co-signer release for private loans

Cons

• Charges late fees
• Must have graduated to be eligible to refinance
• Half of repayment term must have passed to release co-signer

Sallie Mae (Best for Very Good Credit)

A stalwart in the student financing realm, Sallie Mae is the pinnacle choice for pharmacy students who have consistently excelled in their credit endeavors. Recognizing the significance and potential returns of a pharmaceutical education, Sallie Mae has curated loan offerings that cater to the specific financial dynamics of pharmacy school. By merging transparent lending terms, competitive rates, and top-notch service, Sallie Mae ensures that the brightest in the pharmaceutical field receive the financial support they truly deserve.

Check rate on website

on website

Sallie Mae Undergraduate Private Student Loans

4.5

Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.

Min. credit score

Mid-600's

Fixed APR

4.50-15.49%

Variable APR

6.37-16.70%

View details

Overview

• Minimum credit score: Mid-600’s.
• Fixed APR: 4.50-15.49%
• Variable APR: 6.37-16.70%
• Loan amounts: Minimum of $1,000 per year.
• Repayment: 10 to 15 years.

Qualifications

• Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Does not disclose.
• Minimum income: Did not disclose.
• Loan amounts: $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified expenses.

Pros

• One of the few lenders to provide loans to part-time students.
• Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students, can apply with a U.S. co-signer.

Cons

• You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.

Read More

• 65 Questions to Prepare for the F1 Visa Interview
• The Top 100 Best Physical Therapy Schools in the U.S.
• Top 10 Biggest Colleges in the U.S.
• F1 to Green Card: Everything You Need to Know
• Top 100 US Universities in Computer Science
• Top 15 Universities in the U.S. with Day 1 CPT

Final Thoughts

The great news is your options are not few and far between when it comes to finding the top pharmacy schools in the U.S. There are many great schools you can choose from in your pursuit of finding the top pharmacy school. We wish you well in deciding which one of these amazing schools you will attend.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See author's posts