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Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 10/10/23
Are you considering attending pharmacy school but worried your application isn't competitive enough? This guide covers the easiest pharmacy schools to get into, their application requirements, and their acceptance rates.
Pharmacy schools provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to dispense medication, advise patients on the use of drugs, and manage a pharmacy.
While admission is known to be difficult, it is still achievable. As the demand for pharmacists continues to grow, the competition for pharmacy school admission will become just as fierce.
You might be feeling discouraged about your chances of getting into pharmacy school. The good news is that some programs are known to have high acceptance rates. This article will look at some of the easiest pharmacy schools to get into, their acceptance rates, and their admission requirements.
Here is a curated list of the easiest pharmacy schools to get into in the US.
Ranking: #20 in Pharmacy School
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Minimum GPA: 2.50
Average PCAT score: N/A
Acceptance rate: 62%
In-state tuition: $28,000 per year
The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy offers a couple of degree programs, including a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) program.
The PharmD program is a four-year professional degree program that prepares students for careers in pharmacy practice, the pharmaceutical industry, and academia. The program teaches students how to monitor the biochemical mechanisms of drug use, therapeutic roles, side effects, and drug interactions.
Students can apply their knowledge in clinical settings, such as working in long-term care facilities, community care settings, hospitals, and pharmacies.
The MSPS program provides students with advanced training in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and toxicology. This program is ideal for those who want to advance their careers and explore the health science field.
Ranking: #6 in Pharmacy School
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Minimum GPA: 2.50
Average PCAT score: 78.0
Acceptance rate: 49%
In-state tuition: $29,463.50 per year
The PharmD program at the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy takes four years to complete and offers students the opportunity to think critically and work as a collaborative team. Students learn about different subjects in the science field, such as foundations in pharmaceutical science, kinetics and dynamics, and drug and disease.
The University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy also offers a PharmD and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences dual degree program. Graduates of this program may pursue research and drug development opportunities with pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, or government agencies.
Ranking: #134 in Pharmacy School
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Minimum GPA: 2.50
Acceptance rate: 23%
In-state tuition: $47,900 per year
South College School of Pharmacy's three-year PharmD is the only accelerated PharmD program in Tennessee. This rigorous program has students spend time in both the classroom and the lab.
Students can use what they learn in the classroom in the college's state-of-the-art laboratories during their clinical rotations, which professional pharmacists supervise.
Ranking: #5 in Pharmacy School
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Minimum Science GPA: 2.50
Average PCAT score: in the 76th percentile
Acceptance rate: 45%
In-state tuition: $11,930 per semester
The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is nationally recognized for its pharmacy education programs that prepare graduates for a career in the healthcare field.
The PharmD program includes a three-year didactic curriculum taught in cutting-edge classrooms that promote teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, students will gain over a year of hands-on clinical training, including one-month rotations after the first and second years and ongoing rotations during the final year.
University of Florida's student pharmacists make a difference in their communities by providing health screenings, educating individuals on correct medication use, participating in pharmacy internships, and engaging in community service.
It's important to note that the PCAT isn't a requirement for admissions. However, it can improve an application. Consider submitting PCAT scores if:
Submitting a PCAT score can improve your application by showing the admissions committee that you have the knowledge and skills to attend pharmacy school.
Ranking: #24 in Pharmacy School
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Minimum GPA: 2.50
Average PCAT score: 65th percentile
Acceptance rate: 74%
In-state tuition: $11,710 per semester
The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy offers a four-year program that prepares students to become licensed pharmacists.
The PharmD program combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice in various pharmacy settings, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, and clinics. The curriculum also includes coursework in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacotherapy, and patient care.
The University of Kansas also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmacology & Toxicology that consists of lab training and coursework. At the end of the program, students must successfully complete an oral exam under the guidance of an advisor.
Ranking: #18 in Pharmacy School
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Minimum GPA: 2.50
Average PCAT score: 70.0
Acceptance rate: 40%
In-state tuition: $22,148 per year
The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy offers a wide range of program options, these include:
The four-year PharmD program prepares students for careers in various areas of pharmacy, including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and research. The curriculum includes pharmaceutical sciences, patient care, and pharmacy practice courses.
The dual Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health program teaches students about public health in relation to pharmacotherapy and health promotion, disease prevention, and medication safety. Graduates can work in various settings such as hospitals, private practice, public health agencies, and colleges and universities.
The Doctor of Pharmacy/Master in Health Informatics program teaches students about public health, analytics, and database management. The skills taught in this program help healthcare professionals work to improve patient care by providing caregivers with easy access to patient information.
No matter which program you choose, the University of Iowa will prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Ranking: #90 in Pharmacy School
Location: Weatherford, Oklahoma
Minimum GPA: 2.50
Average PCAT score: 63.6
Acceptance rate: 60%
In-state tuition: $687.39 per credit hour
The College of Pharmacy at Southwestern Oklahoma State University was established in 1939 and offers a PharmD program which prepares students for a career as licensed pharmacists.
The curriculum covers courses in subjects such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacotherapy, and includes clinical rotations that provide hands-on experience in various settings.
The College of Pharmacy also offers a PharmD/MBA dual degree program for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in the business side of the pharmaceutical industry, such as management or administration. The program typically takes four years to complete.
Graduates of the program will be able to pursue leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry or other healthcare organizations.
Currently, Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy doesn't require students to submit PCAT scores.
Ranking: #79 in Pharmacy School
Location: Monroe, Louisiana
Minimum GPA: 2.50
Average PCAT score: 56.0
Acceptance rate: 42%
In-state tuition: $24,364 per year
The University of Louisiana Monroe’s College of Pharmacy was established in 1956. Students are given the opportunity to graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree on its own, or in tandem with a Master of Business Administration.
The Doctor of Pharmacy program is a four-year, full-time professional program that prepares students for a career as licensed pharmacists. The curriculum includes coursework in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical sciences, and experiential education.
On the other hand, the PharmD/MBA degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue leadership roles in the pharmacy industry and healthcare management.
Ranking: #1 in Pharmacy School
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Minimum GPA: 3.00
Average PCAT score: 86.0
Acceptance rate: 31%
In-state tuition: $11,193 per semester
The University of North Carolina Eshelmanoffers several pharmacy programs, including a PharmD program, a PharmD/MBA program, and a PharmD/MPH program.
Students will take subjects such as:
Students also participate in learning opportunities through rotations at various practice sites, including community, hospital, and primary care settings.
If students want to pursue a dual degree in pharmacy and business, they can obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Business Administration degree.
This program provides students with a strong foundation in pharmacy practice and business management.
The College of Pharmacy also offers a joint Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters of Public Health program. This program is a five-year program that includes the four-year PharmD program curriculum and additional coursework in public health.
The program prepares students for a career in the public health and pharmacy industries.
Ranking: #24 in Pharmacy School
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Minimum GPA: 2.75
Average PCAT score: 60.0
Acceptance rate: 78%
In-state tuition: $19,374.00 per year
The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy's Doctor of Pharmacy program's curriculum includes coursework in the basic and clinical sciences and hands-on training in various pharmacy practice settings.
The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a pharmacist in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
In their final year, students will participate in five required four-week rotations in these fields:
Students must also complete five four-week elective rotations for 40 weeks of experiential education.
Ranking: #7 in Pharmacy School
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Minimum GPA: 3.00
Acceptance rate: 39%
In-state tuition: $12,818
Besides its PharmD program, Purdue University College of Pharmacy also offers one of the country's oldest and most-respected graduate programs. Their graduate programs include a Doctorate in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and a Doctor in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology.
The PharmD program prepares students for careers in pharmacy practice. The curriculum includes coursework in pharmaceutical sciences, medical sciences, and pharmacy practice and experiential learning opportunities through rotations in community, hospital, and other pharmacy settings.
Purdue University's wide range of pharmacy programs teaches students the valuable skills and knowledge needed to work in any area of pharmacy.
Ranking: #46 in Pharmacy School
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Minimum GPA: 3.00
Average PCAT score: 50.0
Acceptance rate: 48%
In-state tuition: $22,265 per semester
The four-year PharmD program at Drake University prepares students for a career as a pharmacist in many settings such as community or institutional practice and postgraduate education. The curriculum covers pharmacology, therapeutics, drug interactions, and patient counseling.
The College of Pharmacy and Health Science also offers many dual degree programs in pharmacy, such as:
Graduates of these programs may pursue a career that influences pharmaceutical laws, manage a pharmacy, or take on a leadership role in a nonprofit or health care center.
If you still have questions about the easiest pharmacy schools to get into, check out these frequently asked questions.
No, it’s not likely to get into pharmacy school with a 2.0 GPA. The minimum GPA requirement included within our list is 2.5.
Some schools that require at least a 2.5 GPA include the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy, and South College School of Pharmacy.
It's challenging to get into pharmacy school; however, it is possible. Pharmacy school admissions can be competitive, as many programs have strict requirements and limited spots available.
Factors that make it difficult to get into pharmacy school include the interview process, and strict requirements for GPAs and test scores coursework.
Yes, getting into pharmacy school with a 3.0 GPA is possible. Although some pharmacy schools have a 3.0 minimum, securing a more competitive GPA will give you a higher chance of admittance.
Yes, it is possible, depending on the specific pharmacy program you want to apply to and how competitive the rest of your application is. Many pharmacy schools have a minimum GPA requirement of around 3.0, but some schools are a bit more lenient.
The easiest pharmacy school to get into in the US is the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. It has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.50 and an acceptance rate of 74%.
Other schools include the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy, and the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.
Getting into pharmacy school can be challenging and stressful, especially if you feel like you're not a competitive applicant. However, that isn't a reason to feel discouraged! Many pharmacy schools have easier admission requirements and high acceptance rates.
It's important to research and compare multiple programs to find the best fit for you. The schools listed above are some of the easiest pharmacy schools to enter the US.
Good luck on your journey to pharmacy school!
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