Top 15 Pharmacy School Scholarships

December 9, 2024
5 min read

”Jonathan

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 6/3/24

Finding scholarships for pharmacy school can be tough, but we’ve got you covered! Follow along for a list of the top 15 pharmacy scholarships.

Sometimes, the most challenging part of applying for scholarships is getting started. Scholarship research can be a time-consuming task at an already stressful time for students. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top nine pharmacy school scholarships.

Here, we’ll cover ten of the best scholarships for aspiring pharmacists you should apply to. For each award on our list, we’ve included deadlines, scholarship amount, and who can apply.

Let’s get started!

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The Best Scholarships for Pharmacy School Students

Here is our curated list of the top 15 best scholarships for pharmacy students.

Scholarship Amount Deadline Who can apply Announcement
AFPE Gateway Research Scholarship $5,000 January 24 Full-time college students Late May to Early June
Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Full tuition + $2,000 monthly stipend Ongoing Students willing to participate in active duty after graduation Ongoing
The Garden Club of America Varied Varied Pharmacy students interested in medical botany research Varied
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program $5,000 and $10,000 Early August Full-time students in their second year of graduate studies in a healthcare field October 7
The Walmart Health Equity Scholarship $5,000 July 29 College and pharmacy students September 12
Phi Lambda Sigma First Year Graduate Scholarship $10,000 May 15th Society members, senior pharm students By September
CVS Health / AACP Community Pharmacy Health Equity Award for Student Pharmacists $20,000 June 16th Low-income students September 1st
The ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Student Scholarship $5,000 N/a BIPOC students N/a
Walgreens Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program $40,000 for four-year programs; $30,000 for three-year programs April 1st Any student willing to work as a pharmacy intern at Walgreens Around three months from your application
Rho Chi-AFPE First Year Graduate School Scholarship $7,500 May 1st Pharmacy graduate students March 15th
IMANA Scholarships $5,000 March 15th College and pharmacy students In June
NCPA Foundation Presidential Scholarship $5,000 March 15th Pharmacy students N/a
NCPA Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship $2,000 March 15th Pharmacy students N/a
PLS-AFPE First Year Graduate Scholarship $10,000 May 15th Pharmacy students (and Phi Lambda Sigma members) planning on enrolling in a PhD program Before September

1. AFPE Gateway Research Scholarship

The Gateway Research Scholarship is presented in partnership with the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE). This award grants up to $5,000 to passionate, talented pharmacy students at a pre-professional or baccalaureate level. This award aims to support a student in their pursuit of a faculty-mentored research project. 

To be eligible for this award, the applicant must submit the required materials, be a full-time student, have completed at least one year of a college degree, and be a US citizen. 

Scholarship amount: $5000

Who can apply: Full-time college students, US citizens

Deadline: January 24th

Announcement Date: Late May to Early June

2. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship

The Air Force Health Professions Scholarship program is an excellent scholarship opportunity for students who don’t mind participating in active duty after graduation. This program provides coverage for all tuition expenses and additional academic fees. Additionally, a monthly stipend of over $2,000 is provided to students for the duration of the scholarship.

To qualify for this scholarship program, you must be a US citizen, be an aspiring pharmacist, optometrist, clinical psychologist, nurse, doctor, dentist, or public health officer, and have been accepted to an accredited graduate institution.

Scholarship amount: Full tuition + expenses

Who can apply: US citizens, enrolled students

Deadline: Ongoing, recommended to apply early fall

Announcement Date: Ongoing

3. The Garden Club of America

The Garden Clubs of America sponsor many awards each year, including the Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany, the Joan K. Hunt and Rachel M. Hunt Summer Scholarship in Field Botany, and more. These awards provide varied amounts each year to multiple eligible candidates interested in the study of botany. 

The purpose of this award is to encourage medical research into botany and the therapeutic potential of plant life. If this field interests you as a pharm student, you can apply for this scholarship by writing a full research proposal and submitting it alongside the required application materials. 

Scholarship amount: Varied

Who can apply: Pharm students interested in medical botany research

Deadline: Varied

Announcement Date: Varied

4. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program offers over 30 scholarships annually to provide financial support to students pursuing various healthcare education programs, including pharmacy. The program offers 25 scholarships of $5,000 and 10 scholarships of $10,000 to selected winners. 

To be eligible, students must be from the US, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia and be enrolled in a graduate healthcare degree such as medicine (MD/DO), public health, nursing, or pharmacy. Additionally, students must be in good academic standing and demonstrate excellent application materials and a passion for their chosen field. 

Scholarship amount: $5,000 and $10,000

Who can apply: Full-time students in their second year of graduate studies in a healthcare field

Deadline: Usually early August

Announcement Date: October 7th

5. The Walmart Health Equity Scholarship 

The Walmart Health Equity Scholarship for Pharmacy Students program was designed to support the financial needs of pharmacy students. This scholarship is specifically awarded to qualified applicants who plan to work in medically underserved areas upon graduation. 

To be eligible for this award, you must be enrolled at a US college or pharmacy school, be in good academic standing, and plan to work in an underserved area. Multiple chosen winners will win $5,000 to help pay for their degree. 

Scholarship amount: $5,000

Who can apply: College and pharm students

Deadline: July 29th

Announcement Date: September 12th

6. Phi Lambda Sigma First Year Graduate Scholarship

Phi Lambda Sigma is the national pharmacy leadership society. The purpose of this leadership organization is to “promote the development of leadership qualities, especially among pharmacy students.” Each year, the society awards the First Year Graduate Scholarship in the amount of $10,000. 

To qualify, applicants must be members of Phi Lambda Sigma and in their last year of an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program. Additionally, candidates must be US citizens and should plan to enroll in a PhD program upon graduation. 

Scholarship amount: $10,000

Who can apply: Society members, senior pharm students

Deadline: May 15th

Announcement Date: By September 

7. CVS Health / AACP Community Pharmacy Health Equity Award for Student Pharmacists

CVS offers a single $20,000 scholarship to 21 students that face financial barriers in the pursuit of their education. Students interested in applying much demonstrate leadership, academic success, and a commitment to advocate and care for patients in underserved communities. 

To qualify, students must be enrolled at a pharmacy school, must face financial barriers and have filed their taxes as a dependent, and must have a 2.5 GPA or higher. 

Scholarship amount: $20,000

Who can apply: Low-income students

Deadline: June 16th

Announcement Date: September 1st

8. The ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Student Scholarship

The ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Student Scholarship program reflects ASHP’s dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. This program aims to support pharmacy students from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, enhancing representation from historically underrepresented groups in the profession.

The program will award a total of $25,000 in scholarships to pharmacy students enrolled in US-accredited Schools of Pharmacy at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Applicants must be PharmD candidates in good academic standing, enrolled in the final two years of their program, at one of the following US-accredited HBCU schools of pharmacy:

  • Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy 
  • Howard University College of Pharmacy
  • Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy
  • Xavier University College of Pharmacy

Scholarship amount: $5,000 

Who can apply: BIPOC students

Deadline: N/a

Announcement Date: N/a

9. Walgreens Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program

The Walgreens Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program (PEAP) awards up to $40,000 in total awards to pharmacy students enrolled in a professional pharmacy program who work as pharmacy interns at Walgreens.

Recipients must sign an agreement committing to work as a registered pharmacist at Walgreens for one year per award received. 

Scholarship amount: $40,000 for four-year programs; $30,000 for three-year programs

Who can apply: Any student willing to work as a pharmacy intern at Walgreens

Deadline: April 1st

Announcement Date: Around three months from your application

10. Rho Chi-AFPE First Year Graduate School Scholarship

The Rho Chi Pharmacy Honour Society offers one first-year graduate student a cash award of $7,500 to help them afford their education.

To qualify, applicants must be Rho Chi Honor Society members and either be in the final year of a professional pharmacy program or be a pharmacy graduate entering a full-time Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical sciences at an accredited U.S. pharmacy school.

Scholarship amount: $7,500

Who can apply: Pharmacy graduate students

Deadline: May 1st

Announcement Date: March 15th

11. Pharmacists Mutual Community Pharmacy Scholarship

The Pharmacists Mutual Community Pharmacy Scholarship awards $3,000 to up to 20 recipients annually. This program supports students interested in practicing in independent or small-chain community pharmacies or underserved areas.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a P2 or P3 pharmacy student who plans to practice in an independent or small-chain community pharmacy in an underserved geographic or cultural community.

Scholarship amount: $3,000

Who can apply: Pharmacy students interested in practicing in small-chain pharmacies 

Deadline: December 1st

Announcement Date: N/a

12. IMANA Scholarships

IMANA is a non-profit organization that offers one-time awards to students in healthcare. Pharmacy students are eligible for one of their $5,000 awards.

To qualify, you’ll need to be attending a US institution to apply and submit some additional documents like letters of recommendation and an essay.

Scholarship amount: $5,000

Who can apply: College and pharmacy students

Deadline: March 15th

Announcement Date: In June 

13. NCPA Foundation Presidential Scholarship

The NCPA Presdential Scholarships are awarded to students with leadership, academic excellence, and a passion for independent community pharmacy. This $5,000 scholarship also includes a $300 travel stipend and free NCPA Annual Convention registration.

The scholarship is open to full-time pharmacy students within 24 months of graduation at accredited U.S. institutions who are NCPA student members.

Scholarship amount: $5,000

Who can apply: Pharmacy students

Deadline: March 15th

Announcement Date: N/a

14. NCPA Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship

Partners in Pharmacy has been awarding scholarships to pharmacy students since 1915. This scholarship program, which has supported hundreds of students over the years, recognizes exemplary academic performance, community service, and a strong commitment to independent pharmacy.

The scholarship provides a $2,000 award, a $300 travel stipend, and complimentary registration to the NCPA Annual Convention. 

Students must demonstrate leadership, accomplishments, and involvement in extracurricular activities, with a clear interest in independent pharmacy. Their career goals must also align with independent pharmacy.

Scholarship amount: $2,000

Who can apply: Pharmacy students

Deadline: March 15th

Announcement Date: N/a

15. ​​PLS-AFPE First Year Graduate Scholarship

Lastly, the PLS-AFPE First Year Graduate Scholarship aims to encourage outstanding Phi Lambda Sigma members to pursue a Ph.D. in a college of pharmacy graduate program.

One $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually. The money can be used for any purpose that supports the student’s success, such as stipends, laboratory supplies, books, materials, or travel related to the graduate program. 

To be eligible, applicants must be in their final year of an ACPE-accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program and a member of Phi Lambda Sigma. They should either plan to enroll in a PhD program upon graduation or already be enrolled in a dual PharmD/PhD program. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Scholarship amount: $10,000

Who can apply: Pharmacy students (and Phi Lambda Sigma members) planning on enrolling in a PhD program 

Deadline: May 15th

Announcement Date: Before September 

Along with searching for a suitable scholarship, you may also be trying to determine which pharmacy school is right for you. To help you along the way, try out our Pharmacy School Selection Quiz

Just a few quick questions, and you'll receive personalized recommendations based on your preferences and goals. 

How to Get Scholarships for Pharmacy School

Now that we’ve listed a few excellent scholarship opportunities, let's go over a few pointers on how to win these awards.

Plan Ahead

You should get to know the scholarships you want to apply for, the materials they require, and the deadlines for each at least two months before you begin applying. Planning your application schedule will help you devote an equal amount of time to each application and keep you organized to ensure you stay on top of all your deadlines. 

Consider Your Unique Perspective

You would be surprised by the number of awards available to you due to your unique experience. When doing scholarship research, consider your life experience and what makes you unique. 

For example, you could win scholarships related to parts of your identity, such as your birthplace, age, ethnicity, interests, financial standing, skills, etc. Keep an open mind and play to your strengths! 

Revise, Revise, Revise!

It may seem obvious, but revising your materials thoroughly when applying for each scholarship is extremely important. A small spelling mistake could be the difference between winning or not winning an award. 

Remember, these are highly competitive opportunities, and you’ll be up against the best, so your applications should be easy to read and flawlessly executed. Additionally, you should make sure you are not missing any vital information before hitting submit.

Download tour Free Pharmacy School Admissions Guide

Access your free Pharmacy School Admissions guide now. Packed with 65 pages of expert advice, it's a great resource for leveling up your application game. Start your journey to a pharmacy career today. 

FAQs

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about scholarships for aspiring pharmacists.

1. Can I Go to Pharmacy School for Free?

There are full scholarship opportunities for pharmacy school students. For example, the military offers a full-ride scholarship with a monthly stipend in exchange for a few years of active duty.

2. How Much Does Pharmacist School Cost?

The cost of pharmacy school varies greatly depending on the reputation, location, and length of your program. Generally speaking, pharmacy school can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 per year, with average tuition typically falling around the $50,000 mark. 

3. Can I Get a Full Ride Scholarship for Pharmacy School?

There are very few full-ride scholarships for pharmacy school, but there are a few! For example, the military offers full-ride scholarship programs in exchange for active duty. Depending on your financial standing, you may also be eligible for extensive financial aid grants that could cover almost all of your academic expenses. 

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of pharmacy school scholarships out there for those who are willing to do the research. When looking for scholarships, remember to consider your unique perspective. Scholarship opportunities are available for all sorts of character traits and backgrounds. 

Additionally, remember to plan out your deadlines and organize your time so that you can give each application your full attention. It never hurts to apply for more scholarships; the more, the merrier. 

Good luck!

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