University of Illinois Chicago Quick Facts
| Duration: 4 Years | Courses: | Faculty: 183 |
| Applications (Fall 2024): 511 | Acceptance Rate: 29% | Est. Class Size: 188 |
Program Description
About the UIC College of Pharmacy
One College. Two Campuses. Unlimited Opportunities
What do you want out of your pharmacy school experience? A campus in the heart of a large urban healthcare district? Studying in a world-class city? Then Chicago is your spot!
Are you looking for a vibrant, close-knit community and a small class size? In-state tuition for out-of-state students? Then Rockford is the place for you!
Regardless of which path you choose, they will both lead you to the same great education, research and pharmacy practice experiences at the 6th ranked College of Pharmacy in the country!
PharmD Program Highlights
- Public Institution
- No Baccalaureate Degree Required
- $1000 deposit to hold acceptance
- Conducts interviews of applicants
- Participates in Early Decision Program (EDP)
- Minimum Two (2) Letters of Reference are required
- Does not utilize the Centralized Criminal Background Check (CBC)
- Does not participate in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service
Location
Location: 833 S. Wood St, Chicago, Illinois 60612
Interactive mapAcceptance Rate for University of Illinois Chicago
29%: See other Schools with an acceptance rate under 29%
NAPLEX Pass Rates
First-time NAPLEX pass rates for University of Illinois Chicago graduates, by graduation year, compared with the national average.
| Graduation Year | First-Time Pass Rate | National Average |
| 2025 | 90.6% | 86.8% |
| 2024 | 84.7% | 75.9% |
| 2023 | 76.9% | 76.4% |
Source: NABP, NAPLEX Passing Rates for 2023–2025 Graduates (March 2026). First-attempt pass rates. National average covers all graduates of ACPE-accredited programs.
Tuition
| Tuition: | $25,670 | per year |
| Mandatory Fees: | $4,814 | per year |
First professional year, 2022–23 academic year (most recent AACP tuition survey); later years may differ — confirm current rates with the school. Branch campus locations: Rockford, IL.
Requirements
GPA and Test Scores
| Minimum GPA: 2.5 | Minimum Prerequisite GPA: 2.5 | Standardized Tests: Not required (PCAT discontinued) |
| Program Prerequisites | |
| Total number of college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 60 |
| Total number of basic science college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 45 |
| Total number of college QUARTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 90 |
Course Prerequisites Table
| Course Title | Semester Hours |
| Written Communication – An English written communication course, such as composition is required. | 3/4 |
| Verbal Communication – An English verbal communication course, such as speech or public speaking is required. | 3/4 |
| Additional Communication – An additional English communication course (either written or verbal) is required. | 3/4 |
| General Biology – Two semesters of general biology with labs are required. | 6/9 |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology – This requirement may be fulfilled with a two-semester A&P sequence OR the combination of 1 course in human anatomy and 1 course in human physiology. All organ systems must be covered. Labs are not required. | 6/9 |
| Microbiology – A microbiology course with a lab is required. | 3/4 |
| General (Inorganic) Chemistry – A two-semester general chemistry sequence with labs is required. | 6/9 |
| Organic Chemistry – A two-semester organic chemistry sequence with lab(s) is required. Some schools may offer labs with each organic course; other schools may offer only one lab (must be at least 2 semester credits) with the organic sequence. | 6/9 |
| Biochemistry – A biochemistry course is required. A lab is not required. | 3/4 |
| Physics – One course in general physics is required. A lab is not required. | 3/4 |
| Calculus – Any calculus class that covers derivatives and integrals may be used to fulfill this requirement. | 3/4 |
| Statistics – Any statistics course may be used to fulfill this requirement. | 3/4 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences – A course in psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, political science, geography, or other areas of social/behavioral science may be used to fulfill this requirement. | 3/4 |
| Humanities – A courses in philosophy, religious studies, English literature, history, art history, or other areas of humanities may be used to fulfill this requirement. | 3/4 |
| Total | 54 |
Prerequisite Coursework Policies
Online coursework: Accepted for all prerequisite courses. Online coursework must be taken from regionally accredited institutions. Questions should be directed to [email protected].
Pass/fail grades: Not accepted.
Completion timing: Although spring (or earlier) completion of prerequisites is preferred, all prerequisites must be completed by August 6, 2027 (without exception) for fall 2027 admission.
Letter of Recommendation Requirements
Two (2) evaluations (letters of reference) are required.
Accepted: Employer, Faculty Advisor, Health Care Professional, Pharmacist, Pre-Health Advisor, Professor (Any Subject Area), Professor (Liberal Arts), Professor (Math), Professor (Science), Supervisor, Teaching Assistant
Not Accepted: Clergy, Co-Worker, Family Member, Friend, Politician
Committee letters: Conditionally accepted (counts as more than one: No)
Two letters of recommendation must be submitted through PharmCAS. One letter should be from an academic reference such as a professor, a TA, or an Academic Adviser. One letter should be from a work or volunteer supervisor.
Interview Information
Interview Format: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Online interview option: Yes
Interviews are by invitation only. Top applicants meeting the screening criteria set forth by the Admissions Committee will be offered the opportunity to interview with UIC faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the pharmacy community starting in September and continuing through May or early June. MMI (multiple mini interviews) are used. Each mini interview covers a particular characteristic the Admissions Committee would like to see in admitted students. Part of the interview process also involves an impromptu writing assignment from which an applicant’s ability to think critically, address a topic, and communicate in written format is assessed.
More about the interview process
Applying
Deadline
March 1, 2027
Priority application deadline: January 4, 2027
First day of classes: August 23, 2027
General School Information
Program
Dual Degree Program? Yes
Part of an academic health center? Yes
Pharmacy observation hours required? No
Supplemental application requirement? Yes
Baccalaureate degree preferred for admissions? Not Required
Follows the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines? Yes
Is preference given to in-state applicants vs. out-of-state applicants? No
Pharmacy School Tour Video
International Applicants
Foreign (non-U.S.) citizens considered: Yes
Applications accepted from: US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, US Temporary Residents, Canadian Citizens, Foreign (non-US) Citizens with a Visa, Other Non-Citizens (e.g. DACA Students)
Foreign transcript policy: Send a foreign transcript evaluation report (FTER) to PharmCAS AND Send an original foreign transcript directly to the school
TOEFL required: Yes
UIC requires the submission of valid English proficiency test scores for all non-native English speakers. b) Please see the English Proficiency Requirements on our website – https://pharmacy.uic.edu/programs/doctor-of-pharmacy-pharmd/application-and-admission/.
Contact Information
Website: http://pharmacy.uic.edu
Social Profiles
| Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UICCollegeofPharmacyChicago/ | Instagram @uicpharm |
Common Questions About University of Illinois Chicago
What is the acceptance rate at University of Illinois Chicago?
University of Illinois Chicago accepts roughly 29% of PharmD applicants, in line with many competitive PharmD programs.
How much does pharmacy school at University of Illinois Chicago cost?
Expect roughly $25,670 in first-year tuition regardless of residency, per the AACP’s most recent survey.
Does University of Illinois Chicago have a GPA requirement?
The published minimum is a 2.5 overall GPA, though stronger grades improve your odds considerably.
When is the application deadline for University of Illinois Chicago?
Applications for the 2026–27 cycle are due by March 1, 2027 through PharmCAS. A priority deadline of January 4, 2027 offers earlier review.
Is a bachelor’s degree required at University of Illinois Chicago?
No — University of Illinois Chicago admits students who have completed the prerequisite coursework, with or without a bachelor’s degree. The PharmD itself takes four years.
How do University of Illinois Chicago’s graduates do on the NAPLEX?
In 2025, the first-time NAPLEX pass rate was 90.6%, as reported by NABP.