Pharmacy Schools in California
Why Study Pharmacy in California?
When it comes to Pharmacy school, California has amazing options. Whether you’re a resident of California or looking to move to the West Coast to get the best possible education, we’ve compiled the information you need to make the right decision for you.
Best Online Pharmacy School in California
Residents of California have plenty of excellent online pharmacy schools to choose from, but researching and comparing these schools can sometimes be overwhelming. Thankfully, Pharmacy School Finder's exhaustive database of online pharmacy schools available to students living in California makes this process easier than ever before.
California Online Pharmacy School
The path to enjoying a rewarding career as a pharmacist starts with choosing the right pharmacy school. If you would like to begin researching online pharmacy schools that are available to Californians, be sure to check out Pharmacy School Finder's online pharmacy school database below!
California Campus Locations
Interactive map
American University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Signal Hill. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $60,000. The program can be completed in 3 years, and they offer a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). American University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does prefer a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
California Northstate University College of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Elk Grove. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $51,964. The program can be completed in 3 years, and they offer a dual degree program where you can also earn an MBA or M.S. California Northstate University College of Pharmacy does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
University of California, San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a public university in the city of La Jolla. First year tuition for in-state students is $42,339, and $54,584 for out-of-state students. The program can be completed in 4 years, and they offer a d Ph.D. University of California, San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy is a public university in the city of San Francisco. First year tuition for in-state students is $46,860, and $59,105 for out-of-state students. The program can be completed in 3 years, and they offer an M.S.C.R. or Ph.D. University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
Chapman University School of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Irvine. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $86,580. The program can be completed in 3 years, and they offer a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Chapman University School of Pharmacy participates in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private university in the city of Claremont. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $48,900. The program can be completed in 4 years, and they offer a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Loma Linda. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $49,500. The program can be completed in 4 years, and they offer a dual degree program where you can also earn an M.S. Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
Marshall B. Ketchum College of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Fullerton. First year tuition for all students is $49,910. The program can be completed in 4 years, and they offer a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Marshall B. Ketchum College of Pharmacy participates in the Early Assurance Program and does prefer a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private university in the city of Stockton. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $81,519. The program can be completed in 3 years, and they offer a dual degree program where you can also earn an M.S. or Ph.D. University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences participates in the Early Assurance Program and prefers a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
University of Southern California School of Pharmacy John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center is a private university in the city of Los Angeles. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $62,418. The program can be completed in 4 years, and they offer a dual degree program where you can also earn a J.D., MBA, M.P.H., M.S. or Ph.D. University of Southern California School of Pharmacy John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
Touro University, California College of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Vallejo. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $49,580. The program can be completed in 3 years, and they offer a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Touro University, California College of Pharmacy does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and prefers a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
West Coast University School of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Los Angeles. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $46,235. The program can be completed in 3 years, and they offer a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). West Coast University School of Pharmacy does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy is a private university in the city of Pomona. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $52,560. The program can be completed in 3-4 years, and they offer a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and prefers a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
The University of California, Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences is a public pharmacy school in Irvine and one of the newest PharmD programs in California. The program can be completed in 4 years. UC Irvine requires a bachelor's degree for admission, and applications for the 2027 cycle are due February 1, 2027. (learn more)
Number Of Enrolled Students
| Number of Pharmacy Professors/Faculty - 526 |
|---|
Average First Year Tuition
| Out of State Tuition First Year - $58,418 |
|---|
Average Pharmacist Salary
| Pharmacy Graduates (2023-24) - 1,208 |
|---|
California Admission Requirements
Getting into a PharmD program comes with many choices. In California, for example, programs range from accelerated three-year tracks to traditional four-year PharmD curricula, and several schools offer dual degree options such as a Ph.D., M.P.H., or MBA.
California Pharmacy School Info and Requirements
To become a pharmacist in California you’ll need to complete a PharmD degree from a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
California has more ACPE-accredited PharmD programs than any other state - currently at 14 schools.
As the role of pharmacists evolves into a health care provider, the demand is encouraging more and more schools to offer the doctor of pharmacy degree. If you are a student looking to attend graduate school in CA, then that’s good news for you. With so many offerings, you’ll find a wide range of admission requirements, tuition and program offerings.
| Number of schools with Dual Degree programs | 6 |
|---|---|
| Public/State Pharmacy Schools in California | 3 |
| Private Pharmacy Schools in California | 11 |
| California PharmD Applications (Fall 2024): | 4,090 |
| Schools Requiring B.S Degree | 3 |
| Number of Pharmacy Schools: | 14 |
California Pharmacy School Prerequisites
Course requirements and prerequisites for admission are different for every school. If you know you want to attend a pharmacy school in California but aren’t sure if you’ve taken the necessary classes, you’re in luck. Below are the general course requirements for the 14 PharmD programs in California.
| School: | American Univ | Ca Northstate | Chapman | Keck | Loma Linda | Marshall B. Ketchum | Touro Ca | UC Irvine | UCSD | UCSF | USC | Univ of the Pacific | West Coast Univ | Western Univ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | R | CR | R | R | R | R | ||||||||
| Physiology | R | CR | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | ||
| Biology / Biological Science: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | |
| Microbiology: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | |||||
| Chemistry: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Biochemistry: | CR | R | CR | R | R | CR | ||||||||
| Physics: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | CR | ||||||
| Math: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | |
| Statistics: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | ||||||
| Economics: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | CR | ||||
| English Composition / Writing: | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | ||
| Communication / Speech (Verbal): | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | ||||
| Social / Behavioral Science: | CR | CR | CR | R | R | R | R | CR | CR | CR | ||||
| Psychology: | CR | R | CR | R | R | R | R | CR | ||||||
| Humanities: | R | CR | R | CR | R | CR | ||||||||
| General Elective(s): | R | R | R | CR |
R=Required, CR=Conditionally Required
Note: Course requirements vary by program and can change; confirm the current prerequisites with each school. Some schools may require more than one class in each subject.
California State Pharmacy School Accreditation
The state of California recognizes the national ACPE accreditation as the standard for the state. ACPE accreditation is public recognition that a professional degree program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is judged to meet established qualifications and education standards through initial and subsequent periodic evaluations.
ACPE requires all programs it accredits to meet the expectations of all 25 of ACPE’s accreditation standards. There are currently 14 schools in California that offer the PharmD that are recognized as ACPE-accredited.
Other States To Consider
Top Searched Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited pharmacy schools does California have?
As of the 2026–27 application cycle, 14 accredited Doctor of Pharmacy programs operate in California: American University of Health Sciences, California Northstate University, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, and 11 more.
What does pharmacy school tuition run in California?
Expect first-year in-state tuition around $55,200 on average; the lowest in California is University of California, San Diego at $42,300, per AACP's latest survey.
How many years does a PharmD take in California?
Three to four years. American University of Health Sciences runs an accelerated three-year program, while most other California schools follow the traditional four-year calendar.
Do California pharmacy schools require the PCAT?
No — the PCAT exam has been retired nationally, so none of California’s programs ask for it. Focus on prerequisite grades, experience, and the interview.
Do you need a bachelor's degree for pharmacy school in California?
It varies by school. University of California, Irvine, University of California, San Diego, and University of Southern California require one; American University of Health Sciences, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Touro University, California, University of the Pacific, and Western University of Health Sciences prefer one; the rest of California’s programs admit applicants with prerequisites alone.
Which California pharmacy schools offer Early Assurance?
Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Marshall B. Ketchum University, and University of the Pacific participate in an Early Assurance Program, letting qualified undergraduates lock in a PharmD seat early.
14 accredited PharmD programs in California
American University of Health Sciences
Private
American University of Health Sciences Quick Facts Duration: 2-3 Years Courses: 57 Faculty: 10 Applications (Fall 2024): 87 Acceptance Rate: 37% Est. Class Size: 87…
California Northstate University
Private
California Northstate University Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 63 Faculty: 24 Applications (Fall 2024): 231 Acceptance Rate: 16% Est. Class Size: 31 Program…
Chapman University School of Pharmacy
Private
Chapman University School of Pharmacy Quick Facts Duration: 2-3 Years Courses: 72 Faculty: 46 Applications (Fall 2024): 302 Acceptance Rate: 32% Est. Class Size: 69 The…
Keck Graduate Institute
Private
Keck Graduate Institute Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 62 Faculty: 38 Applications (Fall 2024): 200 Acceptance Rate: 14% Est. Class Size: 41 Program…
Loma Linda University
Private
Loma Linda University Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 77 Faculty: 32 Applications (Fall 2024): 307 Acceptance Rate: 26% Est. Class Size: 56 Program…
Marshall B. Ketchum University
Private
Marshall B. Ketchum University Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 48 Faculty: 24 Applications (Fall 2024): 184 Acceptance Rate: 12% Est. Class Size: 37…
Touro University, California
Private
Touro University, California Quick Facts Duration: 3-4 Years Courses: 72 Faculty: 30 Applications (Fall 2024): 169 Acceptance Rate: 14% Est. Class Size: 43 Program Description…
University of California, Irvine
Public
University of California, Irvine Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Est. Class Size: 62 Application Deadline: 2/1/2027 Program Description The University of California, Irvine (UCI) School…
University of California, San Diego
Public
University of California, San Diego Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 120 Faculty: 49 Applications (Fall 2024): 539 Acceptance Rate: 11% Est. Class Size: 76…
University of California, San Francisco
Public
University of California, San Francisco Quick Facts Duration: 2-3 Years Courses: 59 Faculty: 85 Applications (Fall 2024): 319 Acceptance Rate: 44% Est. Class Size: 127…
University of Southern California
Private
University of Southern California Quick Facts Duration: 3-4 Years Courses: 128 Faculty: 39 Applications (Fall 2024): 429 Acceptance Rate: 29% Est. Class Size: 179 Program…
University of the Pacific
Private
University of the Pacific Quick Facts Duration: 2-3 Years Courses: 68 Faculty: 50 Applications (Fall 2024): 402 Acceptance Rate: 27% Est. Class Size: 145 Program…
West Coast University
Private
West Coast University Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 63 Faculty: 45 Applications (Fall 2024): 209 Acceptance Rate: 12% Est. Class Size: 51 Program…
Western University of Health Sciences
Private
Western University of Health Sciences Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 60 Faculty: 33 Applications (Fall 2024): 422 Acceptance Rate: 14% Est. Class Size: 70…