Pharmacy Schools in Iowa
Why Study Pharmacy in Iowa?
When it comes to Pharmacy school, Iowa has some great options. Whether you’re a resident of Iowa or looking to move to the mid-East 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 Iowa
Are you looking for the best online pharmacy school available to residents of Iowa? If so, be sure to check out Pharmacy School Finder's comprehensive database of online pharmacy programs available to students who live in Iowa.
Iowa Online Pharmacy School
Residents of the Hawkeye State have plenty of excellent online pharmacy programs to choose from. However, it's still certainly important to select the program that will best prepare you for a career as a pharmacist in the state of Iowa. Be sure to check out the database below to get started searching for your ideal Iowa online pharmacy school.
Iowa Campus Locations
Interactive map
Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private university in the city of Des Moines. First year tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is $44,082. The program can be completed in a few years, and they offer a dual degree program where you can also earn a J.D., MBA, M.P.A.M.P.H., M.S.H.I. or M.H.I.I.M. Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences does not participate in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
University of Iowa College of Pharmacy is a public university in the city of Iowa City. First year tuition for in-state students is $27,606, and $37,470 for out-of-state students. The program can be completed in 4 years, and they offer a dual degree program where you can also earn an M.P.H., M.S.H.I. or M.H.I.I.M. University of Iowa College of Pharmacy participates in the Early Assurance Program and does not require a bachelor's degree. (learn more)
Number Of Enrolled Students
| Number of Pharmacy Professors/Faculty - 104 |
|---|
Average First Year Tuition
| Out of State Tuition First Year - $40,776 |
|---|
Average Pharmacist Salary
| Pharmacy Graduates (2023-24) - 182 |
|---|
Iowa Admission Requirements
Getting into a PharmD program comes with many choices. In Iowa, 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.
Iowa Pharmacy School Info and Requirements
Iowa has some of the best universities and pharmacy schools for aspiring Pharmacists. The University of Iowa is the largest university in the state and it’s school of pharmacy gets applicants from the entire United States. It’s large campus, classes and program is a stark difference from the other school in the state offering the PharmD degree program. At Drake University, the campus and feel of the program is small and specialized with a tight knit group of students and faculty.
To compare the schools based on other important criteria like tuition, requirements, curriculum and more, view each Pharmacy Schools’ full profile.
| Number of schools with Dual Degree programs | 2 |
|---|---|
| Public/State Pharmacy Schools in Iowa | 1 |
| Private Pharmacy Schools in Iowa | 1 |
| Iowa PharmD Applications (Fall 2024): | 417 |
| Schools Requiring B.S Degree | 0 |
| Number of Pharmacy Schools: | 2 |
Pharmacy School Prerequisites in Iowa
Course requirements and prerequisites for admission are different for every school. If you know you want to attend a pharmacy school in Iowa but aren’t sure if you’ve taken the necessary classes, you’re in luck. Below are the general course requirements for the 2 PharmD programs in Iowa.
| School: | Drake University | Univ of Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | R | R |
| Physiology | R | |
| Biology/ Biological Science: | CR | R |
| Microbiology: | R | R |
| Chemistry: | R | R |
| Biochemistry: | R | |
| Physics: | R | |
| Math: | R | R |
| Statistics: | R | R |
| Economics: | R | |
| English Composition / Writing: | R | |
| Communication / Speech (Verbal): | R | R |
| General Electives: | R |
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.
Iowa State Pharmacy School Accreditation
The state of Iowa 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 2 schools in the state that offer the PharmD that are recognized as ACPE-accredited.
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Top Searched Schools
Common Questions About Pharmacy Schools in Iowa
How many pharmacy schools are in Iowa?
As of the 2026–27 application cycle, 2 accredited Doctor of Pharmacy programs operate in Iowa: Drake University and University of Iowa.
How expensive is pharmacy school in Iowa?
Across Iowa’s programs, first-year in-state tuition averages roughly $35,800, ranging down to $27,600 at University of Iowa.
Can you finish pharmacy school in Iowa in three years?
Four years of professional study is the norm in Iowa, on top of the prerequisite coursework completed beforehand.
Do you need to take the PCAT to apply in Iowa?
No — the PCAT exam has been retired nationally, so none of Iowa’s programs ask for it. Focus on prerequisite grades, experience, and the interview.
Can you get into pharmacy school in Iowa without a bachelor's degree?
No — every Iowa program admits students without a bachelor's degree, as long as the prerequisite courses are complete.
Which Iowa pharmacy schools offer Early Assurance?
University of Iowa participates in an Early Assurance Program, letting qualified undergraduates lock in a PharmD seat early.
2 accredited PharmD programs in Iowa
Drake University
Private
Drake University Quick Facts Duration: 2-4 Years Courses: 63 Faculty: 46 Applications (Fall 2024): 175 Acceptance Rate: 48% Est. Class Size: 75 Program Description Drake…
University of Iowa
Public
University of Iowa Quick Facts Duration: 4 Years Courses: 72 Faculty: 58 Applications (Fall 2024): 242 Acceptance Rate: 40% Est. Class Size: 118 Program Description…