Pharmacy school admissions differ on an institutional level. There are no state-mandated requirements for PharmD programs, and the requirements can vary within programs located in the same state. The best pharmacy schools are located throughout the country, and there is no single state that has all of the top programs. Prospective PharmD applicants should decide which aspects of a program are most important to them and ensure they have met the specific prerequisites for each program.
Best pharmacy schools by state
There are 147 ACPE-accredited PharmD programs in the United States, spread across 49 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Two states have none at all: Vermont and Delaware. Density is highest on the coasts, and eighteen states have exactly one program, which usually means less competition for the in-state seat.
Which state suits you depends on cost more than prestige. In-state tuition at the cheapest public programs runs under $15,000 a year against more than $80,000 at the priciest privates, and the license at the end is identical. Use the map below to see the schools in any state, or compare the 2026 rankings.
Learn More by State
Explore Pharmacy School Requirements by state
Pharmacy school requirements vary by institution. All require transcripts, and since the PCAT was retired in January 2024 none ask for an admission test score. Where they differ substantially is in the specific prerequisite courses they require, and most expect two to three years of pre-pharmacy coursework before you apply. Some schools also require letters of reference and personal statements. A few schools require applicants to be a resident of the state in which they are located.
Our tool also allows you to explore requirements by state.
What are pharmacy school admission requirements?
The majority of pharmacy programs use a common application service, PharmCAS to collect the application elements that most schools require. This includes general biographical information, academic transcripts, work experience, and fees. Depending on the school, you may also be asked to provide additional materials, including letters of recommendation and a personal statement. When doing your initial research to plan pharmacy school applications, PharmSchoolFinder.org provides a list of the requirements for each program. If you do not follow them carefully and complete the application on time, the pharmacy program may not evaluate your application. In addition, some programs require you to pay additional fees or submit additional materials to them directly.
What GPA do you need for pharmacy school?
Most pharmacy programs set minimum overall GPA requirements for their applications of around 2.5 to 3.0. However, the average GPAs of applicants offered admission may be quite a bit higher than these published minimum requirements, often landing around 3.5 or higher for the most competitive programs. In addition, schools may look at alternative GPA calculations based only on prerequisite or science coursework. Most programs publish the mean GPA of the previous year’s entering class on their website.
Can I go to Pharmacy School with an Associate’s Degree?
Programs differ in requirements for prerequisite coursework completed outside of a traditional Bachelor’s degree or dedicated pre-pharmacy program. Some programs will consider courses completed while earning an Associate’s degree as evidence of prerequisite coursework. It is unlikely all prerequisites will be completed during an Associate’s degree, so additional courses will be required to meet the full list of prerequisites. Research each individual program before applying.
What are the prerequisites for pharmacy school?
Many aspiring pharmacy students choose chemistry as an undergraduate major, because the curriculum includes most of the prerequisite courses as part of the standard program of study. Your college major does not have to be in a science, as long as you take the required prerequisite courses for the programs to which you are applying. A typical pre pharmacy course of studies includes 1 or 2 semesters of classes (with labs) in each of the following core science areas: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry. One to 2 semesters of calculus, statistics, and English are also commonly required. As soon as you make a decision to apply to pharmacy school, it is a good idea to meet with a college advisor and map out a plan to complete prerequisite courses.
Many aspiring pharmacy students choose chemistry as an undergraduate major, because the curriculum includes most of the prerequisite courses as part of the standard program of study.
What courses are required for pharmacy school?
Pharmacy students take courses that further build on the knowledge and skills acquired during their pre pharmacy studies. Courses cover various topics of physiology, human disease, pharmacology, therapeutics, medicinal chemistry, and healthcare economics. Students usually complete a combination of classroom and lab courses. Additional clinical rotations should be expected in the final year or two of the program.
Can pre-pharmacy courses be completed at community college?
Community college credits can be an economical way to complete undergraduate courses, especially when compared to 4-year college institutions. PharmD programs differ on their willingness to accept pre-pharmacy coursework that was completed at a community college. Contact the admissions office of any program you are considering to determine how each institution considers community college credits.