University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina Quick Facts

Program Description

The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy consists of the USC campus, a large comprehensive research university, and satellite Prisma Health-Upstate campus, a progressive hospital system. Four dual degree programs (MBA,MPH,MHIT,PhD) are offered alongside the four-year Pharm.D. degree. Three optional track programs that provide training in business, residency preparation, and leadership are available. Students have access to national and international pharmacy practice experiences with our greater than 600 preceptors, service learning opportunities, pioneering research opportunities that lead to new therapies alongside internationally renowned faculty, an entrepreneurial Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center, and the state’s Palmetto Poison Center. Opportunities are provided to learn with and from multiple other health profession students  throughout didactic and experiential courses, extracurricular organizations, and outside activities. As a break from pharmacy studies and activities, students enjoy university benefits of tickets to various sporting events, membership in the more than 400 organizations on campus, and close proximity to beaches and mountains.

PharmD Program Highlights

• Public Institution
• No Baccalaureate Degree Required
• $485 deposit to hold acceptance
• Conducts interviews of applicants
• Participates in Early Decision Program (EDP)
• Minimum Three (3) Letters of Reference are required
• Utilizes the Centralized Criminal Background Check (CBC)
• Participates in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service

Location

Location: 715 Sumter Street, CLS 109, Columbia, South Carolina 29208

Interactive map

Acceptance Rate for University of South Carolina

40%: See other Schools with an acceptance rate under 40%

NAPLEX Pass Rates

First-time NAPLEX pass rates for University of South Carolina graduates, by graduation year, compared with the national average.

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

First professional year, 2022–23 academic year (most recent AACP tuition survey); later years may differ — confirm current rates with the school.

Requirements

GPA and Test Scores

Course Prerequisites Table

Prerequisite Coursework Policies

Online coursework: science courses with labs: No; science courses without labs: Yes; non-science courses: Varies. Online Public Speaking and laboratory courses are not accepted for fulfillment of pharmacy prerequisite requirements. For additional information, please contact our Director of Admissions at [email protected]

Pass/fail grades: science courses with labs: Varies; science courses without labs: Varies; non-science courses: Varies. Pass/fail coursework will be evaluated for prerequisite fulfillment provided that official documentation verifies a “Pass” is equivalent to a grade of C or higher at the awarding institution.

Completion timing: Applicants considered competitive for admission will be on track to complete all required math and science prerequisite courses by the end of the Spring 2027 semester. Completion of all prerequisites with a minimum grade of C is required prior to P1 Welcome Week and matriculation into the Pharm.D. program in August 2027.

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

Two (2) evaluations (letters of reference) are required.

Accepted: Co-Worker, Employer, Faculty Advisor, Pre-Health Advisor, Professor (Any Subject Area), Professor (Liberal Arts), Professor (Math), Professor (Science), Supervisor, Teaching Assistant

Conditionally Accepted: Clergy, Health Care Professional, Pharmacist, Politician

Not Accepted: Family Member, Friend

Committee letters: Not Accepted

Two electronic evaluations (letters of recommendation) must be submitted through PharmCAS. Evaluations from family members, friends, or family friends are not accepted. Recommenders should be able to speak to qualities valued by the Admissions Committee, such as empathy, ethics, intellectual ability, judgment, communication skills, and reliability. Evaluations are appropriate only if the recommender knows you well enough to assess these characteristics.

Interview Information

Interview Format: Individual applicants with two or more interviewers

Online interview option: No

As required by ACPE, standardized interviews are part of the admissions process to assess qualities such as self-awareness, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and professionalism. Interviews are by invitation only and are typically held on select Mondays in September through April. An interview invitation does not guarantee admission. Applicants not selected for an interview will not be considered. The interview day typically consists of a half-day of activities including a program overview, interview, and college tour.

More about the interview process

Applying

Deadline

January 4, 2027
Priority application deadline: October 1, 2026
Applicants who apply by the priority deadline benefit from earlier review in our rolling admissions process, increasing their opportunity for interview invitations and admission consideration.
First day of classes: August 16, 2027

General School Information

Program

Dual Degree Program? Yes
Part of an academic health center? Yes
Pharmacy observation hours required? Recommended, but not required
Supplemental application requirement? No
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? Yes

International Applicants

Foreign (non-U.S.) citizens considered: Yes
Applications accepted from: US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, 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
TOEFL required: Yes

Contact Information

Website: http://www.sc.edu/pharmacy

Social Profiles