West Coast University Quick Facts
| Duration: 4 Years | Courses: 63 | Faculty: 45 |
| Applications (Fall 2024): 209 | Acceptance Rate: 12% | Est. Class Size: 51 |
Program Description
The School of Pharmacy curriculum is designed as a professional, four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program that encompasses didactic, laboratory, and experiential learning. Our rigorous curriculum will prepare students to become competent, caring, and contemporary pharmacy practitioners by engaging students with highly qualified faculty who are accessible and available to meet with students who require additional personal assistance. Our interactive-learning environment emphasizes expanded clinical experiences, including interprofessional experiences with other health science programs, the extensive use of technology, and outreach activities with other students. Additional information on the program can be found at https://westcoastuniversity.edu/programs/doctor-pharmacy.html
PharmD Program Highlights
- Private Institution
- Baccalaureate Preferred
- $500 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)
- Does not participate in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service
Location
Location: 590 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, California 90004
Interactive mapAcceptance Rate for West Coast University
12%: See other Schools with an acceptance rate under 12%
NAPLEX Pass Rates
First-time NAPLEX pass rates for West Coast University graduates, by graduation year, compared with the national average.
| Graduation Year | First-Time Pass Rate | National Average |
| 2025 | 78.9% | 86.8% |
| 2024 | 50.9% | 75.9% |
| 2023 | 63.8% | 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: | $46,235 | per year |
| Mandatory Fees: | $1,499 | per year |
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
| Minimum GPA: No minimum | Minimum Prerequisite GPA: No minimum | Standardized Tests: Not required (PCAT discontinued) |
| Program Prerequisites | |
| Total number of college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 51 |
| Total number of basic science college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation: | 34 |
Course Prerequisites Table
| Course Title | Semester Hours |
| General Chemistry (with laboratory) | 8/12 |
| Organic Chemistry (with laboratory) | 8/12 |
| General Biology (with Cell Biology) | 8/12 |
| Human/Mammalian Physiology (with laboratory) | 3/4.5 |
| Human Anatomy (with laboratory) | 3/4.5 |
| Calculus (with Analytical Geometry) | 3/4.5 |
| Statistics | 3/4.5 |
| Speech Communication/Public Speaking/ Interpersonal Communication or Debate | 3/4.5 |
| English Composition | 6/9 |
| Biochemistry | 3/4.5 |
| Microbiology (with laboratory) | 3/4.5 |
| Total | 51 |
Prerequisite Coursework Policies
Online coursework: science courses with labs: Varies; science courses without labs: Varies; non-science courses: Varies. Completion of prerequisite coursework with a cumulative math/science grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required. Coursework completed through foreign institutions may be considered.
Pass/fail grades: science courses with labs: Varies; science courses without labs: Varies; non-science courses: Varies.
Completion timing: By June 1, 2027, unless otherwise approved by the Admissions Department.
Letter of Recommendation Requirements
Two (2) evaluations (letters of reference) are required.
Accepted: Clergy, Employer, Faculty Advisor, Health Care Professional, Pharmacist, Professor (Liberal Arts), Professor (Math), Professor (Science), Supervisor
Conditionally Accepted: Pre-Health Advisor, Professor (Any Subject Area)
Not Accepted: Family Member, Friend, Politician
Committee letters: Accepted (counts as more than one: No)
Submit 2 letters of recommendation (math/science professor, pharmacist (supervisor), employer (supervisor), healthcare professional (supervisor), liberal arts professor).
Interview Information
Interview Format: Individual applicants with two or more interviewers
Online interview option: Yes
The interview offers an opportunity for faculty and candidates to connect and learn more about each other. During the interview, a general program overview is provided, a prompt for a Live essay, and an interview with two faculty members with the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
More about the interview process
Applying
Deadline
June 1, 2027
First day of classes: August 16, 2027
General School Information
Program
Dual Degree Program? No
Part of an academic health center? No
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? No
Pharmacy School Tour Video
International Applicants
Foreign (non-U.S.) citizens considered: No
Applications accepted from: US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, US Temporary Residents, 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: https://westcoastuniversity.edu/programs/doctor-pharmacy.html
Social Profiles
| Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastUniversity/ | Instagram: @westcoastuniversity |
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to get into West Coast University?
The acceptance rate is approximately 12%, making it one of the more selective programs in the country.
How much does pharmacy school at West Coast University cost?
First-year tuition runs about $46,235 for all students (2022–23 AACP survey), before fees and living costs.
What GPA do you need to get into West Coast University?
There is no published GPA cutoff at West Coast University — coursework, experience, and interviews are weighed together.
When is the application deadline for West Coast University?
Applications for the 2026–27 cycle are due by June 1, 2027 through PharmCAS.
Do you need a bachelor’s degree to get into West Coast University?
No — West Coast University admits students who have completed the prerequisite coursework, with or without a bachelor’s degree. The PharmD itself is an accelerated three-year, year-round program.
How do West Coast University’s graduates do on the NAPLEX?
In 2025, the first-time NAPLEX pass rate was 78.9%, as reported by NABP.