Top Pharmacy Schools

Pharmacy schools are educational institutions that prepare students for careers in pharmacy, the science and technique of preparing, dispensing, and reviewing drugs, and providing additional clinical services. These schools typically offer a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which is required to practice as a pharmacist in the U.S. Pharmacy education includes learning about the chemical, biological, and physiological aspects of medicines, as well as the laws and ethics governing their use.

Top 20 Pharmacy Schools in the United States

These twenty institutions represent the diversity and excellence of pharmacy education in the United States, preparing students to lead in a dynamic healthcare field. Their programs emphasize not only the science of pharmacology but also the application of this knowledge to improve patient outcomes in real-world settings.

1. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy

Overview

UCSF School of Pharmacy is consistently ranked as one of the top pharmacy schools due to its outstanding healthcare delivery studies and pioneering pharmaceutical research.

Key Information

  • City Location: San Francisco, California
  • Year Founded: 1872
  • Total Enrollment: About 1,200
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
  • Famous Alumni: Marilyn Stebbins, a pioneer in clinical pharmacy

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Overview

Known for its innovation in pharmaceutical research, UNC Eshelman is a leader in drug development and pharmacotherapy.

Key Information

  • City Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  • Year Founded: 1897
  • Total Enrollment: Approximately 900
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Famous Alumni: Fred Eshelman, founder of Pharmaceutical Product Development

3. University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

Overview

This school stands out for its strong focus on public health and its interdisciplinary approach to pharmaceutical care.

Key Information

  • City Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Year Founded: 1892
  • Total Enrollment: About 1,000
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
  • Famous Alumni: Robert Vince, developer of the anti-HIV drug, Ziagen

4. University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy

Overview

UT Austin is renowned for its research in pharmacoeconomics and pharmaceutics, influencing drug policy and healthcare practices globally.

Key Information

  • City Location: Austin, Texas
  • Year Founded: 1893
  • Total Enrollment: Around 500
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
  • Famous Alumni: Carolyn Brown, an expert in clinical pharmacy and geriatrics

5. University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Overview

The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy excels in pharmaceutical research and patient care, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Key Information

  • City Location: Lexington, Kentucky
  • Year Founded: 1870
  • Total Enrollment: Over 600
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
  • Famous Alumni: J. Lyle Bootman, former Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arizona

6. University of Michigan College of Pharmacy

Overview

Known for its strength in clinical pharmacy and its research in biotechnology and molecular pharmacology.

Key Information

  • City Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Year Founded: 1876
  • Total Enrollment: About 400
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Famous Alumni: David Canter, key figure in the development of Pfizer’s Kalamazoo operations

7. University of Washington School of Pharmacy

Overview

This school is a leader in pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical outcomes research, and global health, particularly in developing safe medication use systems.

Key Information

  • City Location: Seattle, Washington
  • Year Founded: 1894
  • Total Enrollment: Approximately 500
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  • Famous Alumni: Sidney Nelson, noted for contributions to drug metabolism studies

8. University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Overview

UF College of Pharmacy is distinguished for its research in pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, aiming to optimize drug therapy.

Key Information

  • City Location: Gainesville, Florida
  • Year Founded: 1923
  • Total Enrollment: Over 1,000
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
  • Famous Alumni: Paul Doering, co-director of the Drug Information and Pharmacy Resource Center

9. Purdue University College of Pharmacy

Overview

Purdue is well-known for its innovative teaching methods in pharmacy education and its leading research in drug discovery.

Key Information

  • City Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
  • Year Founded: 1884
  • Total Enrollment: Around 650
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Famous Alumni: Arun Ghosh, inventor of the HIV protease inhibitor Darunavir

10. Ohio State University College of Pharmacy

Overview

Ohio State is acclaimed for its comprehensive research in cancer drug therapy and its commitment to developing leaders in pharmacy administration and policy.

Key Information

  • City Location: Columbus, Ohio
  • Year Founded: 1885
  • Total Enrollment: About 700
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
  • Famous Alumni: Clay Parker, President of the Pharmaceutical Division at Eli Lilly

11. University of Southern California School of Pharmacy

Overview

USC is a pioneer in the integration of pharmacy services into primary care and innovative community health programs.

Key Information

  • City Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Year Founded: 1905
  • Total Enrollment: Approximately 1,200
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
  • Famous Alumni: Ian Read, former CEO of Pfizer

12. University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Overview

Pitt Pharmacy is recognized for its significant contributions to the development of pharmaceutical policy and clinical pharmacy practices.

Key Information

  • City Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Year Founded: 1878
  • Total Enrollment: About 600
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
  • Famous Alumni: Herbert Boyer, co-founder of Genentech

13. Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

Overview

Rutgers is known for its dynamic research in drug design, clinical and health outcomes, and its strong industry connections.

Key Information

  • City Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
  • Year Founded: 1892
  • Total Enrollment: Over 1,000
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
  • Famous Alumni: Ralph Saroyan, a leader in pharmacy professional organizations

14. University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy

Overview

This college is a leader in pharmacy education, pharmaceutical research, and public service, particularly noted for its work in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Key Information

  • City Location: Chicago, Illinois
  • Year Founded: 1859
  • Total Enrollment: About 650
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Famous Alumni: Jerry Bauman, influencer in cardiac pharmacotherapy

15. University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

Overview

The University of Iowa excels in pharmaceutical sciences research, focusing on drug delivery methods and community pharmacy practices.

Key Information

  • City Location: Iowa City, Iowa
  • Year Founded: 1885
  • Total Enrollment: Around 300
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  • Famous Alumni: Patrick Keefe, expert in clinical pharmacy

16. University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy

Overview

UW-Madison is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and strong emphasis on research in social and administrative pharmacy.

Key Information

  • City Location: Madison, Wisconsin
  • Year Founded: 1883
  • Total Enrollment: About 400
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Famous Alumni: Warren Wheeler, leader in pharmacy ethics

17. University of Arizona College of Pharmacy

Overview

UA College of Pharmacy is noted for its focus on toxicology, pharmacogenomics, and the pharmacological aspects of chronic diseases.

Key Information

  • City Location: Tucson, Arizona
  • Year Founded: 1947
  • Total Enrollment: About 500
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Famous Alumni: Serrine Lau, known for her research in toxicology

18. Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy

Overview

Auburn’s Harrison School of Pharmacy emphasizes a practical approach to pharmaceutical education with strong ties to community health.

Key Information

  • City Location: Auburn, Alabama
  • Year Founded: 1885
  • Total Enrollment: About 600
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Famous Alumni: Jim Harrison, founder of Harrison Pharmacy

19. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

Overview

VCU School of Pharmacy is at the forefront of research in medication therapy management and pharmaceutical engineering.

Key Information

  • City Location: Richmond, Virginia
  • Year Founded: 1898
  • Total Enrollment: Around 500
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  • Famous Alumni: Thomas Reinders, expert in pharmacy practice

20. St. Louis College of Pharmacy

Overview

Located in a major U.S. healthcare hub, St. Louis College of Pharmacy is a leader in integrating classroom learning with professional practice.

Key Information

  • City Location: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Year Founded: 1864
  • Total Enrollment: About 1,300
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
  • Famous Alumni: John Pieper, a prominent figure in clinical pharmacy education