How to Choose the Right Pharmacy School: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve decided you want to be a pharmacist—amazing! But now comes the big question: how do you choose the right pharmacy school?

With over 200 accredited pharmacy schools across the country, and all of them producing pharmacists, how do you know which one to pick?

Here’s the truth: there isn’t a “perfect” or “wrong” choice. But there are factors worth considering that will make the decision easier for you. So, before you get buried in rankings, forums, and endless opinions, here are four things to keep in mind when choosing a pharmacy school.

1. Decide What’s Important to You

Before opening up 20 Google tabs or asking multiple people what school you should go to, pause and ask yourself:

• What type of program is right for me?

• Do I want to stay close to home, or am I open to moving out of state?

  
  

Some schools offer dual-degree programs (like an MBA if you’re interested in management), some are accelerated three-year programs, while others follow the traditional four-year PharmD route.

Knowing which fits your lifestyle and career goals will instantly narrow your search.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of location. If you thrive with your support system nearby, a local school might be best. If you’re open to moving, look for places you can thrive in.

2. Consider Pass Rates, Curriculum, and Opportunities

Let’s be real, employers don’t care if your school was ranked #5 or #45. What does matter is:

• Your clinical rotation experiences

• Whether you pass your licensure exams (NAPLEX, MPJE)

• Your ability to think critically and communicate with patients and providers

  
  

So, pay attention to NAPLEX pass rates, the variety of rotation sites, and opportunities for research or student support.

These are all questions you can ask current students and recent grads, or even faculty members. Many schools offer “open house” events virtually or in person, or you can always schedule a tour.

 👉 NAPLEX pass rates are also released by NABP every year for every pharmacy school. You can find the 2022-2024 NAPLEX pass rates here: NAPLEX-Pass-Rates.pdf

3. Don’t Forget Cost

Pharmacy school tuition is expensive, but costs vary depending on the location and program.

Things to compare:

• In-state vs. out-of-state tuition

• Scholarship availability and opportunities

• Cost of living in the area

  
  

Don’t feel like you need to go into massive debt for a “top program” if another school offers the same education and support at a more affordable price. Your bank account (and future self) will thank you.

4. Trust Yourself

This part is personal. Your journey isn’t going to look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay.

Visit campuses if you can, talk to students, and pay attention to what feels right for you, your goals, and your needs. Sometimes the “best” program on paper isn’t the one that fits you.

When I picked my pharmacy school, it wasn’t the top-ranked one. But it was the one that made me feel supported, seen, and set up to succeed, and that made all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a pharmacy school is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with what matters most to you and build from there.

At the end of the day, this is your journey. Do your research, trust yourself, and remember—your future patients care more about the kind of pharmacist you become than the ranking of your program. 💊❤️

 👉 With all of this in mind, you can easily compare programs using PharmCAS: School Directory | PharmCAS

Let's Talk about it

💬 Have questions about pharmacy school? Drop them in the comments or email me—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.