Navigating the field of pharmacy programs can be somewhat confusing, especially when considering the competitiveness, acceptance rates, and overall quality of education offered by these institutions. Although not as competitive as their medical, veterinary, or dental counterparts, the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) Applicant Data Report reveals acceptance rates at approximately 87 percent. However, the choice of school still remains a crucial decision that can significantly influence your future career path in pharmacy.
U.S. News ranks the best pharmacy schools the same way they do medical schools. Here are some of the top-ranked pharmacy schools based on their established methodology.
How Do They Rank the Schools?
U.S. News does offer insight into how they establish their pharmacy school rankings. They use:
- Qualitative Assessment that is broken down by peer and residency directors
- Research activity based on both facility members and institution
- Student selectivity related to MCAT total scores, undergraduate GPAs, and acceptance rates
- Faculty resources
They put out a yearly ranking of the school based on these criteria.
Top Ranking Pharmacy Schools in the US
The U.S. News publication is trusted by many aspiring healthcare professionals for providing reliable rankings of potential graduate schools. Here’s how they rate the top five pharmacy schools in the United States:
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University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy secures the top position on the list. It is also recognized as the third-best in the world by QS World University Rankings and has the seventh-highest pass rate for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
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University of California – San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
Although it ranks second on the U.S. News list, the University of California – San Francisco holds the ninth position on the QS World University Rankings and the thirteenth spot on the NAPLEX pass rates.
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University of Michigan – Ann Arbor – Ann Arbor, MI
Known for its excellent academic performance, the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor ranks fourth on the QS World University Rankings but doesn’t feature on the NAPLEX rates list.
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University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
Despite holding the third position along with the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor on the U.S. News list, the University of Minnesota doesn’t appear on the other two reports.
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University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
The University of Florida clinches the fifth spot on the U.S. News list but is not ranked by the other two organizations.
How Different Ranking Systems Compare
U.S. News tends to be one of the most looked at for rankings. They list
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- University of California – San Franciso
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of Minnesota
- University of Florida
The top five from QS World University Rankings are:
- UCL – London, United Kingdom
- Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
- University of Cambridge – Cambridge, United Kingdom
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Nottingham – Nottingham, United Kingdom
The top five based on NAPLEX pass rates are:
- Lebanese American University School of Pharmacy – Beirut, Lebanon
- University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus School of Pharmacy – San Juan, PR
- Thomas Jefferson University Jefferson College of Pharmacy – Philadelphia, PA
- University of Michigan College of Pharmacy – Ann Arbor
- South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions – Brookings, SD.
Navigating Your Path to Pharmacy School
Clearly, choosing the right school is complicated. That’s why enrolling in a mentorship program makes sense. The affordable pharmacy mentorship program at Advanced eClinical Training can help you find that one school that is right for you. Our program pairs you with a knowledgeable PharmD mentor who aids you in deciphering the unique characteristics that make a particular school stand out.
Our comprehensive mentorship program provides you with one-on-one service to make strategic choices that will shape your career path.
Here’s what you can expect from our experienced mentors at the ACT pharmacy program:
- Prerequisite coursework and course-planning
- Expert NAPLEX Prep
- Strategic timeline planning
- Expert rejection analysis
- Mock interview prep
- Volunteer/ clinical experience guidance
- Detailed application review and guidance
The support and resources offered by our program could make the difference between settling for a school or getting admitted to your first choice. We provide one-on-one mentor guidance and access to resources capable of answering pivotal questions.
Enroll Today to Get Started!
When you join our program, you have the option to select a membership plan that resonates with your journey. Every plan is personalized according to your specific requirements and budget, ensuring that you receive the support you need at an affordable price.
Enroll today and begin your journey toward finding the perfect graduate school for you.
