Pharm D in USA: Top Programs, Universities & Fees

Given the amount of time and money that needs to be invested to pursue Pharm D courses in the USA, students often look for reasons that assure them they have made the right choice. Before discussing the best Pharm D colleges in USA, let us throw some light on why study Pharm D courses in USA:

• There are 67 US universities that have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 for pharmacy and pharmacology.
  
• Remarkably out of the 67 universities, 21 have secured a place in the top 100 globally for pharmacy.
  
• The profession yields high returns which forms a great return on investment with an expected median pay of USD 128,570 (INR 1,07,19,320) per year.
  
• The healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing in the USA and professionals in this field are always in demand.

Having adequate knowledge about the course curriculum before enrolling in any Pharm D courses in the USA is necessary. Usually, the Pharm D course can be completed in 4 years while some universities offer a 3-year fast track option or even admit graduates from high school for a complete 6-year program.

We have summarized the course curriculum for Pharm D programs in the USA for international students In the following table:

US universities are globally recognised for their excellent infrastructure and groundbreaking research and innovation. There is an array of coveted Pharm D universities in USA of which we bring to you a curated list of 5 best Pharm D colleges in USA:

• John Hopkins University
• University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
• Purdue University
• University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• University of Pittsburgh

Take a look at the key details of each of these universities:

1. John Hopkins University

The Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences at the John Hopkins University offers the PhD in Pharmacology along with several other PhD programs in Biological Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Pathobiology, etc. The program offers financial support to students covering tuition, living costs and medical insurance.

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The PharmD program at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is housed within the College of Pharmacy. There are multiple PharmD scholarships awarded by the university to meritorious students and it is named among the top 10 most affordable pharmacy schools in the USA.

3. Purdue University

The Purdue College of Pharmacy at Purdue University accepts applications through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PCAS). It is to be noted that the university does not consider PCAT scores for evaluation, whereas value is given to community volunteer service as well as leadership experience.

4. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy offers a PharmD professional program as well as unique dual degrees such as PharmD/ MBA, PharmD/ MHI or PharmD/ MPH dual degree programs.

5. University of Pittsburgh

The Pitts PharmD program at the University of Pittsburgh is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The program requires all students to complete a minimum of 2 years of pre-professional study at any accredited institution before being accepted into the professional program.

Suggested: How to shortlist a university?

The eligibility criteria to pursue Pharm D courses in the USA are more or less similar for every university. The score requirements may vary from university to university. Here are the requirements to be fulfilled for admission to PharmD programs in the USA:

• Master’s degree
• PCAT scores
• English language proficiency test scores

Let us take a look at how you can fulfill these eligibility criteria one at a time:

1.  Master’s degree

A completed master’s degree in pharmacy with subjects such as chemistry, biology or physics is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.

2.  PCAT scores

US universities may also ask for scores on the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), although not compulsory.

3.  English language proficiency test scores

If you are an international student whose native language is not English, you must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL-iBT score of 90 or above is recommended for admission.

Suggested: Masters university finder

To complete your application for Pharm D programs in the USA for international students, you must keep the following documents handy while applying:

• Copy of official academic transcripts
• Proof of degree completion
• PCAT scores
• English language proficiency test scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Updated CV
• Copy of passport
• Proof of sufficient finances

• Prepare a list of shortlisted Pharm D colleges in the USA at least 8-10 months before the application process starts.
  
• Visit the official university website and look for application details, including eligibility criteria, requirements, application deadline, fees, scholarships, etc.
  
• Complete the online application and submit the necessary application fee.
  
• Upload the supporting documents required to complete your application, along with the translations and evaluations, if required.
  
• After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email along with a link to track the status of your application.
  
• Wait until the admission decision is announced, and if you are accepted, confirm your seat by depositing the tuition fee.
• Once you receive your letter of acceptance, start the process to apply for the F-1 student visa in your home country.

Considering the cost of studying is essential for every international student. Education in USA is a costly affair, and in order to determine your expenses, you need to consider the tuition fees as well as the cost of living, as discussed below:

Tuition Fees

On average, the Pharm D in USA fees for international students is around USD 25,000 (INR 20,84,330) - USD 55,000 (INR 45,85,540) per year. If you compare the Pharm D course fees in the USA at public universities to that of private universities, public universities are much more affordable. At the same time, private universities offer a range of financial aid opportunities to international students that make up for the high fees.

Suggested: Cost of Studying in the USA

Cost of Living

The Cost of Living in the USA is expensive compared to several other study abroad destinations. The monthly average living expenses for an international student in the USA is somewhere between USD 1,000 (INR 83,370) - USD 1,500 (INR 1,25,060), which may increase further depending on the type of accommodation, transportation, food and personal expenses. Therefore, apart from the Pharm D in USA fees, you will need at least USD 12,000 (INR 10,00,480) - USD 18,000 (INR 15,00,720) per year to meet the cost of living.

Understanding the financial burden that the tuition fee can impose on PharmD USA international students, universities offer a variety of scholarships. The amount awarded to you as scholarships may cover 25% to 100% of your tuition fees based on academic excellence or financial need. In order to get access to the best scholarship, you are encouraged to apply for admission early.

Take a look at the table below to learn more about the scholarships awarded by Pharm D colleges in USA:

Pharm D is the highest level of qualification in the field of pharmacy and will lead you to job opportunities with lucrative packages. Pharmacists are largely employed in pharmacies and drug stores and some at hospitals and healthcare facilities. The top jobs after Pharm D in USA, along with expected annual salaries, have been discussed in the table below:

Suggested: How to find jobs in the USA?

With this we come to the end of our discussion on Pharm D colleges in the USA. After getting your Pharm D degree in the USA, you can also take continuing education courses to advance in your career and stay updated with the latest changes in pharmacological sciences. To broaden your Pharm D scope in the USA, you can further complete the 2 year residency program and develop your area of specialty. 

If you are still confused as to which university to choose for your Pharm.D degree, explore Yocket Premium. It can enhance your pursuit of a Pharm.D. degree in the USA by providing valuable insights and resources. With access to personalized guidance, you can make informed decisions about choosing the right university, preparing for standardized tests, and understanding the admission process. Yocket Premium provides updates on application timelines and relevant information, streamlining your journey towards earning a Pharm.D. degree in the United States.