Best Pharmacy Schools Ranking (US)

The University of California–San Francisco (UCSF) is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of pharmacy education and research, ranking as the top graduate pharmacy program nationally in the United States. UCSF's prominence in the field is bolstered by its rigorous Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program and its various PhD programs that span areas of pharmaceutical research, biological sciences, and medical informatics. Alongside UCSF stands the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), which is second in national rankings for its excellence in graduate pharmacy education. Both institutions are considered leaders in advancing innovation, research, and professional development in pharmacy education, with distinguished programs tailored to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on expertise.

The UCSF School of Pharmacy leads the nation in its graduate programs, with its Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program standing out as one of the most competitive and respected programs available. This four-year, full-time program offers students the chance to immerse themselves in a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous scientific study, practical training, and real-world applications in clinical and research settings. UCSF’s PharmD program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and prepares students for diverse careers in healthcare, research, and pharmacy practice by equipping them with both the scientific foundation and the practical experience necessary to address a variety of public health challenges.

In addition to the PharmD program, UCSF offers a variety of innovative PhD programs for students interested in advanced research and specialization. These include the PhD in Biological & Medical Informatics (BMI), the PhD in Biophysics, the PhD in Chemistry & Chemical Biology (CCB), and the PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmacogenomics (PSPG). Each of these graduate programs provides students with in-depth knowledge, technical skills, and research experience across a range of disciplines, enabling them to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in fields like drug development, medical informatics, biophysics, and pharmacogenomics. UCSF’s graduate programs are supported by cutting-edge research laboratories, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and improving healthcare outcomes. This broad academic and research focus has positioned UCSF as a leader in pharmacy education, innovation, and discovery.

On the other hand, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Eshelman School of Pharmacy ranks second nationally for its graduate pharmacy programs, showcasing its long-standing commitment to academic rigor and excellence in the pharmaceutical sciences. The Eshelman School of Pharmacy is considered one of the world’s leading institutions for pharmacy education and pharmaceutical research, offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to preparing students for careers in pharmacy, research, and healthcare leadership. UNC’s PharmD program, Master of Science in health system pharmacy, and PhD in pharmaceutical sciences are all designed to provide students with a balance of academic theory, practical application, and cutting-edge research experience.

The Eshelman School of Pharmacy offers the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which prepares students to enter advanced pharmacy practice or health system management with a strong foundation in the sciences and practical clinical experience. Additionally, students can choose from postgraduate options such as the Master of Science in health system pharmacy and the PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, allowing them to explore specialization, research, and innovation. The PhD in pharmaceutical sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill, in particular, is focused on advancing research in drug discovery, development, and systems biology, equipping students to address global health challenges through innovative research methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.

The Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s reputation for excellence stems from its distinguished faculty, its state-of-the-art research facilities, and its emphasis on collaboration and innovation. The institution is committed to preparing the next generation of pharmacists, researchers, and health system leaders by offering a robust and dynamic curriculum, promoting hands-on clinical experiences, and fostering partnerships with pharmaceutical industries and healthcare systems. This combination of academic rigor, research focus, and practical application positions UNC-Chapel Hill as one of the premier institutions for pharmacy education and research in the United States and globally.

Both UCSF and UNC-Chapel Hill emphasize interdisciplinary learning and research-driven education to ensure that their students are equipped with the necessary skills to advance the pharmacy profession. These programs emphasize scientific understanding, evidence-based practice, and the use of innovative technologies to solve modern healthcare challenges. Furthermore, the commitment to research at these two institutions ensures that students are exposed to groundbreaking work in drug discovery, biophysics, pharmacogenomics, and medical informatics, preparing them for the changing landscape of pharmaceutical science and practice.

Graduates of these top-ranked pharmacy programs enjoy a competitive edge in the healthcare industry due to their comprehensive education and training. Many go on to pursue careers as clinical pharmacists, pharmaceutical researchers, health system leaders, or educators, contributing to advancements in drug discovery, public health, and clinical practice. Moreover, the strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education ensures that both UCSF and UNC-Chapel Hill students are equipped to address complex challenges in drug development and healthcare delivery.

UCSF’s PharmD program and associated PhD programs offer a diverse and innovative learning environment that emphasizes scientific discovery, research innovation, and clinical practice. Similarly, UNC’s Eshelman School of Pharmacy prepares its students with state-of-the-art training in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical application, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce with a balance of practical experience, academic knowledge, and leadership skills. Both institutions maintain a strong commitment to advancing health outcomes and contributing groundbreaking research to the pharmaceutical sciences.

These two universities represent the very best in graduate pharmacy education, combining excellent teaching, research, and healthcare service. Their national rankings underscore their commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific discovery. As the fields of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences continue to evolve in response to emerging health challenges, these institutions remain at the forefront, preparing students to lead, innovate, and contribute to the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical discovery.

Ranking of Best Graduate Pharmacy Schools:

1. University of California–San Francisco
2. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
3. University of Minnesota
4. University of Texas–Austin
5. Ohio State University
5. University of Kentucky
5. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
5. University of Washington
9. Purdue University
9. University of Arizona
9. University of Florida
9. University of Illinois–Chicago
9. University of Maryland–Baltimore
9. University of Wisconsin–Madison
15. University of Southern California
16. University of Iowa
16. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
16. University of Utah
19. University of Kansas
19. University of Pittsburgh
21. University at Buffalo–SUNY
21. Virginia Commonwealth University
23. University of Colorado–Denver
24. Auburn University (Harrison)
24. Medical University of South Carolina
24. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick (Mario)
24. University of Georgia
24. University of Mississippi
29. University of Connecticut
29. University of Nebraska Medical Center
31. Univ of the Sciences in Philadelphia-Philadelphia Col of Pharmacy & Science
32. Mercer University
32. Oregon State University
32. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
32. University of California–San Diego
32. University of Cincinnati
32. University of New Mexico
32. University of Oklahoma
32. Washington State University
32. Wayne State University (Applebaum)
32. West Virginia University
42. South Carolina College of Pharmacy
42. Uni of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
42. Uni of Missouri–Kansas City
42. Uni of South Carolina
46. Creighton Uni
46. Duquesne Uni (Mylan)
46. Northeastern Uni
46. Uni of Montana
46. Uni of Rhode Island
51. Drake Univ
51. Samford Univ (McWhorter)
51. St. Louis College of Pharmacy
51. Uni of Houston
51. Uni of the Pacific (Long)
56. Albany College of Pharmacy
56. Butler Univ
56. Campbell Univ
56. Idaho State Univ
56. Univ of Wyoming
61. Ferris State Univ
61. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences–Boston
61. North Dakota State Univ
61. South Dakota State Univ
61. St. John's Univ
61. Temple Univ

Source: US News & World Report 2009