Easiest Pharmacy Schools to Get Into in 2025: Programs, GPA & Acceptance Rates

Thinking about becoming a pharmacist but worried your GPA or test scores may not stack up? You’re not alone. While pharmacy school admissions are competitive, not every program has the same level of selectivity. Some schools are known for having higher acceptance rates and more flexible requirements, making them more accessible for applicants with a solid but not perfect academic record.

This guide highlights pharmacy schools in the U.S. with higher acceptance rates and more attainable requirements, while still offering strong training to prepare you for a career in pharmacy.

#1. University of Arizona – R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #20 nationally
• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Acceptance Rate: 62%
• Tuition: $28,000 per year (in-state)

Arizona’s PharmD program is a four-year degree that blends classroom instruction with clinical training in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community pharmacies. The college also offers an MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences for students interested in research and toxicology.

#2. University of Kentucky – College of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #6 nationally
• Location: Lexington, Kentucky
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Average PCAT: 78th percentile
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Tuition: $29,463 per year (in-state)

Kentucky’s PharmD program emphasizes critical thinking and teamwork. Students can also pursue a dual PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, opening doors to research and industry roles.

#3. South College School of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #134 nationally
• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Acceptance Rate: 23%
• Tuition: $47,900 per year (in-state)

South College offers Tennessee’s only accelerated three-year PharmD program, combining classroom learning with extensive lab and clinical training under pharmacist supervision.

#4. University of Florida – College of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #5 nationally
• Location: Gainesville, Florida
• Minimum Science GPA: 2.5
• Acceptance Rate: 45%
• Tuition: $11,930 per semester (in-state)

UF’s program includes three years of didactic training and more than a year of clinical rotations. Students engage in service projects, health screenings, and patient education. The PCAT is optional but recommended if your GPA is below the threshold.

#5. University of Kansas – School of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #24 nationally
• Location: Kansas City, Kansas
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Acceptance Rate: 74%
• Tuition: $11,710 per semester (in-state)

Kansas offers one of the highest acceptance rates among pharmacy schools. The PharmD combines classroom study with hands-on training in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The school also has a PhD track in Pharmacology and Toxicology.

#6. University of Iowa – College of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #18 nationally
• Location: Iowa City, Iowa
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Acceptance Rate: 40%
• Tuition: $22,148 per year (in-state)

Iowa provides several options, including dual PharmD/MPH and PharmD/Health Informatics degrees. Programs prepare graduates for community practice, hospital pharmacy, and public health roles.

#7. Southwestern Oklahoma State University – College of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #90 nationally
• Location: Weatherford, Oklahoma
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• Tuition: $687 per credit (in-state)

This program, established in 1939, offers a traditional PharmD and a PharmD/MBA dual degree for students interested in healthcare leadership.

#8. University of Louisiana at Monroe – College of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #79 nationally
• Location: Monroe, Louisiana
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Acceptance Rate: 42%
• Tuition: $24,364 per year (in-state)

ULM offers a four-year PharmD and a PharmD/MBA option. Students complete experiential training in community, hospital, and industry settings.

#9. University of North Carolina – Eshelman School of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #1 nationally
• Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Tuition: $11,193 per semester (in-state)

UNC offers dual degrees (PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH) alongside its PharmD. Students gain exposure in top clinical, community, and public health settings.

#10. University of Mississippi – School of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #24 nationally
• Location: Oxford, Mississippi
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Tuition: $19,374 per year (in-state)

Mississippi offers one of the most accessible pathways with a strong acceptance rate. Students complete coursework in basic and clinical sciences and rotations in community and hospital settings.

#11. Purdue University – College of Pharmacy

• Ranking: #7 nationally
• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Acceptance Rate: 39%
• Tuition: $12,818 per year (in-state)

Purdue’s PharmD is supported by one of the nation’s oldest graduate pharmacy programs. Training includes rotations in hospitals, community pharmacies, and research facilities.

#12. Drake University – College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

• Ranking: #46 nationally
• Location: Des Moines, Iowa
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Acceptance Rate: 48%
• Tuition: $22,265 per semester (in-state)

Drake offers a wide range of dual degrees (PharmD/JD, PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH) alongside its four-year PharmD. The program prepares students for careers in patient care, leadership, and policy.

FAQs: Easiest Pharmacy Schools to Get Into

#1. Can I get into pharmacy school with a 2.0 GPA?

Not likely. Most schools set a minimum GPA of 2.5.

#2. Is getting into pharmacy school easy?

No, pharmacy admissions are competitive, but some schools have more flexible GPA and test requirements, making entry more achievable.

#3. Can I get in with a 3.0 GPA?

Yes. A 3.0 meets the minimum threshold for many schools, though higher GPAs improve competitiveness.

#4. What’s the easiest school to get into?

The University of Kansas stands out with a 74% acceptance rate and a 2.5 GPA minimum. The University of Mississippi and the University of Arizona also rank among the most accessible.

Final Thoughts

Pharmacy school admission can feel daunting, but your path doesn’t end with rejection from one competitive program. Schools like Kansas, Mississippi, and Arizona provide excellent training while maintaining higher acceptance rates. The key is to match your GPA, experience, and goals with programs that fit.

If you’re exploring healthcare careers more broadly, gaining real-world clinical exposure through international internships can also help strengthen your application. At Go Elective, we offer pre-health and pre-med internships where students gain hands-on experience in Kenya and Tanzania. Skills and stories that can enrich your pharmacy school application and interviews.

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Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 19, 2025