Hello friends, welcome back to my blog.
Are you thinking about going to pharmacy school? Whether you are a brand-new high school graduate or a professional who wants to change your career, the cost of going to pharmacy school can be quite high. However, there are several ways to offset the cost of attending pharmacy school, including scholarships, grants, and financial aid. You may also be able to get a job in a pharmacy while you are in school, which can help offset some of the costs.
Here are some most expensive programs out there:
Top 5 most expensive pharmacy programs in the US:
- University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA: This is the most expensive program, coming in at over $77,000 per year. USC’s School of Pharmacy is one of the oldest in the country and is highly respected. In addition, they offer a 3-year Doctor of Pharmacy program.
- Northeastern University in Boston, MA: This program comes in at just over $74,000 per year. Northeastern offers a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy program and a 2-year accelerated program for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.
- Temple University in Philadelphia, PA: Temple’s program costs just over $72,000 per year. They offer a 3-year Doctor of Pharmacy program.
- St. John’s University in New York, NY: St. John’s costs just over $71,000 per year. They offer a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy program.
- Howard University in Washington, DC: Howard’s program costs just over $70,000 per year. They offer a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy program and a 3-year accelerated program for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.
Among the common theme of being the most expensive in the country, the chance of you being admitted is low as well because they are very selective.
The pharmacy program I attended at the University of Toledo, OH, is not cheap either. If you were out-of-state students in 2020, it would cost $28,000 each year for the first two years. The third-year is $36,000, and the final year is $39,000.
Here is the cost breakdown of The University of Toledo Pharmacy program in 2020:
What is the average cost of attending pharmacy school?
The average cost of attending pharmacy school is just over $60,000 per year. However, there are many costs, depending on your school.
In 2006, I lived in Boston and barely decided to attend pharmacy school. I had a few friends who attended the Massachusetts college of pharmacy and health sciences, MA. Luckily, I didn’t choose to attend pharmacy school in Boston because the living fee in Boston was relatively high even back then. An average cost for a studio in Boston in 2007 was $772.
Many pharmacy schools may have on-campus housing options and offer meal plans, making it easier for students to focus on school. However, keep in mind that a dormitory is highly expensive no matter what school you attend. The best option is to live off-campus by sharing a room with your friends. When I moved to Toledo, OH, the cost of living was much cheaper there. Four of us shared a two-bedroom apartment, and it only cost me $250/month. I walked to school and didn’t have a car until later.
The cost-of-living expenses can vary greatly depending on the city and state of a pharmacy school. In general, cities with a higher cost of living will have higher living expenses for students. Additionally, transportation and food costs will also vary depending on the location. The bottom line is that you can’t ignore the cost of living in the area around the school. Picking an expensive city can be a financial burden.
How can pharmacy students make money during school?
There are many ways that pharmacy students can make money during school.
For example,
- Many pharmacy schools offer work-study programs which allow students to work in the school’s library or bookstore.
- Many pharmacies offer internships that can provide students with experience and a salary. Get a job as an intern pharmacy student, volunteer, become a tutor, take on part-time jobs, or find a paid research position.
- Additionally, many pharmacy schools offer co-op programs that allow students to work in a pharmacy for a set period. Co-op programs typically last for two semesters, and students typically receive a salary.
- Some pharmacy students may also work as pharmacy technicians while in school. Pharmacy technicians typically earn an hourly wage and can work a flexible schedule.
Conclusion
Applying to pharmacy school can also be costly. The cost of applications can vary depending on the number of schools to which a student applies. In addition, some schools may charge additional fees for things like interviews or transcripts. So check well before you apply.
