Expert: Barbara Judge - 7/9/2007

Question
Where can I find a list of top pharmacy schools?
Thanks.

Answer
    The most recent listing of a ranking of pharmacy schools I can find which is from a well know source was done in 2005 by US News and World Reports.  The complete  list is:

1.  University of California-San Francisco
2.  University of Texas-Austin
3.  University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Several publications such as US News and World Reports and Princeton Review give excellent overall reviews of the universities.  This also can be used as a guide to help you choose a university.  Many factors have to be taken into consideration when choosing where you will be spending the next 6 years of your life if you decide to attend pharmacy school, not just going to the top ranked school.  

    I had a son who is a Junior in college and a daughter who is a Senior in high school now, so we have been looking at lots of colleges in the past 4 years.  We also looked at top ranked programs, but in my son's case sometimes found them to "sterile".  (He is an engineering major, not pharmacy.)  Of the top 3 on the pharmacy list, my daughter and I visited the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and found it to be a very beautiful campus, but we were looking at it because they also have a Journalism program that is in the top 5 in the nation.  I can also tell you if you do not live in North Carolina it is extremely competative.  They mandate I believe it was 80% of the freshman slots to in state students.  

    As a parent of one student in college and happy and a second student where you are now, looking for her "perfect college"  I would recommend looking at the best pharmacy schools then choosing the one that feels right.  Once you have been there a couple of times you will know if it feels right or not.  And I can guarantee you will REALLY know the ones that feel wrong.  

Good Luck!!!

Barb Judge