Pharmacy Colleges Under $20,000

Pharmacy programs under $20,000 reveal striking cost variations, from CUNY York College's $4,734 net price to University of Connecticut-Stamford at $14,059. The pharmaceutical industry employs over 325,000 people nationwide, with community pharmacists representing the largest segment at nearly 160,000 positions. Public universities dominate affordable pharmacy education, though graduation rates span from 30% at York College to 87% at University of Georgia. California stands out with UC Irvine delivering an 86% graduation rate despite graduates earning just $17,139 initially. Meanwhile, Purdue graduates command $41,565 in early career earnings, nearly double the field average. The University of Texas at El Paso accepts 99.92% of applicants, making pharmacy education accessible to students across academic backgrounds. Regional pharmacy schools often partner with major chains like CVS Health, Walgreens, and independent community pharmacies, creating direct pathways from classroom to practice.

Programs

$4,734 – $19,678

Net Price Range

$32,328

Avg. Program Earnings

60.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY York College Jamaica, New York	$4,734	$7,358	30.3%	59.1%
2	Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, North Carolina	$7,237	$3,412	48.1%	74.2%
3	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$8,896	$17,462	59.5%	97.9%
4	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
5	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$11,504	$17,462	56.7%	97.4%
6	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
7	University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo, Hawaii	$12,063	$7,838	41.6%	84.2%
8	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840	$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
9	University of Mississippi University, Mississippi	$13,164	$9,412	68.5%	97.4%
10	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$13,339	$17,452	65.4%	97.3%
11	Francis Marion University Florence, South Carolina	$13,451	$11,160	42.7%	82.9%
12	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
13	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
14	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
15	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$14,059	$17,472	56.9%	92.2%
16	Fresno Pacific University Fresno, California	$14,317	$35,558	55.9%	75.0%
17	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
18	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542	$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
19	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan	$14,832	$17,228	93.2%	17.7%
20	North Carolina Central University Durham, North Carolina	$15,028	$6,542	46.0%	84.4%
21	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
22	Michigan Technological University Houghton, Michigan	$15,729	$18,392	68.7%	93.7%
23	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
24	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, Florida	$15,847	$5,785	51.9%	32.9%
25	University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona	$15,960	$13,626	65.9%	86.8%
26	Cleveland State University Cleveland, Ohio	$16,065	$12,613	48.9%	85.3%
27	North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo, North Dakota	$16,334	$10,857	63.7%	95.7%
28	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
29	The University of Montana Missoula, Montana	$17,118	$8,152	45.4%	95.4%
30	South College Knoxville, Tennessee	$17,182	$17,935	36.7%
31	University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas	$17,365	$11,700	68.8%	87.8%
32	University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio	$17,460	$12,377	55.6%	92.2%
33	University of New Mexico-Main Campus Albuquerque, New Mexico	$17,478	$8,115	52.5%	96.1%
34	Northern Michigan University Marquette, Michigan	$17,485	$13,304	50.8%	70.6%
35	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546	$9,772	46.7%	89.3%
36	West Virginia Wesleyan College Buckhannon, West Virginia	$18,148	$33,494	49.5%	96.4%
37	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219	$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
38	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
39	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
40	Manchester University North Manchester, Indiana	$19,268	$37,090	44.8%	66.4%
41	Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, Illinois	$19,353	$51,763	72.4%	61.4%
42	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between UC Irvine and Purdue pharmacy graduates?

UC Irvine pharmacy graduates earn $17,139 compared to Purdue's $41,565, reflecting different career paths within pharmaceutical sciences. Irvine's program may feed more students into research positions or graduate school preparation, which typically offer lower starting salaries. Purdue's strong industry connections in the Midwest pharmaceutical corridor, home to companies like Eli Lilly, often lead to higher-paying industrial pharmacy roles. The $24,426 difference represents one of the largest earnings gaps in affordable pharmacy education.

How do University of Connecticut campuses compare for pharmacy studies?

UConn operates four campuses offering pharmaceutical sciences at different price points, from $8,896 at Waterbury to $14,059 at Stamford. All campuses carry identical $25,000 average debt loads, suggesting similar program structures and financial aid packages. Graduation rates vary significantly, with Hartford achieving 65.4% compared to Waterbury's 59.5%. Students can complete prerequisites at regional campuses before transferring to the main Storrs campus for professional pharmacy training.

Is University of Texas at El Paso really accessible with 99.92% acceptance?

UTEP accepts virtually all applicants at 99.92%, making it the most accessible pharmacy program under $20,000. The $10,726 net cost remains reasonable despite the open admission policy, though the 45.9% graduation rate suggests academic challenges emerge after enrollment. Texas pharmacy schools benefit from the state's large population and growing healthcare needs, particularly along the border region. UTEP serves a predominantly Hispanic student population, addressing diversity gaps in pharmacy practice.

Does debt load correlate with graduation success in affordable pharmacy programs?

Schools with $25,000 debt loads show mixed graduation outcomes, from UConn Waterbury's 59.5% to Hartford's 65.4%. UC Irvine achieves 86% graduation with just $15,279 in debt, demonstrating that lower borrowing can coincide with higher completion rates. University of Georgia graduates carry $23,623 in debt but achieve 87.2% graduation, the highest among affordable programs. Purdue balances moderate debt at $17,500 with strong 83.1% completion rates and top earnings potential.

Where do pharmaceutical science graduates find the best job markets?

The pharmaceutical industry concentrates in specific regions, with New Jersey, California, and North Carolina hosting major research facilities and manufacturing plants. Purdue graduates enter the Midwest pharmaceutical corridor, home to Eli Lilly, Abbott, and numerous generic manufacturers. University of Washington serves the Pacific Northwest biotech sector, including companies like Immunex and Amgen facilities. Community pharmacy remains the largest employer nationwide, with over 67,000 independent pharmacies providing local opportunities regardless of program location.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.