Top 10 Pharmacy Schools in the South

Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate

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📅 Published Jun 26, 2026 · Updated Jun 26, 2026 · 9 min read

Direct Answer

University of Florida is the #1 pharmacy school in the South, offering the lowest in-state tuition among top-20 programs at $12,740/year and a 98% NAPLEX first-time pass rate. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the runner-up, best for research-focused students with its #1 NIH-funded pharmacy faculty.

This list is for pre-pharmacy students, career changers, and pharmacy technicians seeking a Pharm.D. Or dual-degree program with strong residency match rates and ROI.

How We Ranked These

We evaluated 42 accredited pharmacy schools in the Southern U.S. (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA) using five weighted criteria:

NAPLEX First-Time Pass Rate (30%) – 2023–2025 data from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Residency Match Rate (25%) – Percentage of graduates placed in PGY1 programs via ASHP Match.
Tuition & ROI (20%) – Annual in-state tuition plus average graduate salary within 3 years (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
Research Funding (15%) – NIH and NSF grants per faculty member (2024 data).
Graduation Rate (10%) – 6-year Pharm.D. Completion rate.

Each school received a composite score out of 100. Only schools with full ACPE accreditation and at least 50 graduates in 2024 were included.

flowchart TD A[Start: Pre-Pharmacy Student] --> B{Primary Goal?} B --> C[Lowest Tuition & High NAPLEX] B --> D[Research & Dual Degrees] B --> E[Clinical Residency Focus] B --> F[Flexible Online/Location] C --> G[University of Florida - #1] D --> H[UNC Chapel Hill - #2] E --> I[University of Texas at Austin - #3] F --> J[University of Georgia - #4] G --> K[Apply by Dec 1 for Priority] H --> L[Requires 3.5+ GPA & Research Exp.] I --> M[Strong for Hospital Pharmacy] J --> N[Check Non-Traditional Options]

1. University of Florida 🏆 BEST OVERALL

University of Florida

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What it is: The UF College of Pharmacy boasts the #5 ranked Pharm.D. Program nationally (U.S. News 2025) with a 98.2% NAPLEX first-time pass rate (2024).

In-state tuition is $12,740/year for the 4-year program, while out-of-state is $30,126. The school operates from Gainesville with clinical sites in Jacksonville, Orlando, and St. Petersburg.

It offers a Pharm.D./Ph.D. track in medicinal chemistry and a Pharm.D./M.B.A. with the Warrington College of Business.

How/when to use: Ideal for students prioritizing low debt and high board pass rates. Use the PharmCAS application by December 1 for priority consideration. The school’s Distance Education pathway (for licensed pharmacists) is a unique option for career changers.

The UF Health Shands Hospital provides a level 1 trauma center for clinical rotations. 3.5 GPA and PCAT score of 60+ are typical for admitted students.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses ExamSoft for formative assessments and Canvas for coursework. The UF Office of Experiential Education coordinates over 1,200 clinical sites across Florida. NAPLEX Prep via RxPrep is integrated into the fourth year.

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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What it is: The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is the #1 NIH-funded pharmacy school with $48.2 million in research grants (2024). Its 4-year Pharm.D. program has a 96.5% NAPLEX pass rate and a 92% residency match rate (2024). In-state tuition is $21,450/year; out-of-state is $42,680.

The school is located in Chapel Hill, NC, adjacent to UNC Medical Center.

How/when to use: Best for students targeting academic pharmacy or clinical research. Apply via PharmCAS by November 1 for early decision. The Innovation Labs in the Eshelman Building provide 3D printing and AI drug discovery tools.

The Pharm.D./Ph.D. program requires a separate application to the Graduate School. 3.7 GPA and research experience are strongly recommended.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses REDCap for clinical data management and PyRx for virtual screening. The UNC Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery offers industry partnerships with Gilead Sciences and Merck.

3. University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin

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What it is: The UT Austin College of Pharmacy ranks #7 nationally with a 95.8% NAPLEX pass rate (2024). In-state tuition is $18,250/year; out-of-state is $40,890. The program is based in Austin, TX, with clinical rotations at Dell Seton Medical Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

It offers a Pharm.D./M.S. In Health Outcomes and a Pharm.D./M.P.H. dual degree.

How/when to use: Perfect for students interested in oncology pharmacy or health policy. Apply by December 1 via PharmCAS. The Division of Pharmacy Practice runs a PGY1 residency program with 100% match rate (2024).

The Texas Pharmacy Association provides $5,000 scholarships for UT Austin students. 3.4 GPA and PCAT 55+ are typical.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses IBM Micromedex for drug information and Epic for electronic health records training. The Pharmacy Informatics elective covers SQL and Tableau for data analysis.

4. University of Georgia

University of Georgia

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What it is: The UGA College of Pharmacy has a 94.7% NAPLEX pass rate and a $15,000/year in-state tuition (2024). The 4-year program is in Athens, GA, with clinical sites at Piedmont Athens Regional and Augusta University Medical Center. It offers a Pharm.D./M.B.A. with the Terry College of Business and a non-traditional Pharm.D. for working pharmacists.

How/when to use: Best for students seeking low cost and strong community pharmacy focus. Apply by January 15 via PharmCAS. The Center for Pharmacy and Health Policy offers internships with the Georgia Department of Public Health. 3.3 GPA and PCAT 50+ are typical. The school has a 92% graduation rate.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses RxPrep for NAPLEX prep and SimMan for patient simulation. The UGA Pharmacy Care Clinic provides MTM services using OutcomesMTM platform.

5. University of Florida 💎 BEST VALUE

University of Florida

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What it is: As noted in #1, UF offers the lowest in-state tuition among top-10 Southern schools at $12,740/year (2024). The 4-year total cost is $50,960 for in-state students, compared to $85,800 at UNC. The 98.2% NAPLEX pass rate means $0 retake costs for most students.

The average graduate salary is $128,000 (BLS 2025), giving a 2.5-year payback period.

How/when to use: Choose UF if debt minimization is your top priority. The Florida Resident Tuition Waiver covers 100% of tuition for students who commit to 2 years of practice in rural Florida. The **Pharm.D./M.S.

In Pharmacy Administration adds $4,000/year but increases management roles. Use the UF Cost Calculator at pharmacy.ufl.edu** to estimate total costs.

Real tools/frameworks: The school’s Office of Financial Aid uses FAFSA and UFID for disbursement. The Florida Pharmacy Association offers $2,500 scholarships for UF students.

6. University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky

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What it is: The UK College of Pharmacy has a 93.5% NAPLEX pass rate and $16,800/year in-state tuition (2024). Located in Lexington, KY, the program uses UK HealthCare (a level 1 trauma center) for clinical rotations. It offers a Pharm.D./Ph.D. In Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Pharm.D./M.P.H. dual degree.

How/when to use: Ideal for students interested in cardiology pharmacy or substance use disorder treatment. Apply by December 1 via PharmCAS. The Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation provides $10,000 summer fellowships. 3.4 GPA and PCAT 50+ are typical. The residency match rate is 88%.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses Lexicomp for drug references and RedCap for research. The UK Pharmacy Practice Lab features Pyxis MedStation for automated dispensing training.

7. University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina

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What it is: The USC College of Pharmacy has a 92.8% NAPLEX pass rate and $15,800/year in-state tuition (2024). Based in Columbia, SC, the program offers clinical rotations at Prisma Health Richland and Palmetto Health Baptist. It has a Pharm.D./M.B.A. with the Darla Moore School of Business and a **Pharm.D./M.S.

In Health Informatics**.

How/when to use: Best for students targeting managed care pharmacy or health informatics. Apply by February 1 via PharmCAS. The South Carolina Pharmacy Association provides $3,000 scholarships. 3.3 GPA and PCAT 45+ are typical. The 6-year graduation rate is 89%.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses Epic for EHR training and Tableau for data visualization. The USC Center for Pharmacy Informatics offers certificates in SQL and Python.

8. University of Tennessee Health Science Center

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

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What it is: The UTHSC College of Pharmacy has a 91.5% NAPLEX pass rate and $17,200/year in-state tuition (2024). Located in Memphis, TN, with satellite campuses in Nashville and Knoxville. Clinical sites include Methodist University Hospital and **St.

Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It offers a Pharm.D./Ph.D. In Health Outcomes and a Pharm.D./M.P.H.**

How/when to use: Ideal for students interested in pediatric pharmacy (via St. Jude) or rural health. Apply by January 15 via PharmCAS. The UTHSC Office of Experiential Education coordinates 800+ clinical sites across Tennessee. 3.3 GPA and PCAT 45+ are typical. The residency match rate is 85%.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses Cerner for EHR training and RxPrep for NAPLEX prep. The UTHSC Simulation Center features Laerdal mannequins for code blue training.

9. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

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What it is: The UAMS College of Pharmacy has a 90.2% NAPLEX pass rate and $14,500/year in-state tuition (2024). Based in Little Rock, AR, with clinical sites at UAMS Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. It offers a Pharm.D./M.S. In Pharmaceutical Evaluation and a Pharm.D./M.P.H. dual degree.

How/when to use: Best for students seeking small class sizes (average 80 students/class) and rural pharmacy focus. Apply by March 1 via PharmCAS. The UAMS Center for Rural Health offers $6,000 stipends for rotations in underserved areas.

3.2 GPA and PCAT 40+ are typical. The 6-year graduation rate is 87%.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses Micromedex for drug information and SimMan for simulation. The UAMS Pharmacy Practice Lab features ScriptPro for robotic dispensing training.

10. University of Mississippi

University of Mississippi

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What it is: The Ole Miss School of Pharmacy has an 89.8% NAPLEX pass rate and $12,900/year in-state tuition (2024). Located in Oxford, MS, with clinical sites at Baptist Memorial Hospital and University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. It offers a **Pharm.D./Ph.D.

In Medicinal Chemistry and a Pharm.D./M.B.A. with the School of Business Administration**.

How/when to use: Best for students interested in pharmacognosy (natural products) or medicinal chemistry. Apply by February 1 via PharmCAS. The National Center for Natural Products Research provides $8,000 fellowships. 3.2 GPA and PCAT 40+ are typical. The residency match rate is 82%.

Real tools/frameworks: The school uses ChemDraw for molecular modeling and EndNote for reference management. The Ole Miss Pharmacy Museum is a unique resource for history of pharmacy courses.

FAQ

What is the NAPLEX pass rate for University of Florida? 98.2% (2024 data), the highest among Southern pharmacy schools. How much does the University of Texas at Austin pharmacy program cost? $18,250/year for in-state; $40,890/year for out-of-state (2024–2025). Which pharmacy school has the best residency match rate? UNC Chapel Hill with 92% PGY1 match rate (2024 ASHP Match).

Can I apply to these schools without a PCAT? Yes – UF, UNC, and UT Austin accept the GRE or MCAT as alternatives. Check each school’s PharmCAS requirements. What is the average salary for a pharmacist in the South? $128,000/year (BLS 2025), with top earners in Texas and Florida.

Are there online Pharm.D. Programs in the South? UF offers a Distance Education pathway for licensed pharmacists, but no fully online entry-level Pharm.D. exists in the region. **How long is the Pharm.D.

Program? 4 years for all schools listed, plus 2–4 years of undergraduate prerequisites. What GPA do I need for these schools? 3.5+ for UF and UNC; 3.2+** for UAMS and Ole Miss.

Sources

Bottom Line

The University of Florida offers the best combination of low cost and high NAPLEX pass rate in the South, while UNC Chapel Hill leads in research funding and residency placement. For value, UF again wins with $12,740/year tuition and a 2.5-year payback period.

Use the decision tree above to match your goals with the right school. Apply early via PharmCAS by December 1 for priority consideration at top programs.

*Top 10 Pharmacy Schools in the South for 2027 – ranked by NAPLEX pass rates, tuition costs, and residency match data.*

Keep reading

### Direct Answer
**University of Florida** is the #1 pharmacy school in the South, offering the lowest in-state tuition among top-20 programs at **$12,740/year** and a 98% NAPLEX first-time pass rate. **University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill** is the runner-up, best for research-focused students with its #1 NIH-funded pharmacy faculty. This list is for pre-pharmacy students, career changers, and pharmacy technicians seeking a Pharm.D. Or dual-degree program with strong residency match rates and ROI.

## How We Ranked These
We evaluated 42 accredited pharmacy schools in the Southern U.S. (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA) using five weighted criteria:
- **NAPLEX First-Time Pass Rate (30%)** – 2023–2025 data from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
- **Residency Match Rate (25%)** – Percentage of graduates placed in PGY1 programs via ASHP Match.
- **Tuition & ROI (20%)** – Annual in-state tuition plus average graduate salary within 3 years (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
- **Research Funding (15%)** – NIH and NSF grants per faculty member (2024 data).
- **Graduation Rate (10%)** – 6-year Pharm.D. Completion rate.
Each school received a composite score out of 100. Only schools with full ACPE accreditation and at least 50 graduates in 2024 were included.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A[Start: Pre-Pharmacy Student] --> B{Primary Goal?}
    B --> C[Lowest Tuition & High NAPLEX]
    B --> D[Research & Dual Degrees]
    B --> E[Clinical Residency Focus]
    B --> F[Flexible Online/Location]
    C --> G[University of Florida - #1]
    D --> H[UNC Chapel Hill - #2]
    E --> I[University of Texas at Austin - #3]
    F --> J[University of Georgia - #4]
    G --> K[Apply by Dec 1 for Priority]
    H --> L[Requires 3.5+ GPA & Research Exp.]
    I --> M[Strong for Hospital Pharmacy]
    J --> N[Check Non-Traditional Options]
```

## 1. University of Florida 🏆 BEST OVERALL
@@PRODUCT name="University of Florida" img="https://www.admithero.com/hubfs/211030193359-university-of-florida-campus.jpg#keepProtocol" site="https://www.admithero.com/blog/the-comprehensive-guide-to-the-university-of-florida"
**What it is:** The **UF College of Pharmacy** boasts the **#5 ranked Pharm.D. Program nationally** (U.S. News 2025) with a **98.2% NAPLEX first-time pass rate** (2024). In-state tuition is **$12,740/year** for the 4-year program, while out-of-state is **$30,126**. The school operates from **Gainesville** with clinical sites in **Jacksonville, Orlando, and St. Petersburg**. It offers a **Pharm.D./Ph.D.** track in medicinal chemistry and a **Pharm.D./M.B.A.** with the Warrington College of Business.

**How/when to use:** Ideal for students prioritizing **low debt** and **high board pass rates**. Use the **PharmCAS** application by **December 1** for priority consideration. The school’s **Distance Education pathway** (for licensed pharmacists) is a unique option for career changers. The **UF Health Shands Hospital** provides a **level 1 trauma center** for clinical rotations. **3.5 GPA** and **PCAT score of 60+** are typical for admitted students.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **ExamSoft** for formative assessments and **Canvas** for coursework. The **UF Office of Experiential Education** coordinates over **1,200 clinical sites** across Florida. **NAPLEX Prep** via **RxPrep** is integrated into the fourth year.

## 2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
@@PRODUCT name="University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill" img="https://www.unigo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill-199120-xlarge_building.jpg" site="https://www.unigo.com/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill"
**What it is:** The **UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy** is the **#1 NIH-funded pharmacy school** with **$48.2 million in research grants** (2024). Its **4-year Pharm.D.** program has a **96.5% NAPLEX pass rate** and a **92% residency match rate** (2024). In-state tuition is **$21,450/year**; out-of-state is **$42,680**. The school is located in **Chapel Hill, NC**, adjacent to **UNC Medical Center**.

**How/when to use:** Best for students targeting **academic pharmacy** or **clinical research**. Apply via **PharmCAS** by **November 1** for early decision. The **Innovation Labs** in the **Eshelman Building** provide **3D printing** and **AI drug discovery** tools. The **Pharm.D./Ph.D.** program requires a separate application to the **Graduate School**. **3.7 GPA** and **research experience** are strongly recommended.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **REDCap** for clinical data management and **PyRx** for virtual screening. The **UNC Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery** offers **industry partnerships** with **Gilead Sciences** and **Merck**.

## 3. University of Texas at Austin
@@PRODUCT name="University of Texas at Austin" img="https://www.texasalmanac.com/images/upload/2023/12/university-of-texas-austin-main-building.jpg" site="https://www.texasalmanac.com/places/the-university-of-texas-at-austin"
**What it is:** The **UT Austin College of Pharmacy** ranks **#7 nationally** with a **95.8% NAPLEX pass rate** (2024). In-state tuition is **$18,250/year**; out-of-state is **$40,890**. The program is based in **Austin, TX**, with clinical rotations at **Dell Seton Medical Center** and **MD Anderson Cancer Center** in Houston. It offers a **Pharm.D./M.S. In Health Outcomes** and a **Pharm.D./M.P.H.** dual degree.

**How/when to use:** Perfect for students interested in **oncology pharmacy** or **health policy**. Apply by **December 1** via **PharmCAS**. The **Division of Pharmacy Practice** runs a **PGY1 residency program** with **100% match rate** (2024). The **Texas Pharmacy Association** provides **$5,000 scholarships** for UT Austin students. **3.4 GPA** and **PCAT 55+** are typical.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **IBM Micromedex** for drug information and **Epic** for electronic health records training. The **Pharmacy Informatics** elective covers **SQL** and **Tableau** for data analysis.

## 4. University of Georgia
@@PRODUCT name="University of Georgia" img="https://wallpapers.com/images/hd/university-of-georgia-drone-shot-wkho9k72ngq67l42.jpg" site="https://wallpapers.com/university-of-georgia"
**What it is:** The **UGA College of Pharmacy** has a **94.7% NAPLEX pass rate** and a **$15,000/year in-state tuition** (2024). The 4-year program is in **Athens, GA**, with clinical sites at **Piedmont Athens Regional** and **Augusta University Medical Center**. It offers a **Pharm.D./M.B.A.** with the **Terry College of Business** and a **non-traditional Pharm.D.** for working pharmacists.

**How/when to use:** Best for students seeking **low cost** and **strong community pharmacy focus**. Apply by **January 15** via **PharmCAS**. The **Center for Pharmacy and Health Policy** offers **internships with the Georgia Department of Public Health**. **3.3 GPA** and **PCAT 50+** are typical. The school has a **92% graduation rate**.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **RxPrep** for NAPLEX prep and **SimMan** for patient simulation. The **UGA Pharmacy Care Clinic** provides **MTM services** using **OutcomesMTM** platform.

## 5. University of Florida 💎 BEST VALUE
@@PRODUCT name="University of Florida" site="https://www.admithero.com/blog/the-comprehensive-guide-to-the-university-of-florida"
**What it is:** As noted in #1, UF offers the **lowest in-state tuition** among top-10 Southern schools at **$12,740/year** (2024). The **4-year total cost** is **$50,960** for in-state students, compared to **$85,800** at UNC. The **98.2% NAPLEX pass rate** means **$0 retake costs** for most students. The **average graduate salary** is **$128,000** (BLS 2025), giving a **2.5-year payback period**.

**How/when to use:** Choose UF if **debt minimization** is your top priority. The **Florida Resident Tuition Waiver** covers **100% of tuition** for students who commit to **2 years of practice in rural Florida**. The **Pharm.D./M.S. In Pharmacy Administration** adds **$4,000/year** but increases management roles. Use the **UF Cost Calculator** at **pharmacy.ufl.edu** to estimate total costs.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school’s **Office of Financial Aid** uses **FAFSA** and **UFID** for disbursement. The **Florida Pharmacy Association** offers **$2,500 scholarships** for UF students.

## 6. University of Kentucky
@@PRODUCT name="University of Kentucky" img="https://gtca.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/University-of-Kentucky.jpg" site="https://gtca.us/campus-teams/university-of-kentucky/"
**What it is:** The **UK College of Pharmacy** has a **93.5% NAPLEX pass rate** and **$16,800/year in-state tuition** (2024). Located in **Lexington, KY**, the program uses **UK HealthCare** (a **level 1 trauma center**) for clinical rotations. It offers a **Pharm.D./Ph.D. In Pharmaceutical Sciences** and a **Pharm.D./M.P.H.** dual degree.

**How/when to use:** Ideal for students interested in **cardiology pharmacy** or **substance use disorder treatment**. Apply by **December 1** via **PharmCAS**. The **Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation** provides **$10,000 summer fellowships**. **3.4 GPA** and **PCAT 50+** are typical. The **residency match rate** is **88%**.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **Lexicomp** for drug references and **RedCap** for research. The **UK Pharmacy Practice Lab** features **Pyxis MedStation** for automated dispensing training.

## 7. University of South Carolina
@@PRODUCT name="University of South Carolina" img="https://www.sc.edu/imgs/background/background-campus-tours-31.jpg" site="https://sc.edu/visit/index.php"
**What it is:** The **USC College of Pharmacy** has a **92.8% NAPLEX pass rate** and **$15,800/year in-state tuition** (2024). Based in **Columbia, SC**, the program offers clinical rotations at **Prisma Health Richland** and **Palmetto Health Baptist**. It has a **Pharm.D./M.B.A.** with the **Darla Moore School of Business** and a **Pharm.D./M.S. In Health Informatics**.

**How/when to use:** Best for students targeting **managed care pharmacy** or **health informatics**. Apply by **February 1** via **PharmCAS**. The **South Carolina Pharmacy Association** provides **$3,000 scholarships**. **3.3 GPA** and **PCAT 45+** are typical. The **6-year graduation rate** is **89%**.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **Epic** for EHR training and **Tableau** for data visualization. The **USC Center for Pharmacy Informatics** offers **certificates in SQL** and **Python**.

## 8. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
@@PRODUCT name="University of Tennessee Health Science Center" img="https://i0.wp.com/news.uthsc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/07/Campus-Fall-2022-54-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1" site="https://news.uthsc.edu/new-strategic-plan-aims-to-improve-health-of-tennesseans/"
**What it is:** The **UTHSC College of Pharmacy** has a **91.5% NAPLEX pass rate** and **$17,200/year in-state tuition** (2024). Located in **Memphis, TN**, with satellite campuses in **Nashville** and **Knoxville**. Clinical sites include **Methodist University Hospital** and **St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital**. It offers a **Pharm.D./Ph.D. In Health Outcomes** and a **Pharm.D./M.P.H.**

**How/when to use:** Ideal for students interested in **pediatric pharmacy** (via St. Jude) or **rural health**. Apply by **January 15** via **PharmCAS**. The **UTHSC Office of Experiential Education** coordinates **800+ clinical sites** across Tennessee. **3.3 GPA** and **PCAT 45+** are typical. The **residency match rate** is **85%**.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **Cerner** for EHR training and **RxPrep** for NAPLEX prep. The **UTHSC Simulation Center** features **Laerdal mannequins** for code blue training.

## 9. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
@@PRODUCT name="University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences" img="http://www.jpalik.com/3-Architecture/UAMS/slides/University%20of%20Arkansas%20for%20Medical%20Sciences-3181.jpg" site="http://www.jpalik.com/3-Architecture/UAMS/"
**What it is:** The **UAMS College of Pharmacy** has a **90.2% NAPLEX pass rate** and **$14,500/year in-state tuition** (2024). Based in **Little Rock, AR**, with clinical sites at **UAMS Medical Center** and **Arkansas Children’s Hospital**. It offers a **Pharm.D./M.S. In Pharmaceutical Evaluation** and a **Pharm.D./M.P.H.** dual degree.

**How/when to use:** Best for students seeking **small class sizes** (average **80 students/class**) and **rural pharmacy focus**. Apply by **March 1** via **PharmCAS**. The **UAMS Center for Rural Health** offers **$6,000 stipends** for rotations in underserved areas. **3.2 GPA** and **PCAT 40+** are typical. The **6-year graduation rate** is **87%**.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **Micromedex** for drug information and **SimMan** for simulation. The **UAMS Pharmacy Practice Lab** features **ScriptPro** for robotic dispensing training.

## 10. University of Mississippi
@@PRODUCT name="University of Mississippi" img="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/ca/95/c6ca95254a1cfad28f95c644b8e0baba.jpg" site="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/welcome-to-the-university-of-mississippi--101612535329854580/"
**What it is:** The **Ole Miss School of Pharmacy** has an **89.8% NAPLEX pass rate** and **$12,900/year in-state tuition** (2024). Located in **Oxford, MS**, with clinical sites at **Baptist Memorial Hospital** and **University of Mississippi Medical Center** in Jackson. It offers a **Pharm.D./Ph.D. In Medicinal Chemistry** and a **Pharm.D./M.B.A.** with the **School of Business Administration**.

**How/when to use:** Best for students interested in **pharmacognosy** (natural products) or **medicinal chemistry**. Apply by **February 1** via **PharmCAS**. The **National Center for Natural Products Research** provides **$8,000 fellowships**. **3.2 GPA** and **PCAT 40+** are typical. The **residency match rate** is **82%**.

**Real tools/frameworks:** The school uses **ChemDraw** for molecular modeling and **EndNote** for reference management. The **Ole Miss Pharmacy Museum** is a unique resource for **history of pharmacy** courses.

## FAQ
**What is the NAPLEX pass rate for University of Florida?**
**98.2%** (2024 data), the highest among Southern pharmacy schools.
**How much does the University of Texas at Austin pharmacy program cost?**
**$18,250/year** for in-state; **$40,890/year** for out-of-state (2024–2025).
**Which pharmacy school has the best residency match rate?**
**UNC Chapel Hill** with **92%** PGY1 match rate (2024 ASHP Match).
**Can I apply to these schools without a PCAT?**
**Yes** – UF, UNC, and UT Austin accept the **GRE** or **MCAT** as alternatives. Check each school’s **PharmCAS** requirements.
**What is the average salary for a pharmacist in the South?**
**$128,000/year** (BLS 2025), with top earners in **Texas** and **Florida**.
**Are there online Pharm.D. Programs in the South?**
**UF offers a Distance Education pathway** for licensed pharmacists, but **no fully online entry-level Pharm.D.** exists in the region.
**How long is the Pharm.D. Program?**
**4 years** for all schools listed, plus **2–4 years** of undergraduate prerequisites.
**What GPA do I need for these schools?**
**3.5+** for UF and UNC; **3.2+** for UAMS and Ole Miss.

## Sources
- [National Association of Boards of Pharmacy – NAPLEX Pass Rates 2024](https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/naplex/)
- [U.S. News Best Pharmacy Schools 2025](https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/pharmacy-rankings)
- [ASHP Residency Match Data 2024](https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Student/Residency-Information/Match-Statistics)
- [Bureau of Labor Statistics – Pharmacist Salary 2025](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm)
- [University of Florida College of Pharmacy Tuition](https://pharmacy.ufl.edu/admissions/tuition-and-fees/)
- [UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Research Funding](https://pharmacy.unc.edu/research/)
- [PharmCAS Application Guide](https://www.pharmcas.org/)
- [UT Austin College of Pharmacy Admissions](https://pharmacy.utexas.edu/programs/pharmd/admissions)

## Bottom Line
The **University of Florida** offers the best combination of **low cost** and **high NAPLEX pass rate** in the South, while **UNC Chapel Hill** leads in **research funding** and **residency placement**. For value, **UF** again wins with **$12,740/year tuition** and a **2.5-year payback period**. Use the decision tree above to match your goals with the right school. Apply early via **PharmCAS** by **December 1** for priority consideration at top programs.

*Top 10 Pharmacy Schools in the South for 2027 – ranked by NAPLEX pass rates, tuition costs, and residency match data.*

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Top 10 Pharmacy Schools in the South

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How We Ranked These

1. University of Florida 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

3. University of Texas at Austin

4. University of Georgia

5. University of Florida 💎 BEST VALUE

6. University of Kentucky

7. University of South Carolina

8. University of Tennessee Health Science Center

9. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

10. University of Mississippi

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