The path of becoming a pharmacist is not only challenging but also quite expensive. There has been a trend that pharmacy school tuition raises every year. Today’s median in-state charge for undergraduate pharmacy students is $35,185 annually.
If you have already enrolled in pharmacy school or only plan, consider applying to various scholarships to decrease the financial burden. To raise your scholarship chance, evaluate your academic performance, leadership skills, and volunteering experience. Also, be prepared to show off your writing skills, as many scholarship programs ask you to write essays on a specific topic.
Here are some best pharmacy scholarships that may be an excellent fit for you.
Scholarships for Pharmacy Students
Student Scholarship Program from APhA Foundation
Amount: from $1,000 to $1,750
Residency requirement: US residency
Application deadline: closed; new dates are expected in autumn 2023
The American Pharmacists Association provides a great list of scholarship opportunities for pharmacy students. More than 20 students have become recipients in 2023. Students must have completed at least one academic year, earned a pharmacy school GPA of more than 2.75, and be active in APhA-ASP to be eligible for the contest.
You must submit an application form, a CV, an academic transcript, and two reference letters to be considered for the contest. Also, you must write a 500-word essay on the topic that will be specified in the upcoming requirements. There may be additional requirements. Check details on the official website.
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Foundation Scholarships
Amount: from $2,000 to $5,000
Residency requirement: US citizens or permanent residents
Application deadline: closed; new dates are expected in winter 2023
NCPA offers five scholarship programs for pharmacy students. You must be enrolled in a recognized US pharmacy program or institution and be a current student member of NCPA to qualify for this program. You can apply to various scholarship programs at once but will be able to receive only one award.
For the application, you must attach a copy of the official transcript, a letter of recommendation from a school member or pharmacy manager, and a resume. Also, you need to write a motivational scholarship letter to discuss your future goals and views on pharmacy development practices. Consider those requirements for motivational letters and resumes vary from one program to another, so create separate pieces for every program you apply.
Pharmacists Mutual – Community Pharmacy Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Residency requirement: US citizens or permanent residents
Application deadline: October 1, 2023, to December 1, 2023
This program is aimed at pharmacy students interested in practicing at community pharmacies or underserved communities. You must be a current P2 or P3 student or P3 or P4 student in the 2024-2025 academic year. For the application form, you need to attach a copy of your academic transcript and a letter of recommendation. Also, you need to write an essay and share your thoughts on how you can contribute to independent and small-chain community pharmacies.
Paul Magalian Student Scholarship for Pharmacy Students
Amount: n/a
Residency requirement: US citizens or permanent residents
Application deadline: May 5, 2023
Paul Magalian Scholarship was created to support pharmacy students with high academic performance and leadership skills. You can apply to this program if you are a current pharmacy student of any Florida College of Pharmacy, a member of the Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and have already volunteered or worked in a health-system pharmacy.
For the application form, you must attach a copy of your academic records, two letters of recommendation, a CV, and proven records of participating in pharmacy community organizations or chapters. Also, you must write up to 100 words about your short and long-term goals in pharmacy.
Scholarships for Doctoral Pharmacy Students
Walmart Health Equity Scholarship for Pharmacy Students
Amount: $5,000
Residency requirement: US citizens or permanent residents
Application deadline: closed; new dates are expected in spring 2023
This program was created to support doctoral students who study pharmacy in an accredited US pharmacy school or college. You must be accepted to the Doctor of Pharmacy program and show strong interest in supporting rural and medically underserved populations to be eligible.
For the application form, you must submit your recent transcript (typically, it’s required to have a GPA of more than 2.0) and two letters of recommendation. Also, prepare an applicant resume to present your academic, work, volunteer, and extracurricular experiences.
Also, you must write an essay. You will need to write a 750-word essay on the topic related to your decision to learn pharmacy and serve in rural areas.
CVS Health Foundation Scholarship for Minority Pharmacy Students
Amount: $8,000
Residency requirement: US citizens or permanent residents
Application deadline: June 1, 2023
This program was created to improve patient care and promote diversity in the pharmacy education sector. Student pharmacists from underrepresented minority groups currently enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program can apply for this scholarship.
You need to attach a resume, GPA verification (copy of the most recent transcript), and race/ethnicity information for the application. Additionally, you should write a 750-word essay and explain how the life experience of a minority student has influenced your decision to choose pharmacy and dedicate yourself to serving patients.
PLS-AFPE First Year Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Residency requirement: US citizens or permanent residents
Application deadline: May 15, 2023
To be considered for this scholarship, you need to be a Phi Lambda Sigma member and be in the final year of your accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program. Prepare a resume, a statement of intent, two letters of recommendation, and official score transcripts for the application form.
Wrapping Up
On the path of pursuing a pharmaceutical career, education fees may become the biggest obstacle. Luckily, many pharmaceutical foundations and organizations strive to help future pharmacists alleviate the financial burden. Consider your academic performance, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities to raise your chances of winning the award. Consider the deadlines and apply to as many scholarships as you can. We wish you all the best!
Miranda Hattie
Miranda is a pharmacist, educator, and freelance writer. She shares her knowledge about pharmacy trends and advice on how to get into pharmacy school, and she works as a freelance writer at essay writing service EssayShark. In addition, she knows a lot about scholarship opportunities available to pharmacy students pursuing their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
