Scholarships for Pharmacy Students in the USA: 1 Study Smart

Given the current shortage of pharmacists to meet the rising demand for patient services and the growing number of prescriptions filled yearly, numerous organizations are stepping up to offer scholarships for pharmacy students. These scholarships aim to encourage talented individuals to pursue careers in this vital field.

Pharmacy school involves rigorous coursework and extensive training, often accompanied by high tuition costs many students struggle to afford. Fortunately, several generous scholarships are available to help alleviate the financial burden for aspiring pharmacists. Here is a list of the most significant scholarships specifically designed to support pharmacy students in achieving their professional dreams.

Scholarships for Pharmacy Students in the USA (Undergraduate, Masters and PhD)

AFPE Gateway Research Scholarship

The American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE) offers the Gateway Research Scholarship, awarding up to $5,000 to outstanding pre-professional or undergraduate pharmacy students. This scholarship supports participation in a faculty-mentored research project, fostering early involvement in pharmaceutical research.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have completed at least one year of college.
Must be enrolled full-time in a pharmacy degree program.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must submit a personal letter detailing career interests in pharmaceutical sciences.

This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring pharmacists to gain hands-on research experience under the guidance of a seasoned faculty member.

Air Force Health Professions Scholarship

Deadline: Ongoing

The Air Force Health Professions Scholarship program offers substantial financial support for students pursuing careers in healthcare fields, including pharmacy, optometry, clinical psychology, nursing, medicine, dentistry, and public health. This program provides up to $45,000 annually, along with a monthly stipend of $2,060 to help cover living expenses.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be accepted into an accredited graduate institution.
Must agree to serve one year of active duty for each year of scholarship support received.

This scholarship is ideal for those committed to serving in the Air Force after completing their education, providing both financial assistance and a clear career path.

American Pharmacists’ Association Student Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Student Scholarship honors students who balance the rigorous demands of a full-time pharmacy curriculum with active involvement in their school’s APhA chapter. This scholarship awards up to $3,000 annually to dedicated members who have completed at least one year of their professional program.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be an APhA member.
Must have completed at least one academic year of the professional pharmacy program.
Must demonstrate active participation in APhA chapter activities.
Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.

This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for pharmacy students who are committed to their professional development and community engagement.

Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany

Deadline: January 31st

The Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany, sponsored by the Garden Clubs of America, offers an annual grant of $4,500 to Ph.D. or Pharm.D. students engaged in research on plant-based medicines with therapeutic potential. To apply, students must provide a brief application letter, a two-page research proposal, a financial budget, a current CV, and a faculty advisor’s recommendation.

Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International Scholarship

Deadline: October 1st

This scholarship, valued at up to $2,500, is dedicated to students who are not only committed to the pharmacy profession but also passionate about advancing the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. It supports students enrolled in accredited pharmacy colleges who seek to integrate their faith with their professional practice, fostering both knowledge and ethical standards in the field of pharmacy.

Ideal candidates are those who are active members of a college chapter of the national CPFI organization, reflecting a commitment to the Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International’s mission. This scholarship aims to nurture future pharmacists who will contribute to the profession with a strong foundation in Christian values.

Coal County Scholarship for Pharmacy Students

The Coal County Scholarship for Pharmacy Students, managed by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), is a unique opportunity for Kentucky residents pursuing a pharmacy degree. This scholarship offers essential financial support to those studying at accredited pharmacy schools within the state. It aims to encourage future pharmacists to serve in Kentucky’s coal-producing counties, addressing the healthcare needs of these communities.

Recipients must commit to working at least one year as a full-time licensed pharmacist in a designated coal county upon graduation, ensuring that the scholarship not only aids their education but also contributes to local healthcare services.

CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Pharmacy Scholarship

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Pharmacy Scholarship aims to cultivate the next generation of pharmacy leaders by offering substantial financial support to outstanding students. This scholarship, which provides up to $5,000, is dedicated to helping aspiring pharmacists achieve their educational and professional goals.

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled full-time at an institution in the United States or Puerto Rico that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for students committed to excelling in the field of pharmacy and making significant contributions to healthcare.

Dr. B. Olive Cole Graduate Educational Grant

Deadline: November 1st

The Dr. B. Olive Cole Graduate Educational Grant, founded by the esteemed international professional pharmacy fraternity Lambda Kappa Sigma, aims to support promising pharmacy students on their path to licensure. This grant offers up to $2,500 to dedicated members in good standing who are enrolled full-time in a U.S. pharmacy degree program accredited for licensure.

Eligible candidates must have completed at least one-fourth of their program’s required credits and rank in the upper half of their class academically. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes the academic achievements and commitment of future pharmacists.

Express Scripts Scholars Program

The Express Scripts Scholars Program champions academic pharmacy by empowering graduate students with diverse interests. This prestigious initiative awards four scholarships worth $10,000 each to students enrolled full-time in an ACPE-accredited professional pharmacy degree program.

These scholarships are specifically geared towards students pursuing a dual degree in a closely related field to pharmacy. Selection criteria emphasize career aspirations, active professional engagement, relevant work experience, and financial need, particularly for those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

This program not only provides financial support but also fosters the development of future leaders who are committed to advancing healthcare through interdisciplinary approaches.

Francis C. Bowden Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: November 1st

The Francis C. Bowden Memorial Scholarship, generously sponsored by the Alaska Pharmacists Association (AkPhA), is a testament to their commitment to supporting the next generation of pharmacy professionals. This scholarship program offers financial awards of $1,500 for professional pharmacy students, $1,000 for pre-pharmacy students, and $500 for pharmacy technician students.

To qualify, applicants must be residents of Alaska and currently enrolled in a pharmacy degree program at an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy within the state. As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a personal statement that highlights their Alaskan background and outlines their career aspirations that align with the mission of the association.

This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes the importance of fostering local talent and supporting the educational journey of future pharmacists who are dedicated to serving their communities in Alaska.

Health Resources and Services Administration Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students

Deadline: Varies

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, champions educational opportunities through its Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program. This initiative aims to support aspiring healthcare professionals enrolled in accredited schools specializing in a wide array of health disciplines such as osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, chiropractic, mental health, public health, nursing, and allied health.

These scholarships are specifically targeted at students hailing from medically underserved communities, where access to healthcare and educational resources may be limited. Eligibility is contingent upon demonstrating a low level of income relative to family size, ensuring that financial need is a primary consideration.

By facilitating access to education and training, HRSA not only empowers students to pursue their academic goals but also cultivates a diverse healthcare workforce capable of addressing the unique needs of underserved populations across the United States.

Jack and Frances Fruth Family Pharmacy Scholarships

Each year, the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation sponsors the Jack and Frances Fruth Family Pharmacy Scholarships, providing significant support to students at Marshall University, West Virginia University, the University of Charleston, Ohio State University, and the University of Rio Grande. These scholarships, totaling up to 25 annually, are designed to assist dedicated students who are pursuing a degree in pharmacy at these accredited institutions.

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their academic pursuits, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, while enrolled either full-time or part-time. The scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens and encourage academic excellence among aspiring pharmacists, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Minnesota Rural Pharmacist Loan Forgiveness Program

Deadline: January 3rd

The Minnesota Department of Health introduces the Rural Pharmacist Loan Forgiveness Program with a clear mission: to address critical healthcare needs across the state by incentivizing the recruitment and retention of qualified pharmacists in underserved rural areas. This innovative program offers substantial financial assistance, providing up to $64,000 for eligible participants to repay their educational loans.

Designed specifically for students and residents in their final year of pharmacy training, the program requires recipients to commit to a minimum of three years practicing as licensed pharmacists in designated high-need rural communities. Participants must dedicate at least 30 hours per week, across 45 weeks annually, ensuring robust healthcare coverage in these underserved regions.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program is dedicated to empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals by offering significant financial support. This prestigious scholarship awards a total of 40 scholarships annually: 30 scholarships valued at $5,000 each and 10 scholarships valued at $10,000 each. These awards are available to students across the United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia who have completed at least one year of graduate studies in public health, allied health, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.

Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited four-year institution, demonstrate strong academic achievement, and actively engage in volunteer service. The program seeks candidates who exhibit a deep commitment to advancing healthcare and improving communities through their studies and service.