Jonathan BensonChoosing the right pharmacy school in Arkansas is a critical step toward a successful career in pharmacy. While Arkansas has only a few accredited Pharm.D programs, many universities offer pre-pharmacy pathways to prepare students for professional schools.
In this guide, we explore the top 15 pharmacy schools and programs in Arkansas, including tuition fees, program highlights, and key benefits.
Top 15 Pharmacy Schools In Arkansas And Fees
1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) – College of Pharmacy
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the state’s leading pharmacy school, offering a full Pharm.D program with advanced clinical and research training.
- Location: Little Rock
- Tuition: ~$21,936 (in-state), ~$42,180 (out-of-state)
- Highlights: High NAPLEX pass rates, dual-degree options, access to top healthcare facilities
2. Harding University – College of Pharmacy
Harding University offers a private, faith-based Pharm.D program with a focus on ethics and patient care.
- Location: Searcy
- Tuition: ~$42,950 per year
- Highlights: Small class sizes, community service opportunities, strong academic support
3. University of Arkansas – Pre-Pharmacy Track
The University of Arkansas provides a pre-pharmacy pathway, preparing students for professional Pharm.D programs.
- Location: Fayetteville
- Tuition: ~$9,000–$25,000
- Highlights: Completion of prerequisite science courses, research opportunities, transfer support
4. Arkansas State University – Pre-Pharmacy Program
Arkansas State University offers a structured pre-pharmacy program designed to meet Pharm.D admission requirements.
- Location: Jonesboro
- Tuition: ~$8,000–$18,000
- Highlights: Strong foundation in biology and chemistry, academic advising, research opportunities
5. Arkansas State University – Beebe (Pre-Pharmacy)
ASU-Beebe provides an Associate of Science in Health Sciences (Pre-Pharmacy emphasis).
- Location: Beebe
- Tuition: Low community college rates
- Highlights: 60-credit program, transfer-ready for professional schools, affordable pathway
6. University of Central Arkansas – Pre-Pharmacy
The University of Central Arkansas offers a pre-professional track with strong academic advising.
- Location: Conway
- Tuition: ~$9,000–$20,000
- Highlights: Hands-on lab experience, mentorship, support for pharmacy school applications
7. Southern Arkansas University – Pre-Pharmacy
Southern Arkansas University provides a cost-effective pre-pharmacy program.
- Location: Magnolia
- Tuition: ~$8,000–$15,000
- Highlights: Affordable tuition, smaller class sizes, science foundation courses
8. Henderson State University – Pre-Pharmacy
Henderson State University offers a transfer-focused pre-pharmacy curriculum.
- Location: Arkadelphia
- Tuition: ~$9,000–$16,000
- Highlights: Personalized advising, strong preparation for Pharm.D admissions, science-focused courses
9. Arkansas Tech University – Pre-Pharmacy
Arkansas Tech University provides a pre-pharmacy program emphasizing lab skills and science knowledge.
- Location: Russellville
- Tuition: ~$8,500–$17,000
- Highlights: Modern labs, transfer advising, affordable tuition
10. Ouachita Baptist University – Pre-Pharmacy
Ouachita Baptist University combines a liberal arts approach with pre-pharmacy preparation.
- Location: Arkadelphia
- Tuition: ~$28,000–$32,000
- Highlights: Critical thinking focus, small classes, ethical training integrated into curriculum
11. John Brown University – Pre-Pharmacy
John Brown University offers a Christian-based pre-pharmacy pathway.
- Location: Siloam Springs
- Tuition: ~$30,000
- Highlights: Personalized mentorship, strong science preparation, service-based learning opportunities
12. Philander Smith University – Pre-Pharmacy
Philander Smith University, an HBCU, provides pre-health and pre-pharmacy preparation.
- Location: Little Rock
- Tuition: ~$13,000–$18,000
- Highlights: Diversity and inclusion focus, academic support, community engagement
13. University of the Ozarks – Pre-Pharmacy
University of the Ozarks offers a small private pre-pharmacy program with individualized attention.
- Location: Clarksville
- Tuition: ~$25,000
- Highlights: Small class sizes, personalized instruction, science-focused curriculum
14. Lyon College – Pre-Pharmacy
Lyon College offers a rigorous pre-pharmacy program with strong student support.
- Location: Batesville
- Tuition: ~$30,000
- Highlights: Academic rigor, personalized advising, preparation for professional pharmacy schools
15. Petra Allied Health – Pharmacy Technician Program
Petra Allied Health provides a short-term pharmacy technician certification program.
- Location: Springdale
- Tuition: ~$1,295 total
- Highlights: Quick entry into pharmacy, hands-on training, affordable certification
Overview of Pharmacy Education in Arkansas
Arkansas has two accredited Pharm.D programs, but many universities offer pre-pharmacy tracks. Tuition ranges widely, from $8,000 to $43,000 annually, depending on residency, program type, and school. Students should consider cost, program quality, and clinical opportunities before deciding.
Comparison Table of Top Pharmacy Schools in Arkansas
| School | Program Type | Location | Tuition Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAMS | Pharm.D | Little Rock | $21K–$42K | Top-ranked, best in Arkansas |
| Harding University | Pharm.D | Searcy | ~$43K | Private, faith-based |
| University of Arkansas | Pre-Pharmacy | Fayetteville | $9K–$25K | Strong transfer pathway |
| Arkansas State University | Pre-Pharmacy | Jonesboro | $8K–$18K | Affordable |
| ASU-Beebe | Pre-Pharmacy | Beebe | Low | Associate pathway |
| UCA | Pre-Pharmacy | Conway | $9K–$20K | Advising support |
| Southern Arkansas University | Pre-Pharmacy | Magnolia | $8K–$15K | Budget-friendly |
| Henderson State | Pre-Pharmacy | Arkadelphia | $9K–$16K | Transfer-focused |
| Arkansas Tech | Pre-Pharmacy | Russellville | $8.5K–$17K | Strong labs |
| Ouachita Baptist | Pre-Pharmacy | Arkadelphia | $28K–$32K | Liberal arts |
| John Brown University | Pre-Pharmacy | Siloam Springs | ~$30K | Christian education |
| Philander Smith | Pre-Pharmacy | Little Rock | $13K–$18K | HBCU |
| University of the Ozarks | Pre-Pharmacy | Clarksville | ~$25K | Small classes |
| Lyon College | Pre-Pharmacy | Batesville | ~$30K | Academic rigor |
| Petra Allied Health | Technician | Springdale | ~$1.3K | Short-term training |
Conclusion
Arkansas offers a variety of pharmacy education options, from full Pharm.D programs at UAMS and Harding University to affordable pre-pharmacy pathways across the state.
- Direct Pharm.D route: UAMS or Harding University
- Pre-pharmacy track: Affordable options include Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas, and Southern Arkansas University
Pro Tip: Always check accreditation, NAPLEX pass rates, and clinical opportunities before choosing a school.