Jonathan BensonChoosing the right pharmacy school is a critical step for aspiring pharmacists. Tennessee is home to a mix of prestigious public universities and highly regarded private programs, offering diverse experiences, strong NAPLEX pass rates, and connections with healthcare systems.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top pharmacy schools in Tennessee, their tuition fees, program highlights, and why each is a strong choice for your Pharm.D. journey.
7 Pharmacy Schools In Tennessee And Fees
1. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Pharmacy in Memphis is Tennessee’s flagship pharmacy program, ranked among the top 20 pharmacy schools in the U.S. Its focus on research, clinical experience, and residency preparation makes it a premier choice for students seeking a robust Pharm.D. education.
Highlights:
- Research-focused curriculum with access to major medical centers
- Strong clinical rotations across Tennessee
- High NAPLEX pass rates and residency matches
Tuition & Fees:
- Tennessee Resident: ~$24,299/year
- Out-of-State: ~$29,734/year
- International: ~$48,597/year
Location: Memphis, TN
2. Belmont University College of Pharmacy
Belmont University in Nashville offers a patient-centered Pharm.D. program combining pharmaceutical sciences with business skills. The curriculum prepares students for community, clinical, and administrative pharmacy roles.
Highlights:
- Emphasis on patient-centered care and hands-on learning
- Small class sizes for personalized instruction
- Strong connections with Nashville healthcare facilities
Tuition: ~$32,560/year (in-state & out-of-state)
Location: Nashville, TN
3. Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy
Lipscomb University in Nashville provides a comprehensive Pharm.D. curriculum with opportunities for dual degrees, including Pharm.D./MBA. Its cohort-based structure encourages collaboration and personalized support.
Highlights:
- Cohort-based learning environment
- Opportunities for dual degrees
- Access to innovative healthcare and research projects
Tuition: ~$33,426/year
Location: Nashville, TN
4. Union University College of Pharmacy
Union University in Jackson emphasizes small class sizes and personalized instruction. Its ACPE-accredited program prepares students for licensure while offering experiential learning opportunities across the state.
Highlights:
- Individualized attention with faculty mentorship
- ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program
- Dual degree opportunities
Tuition & Fees: ~$43,088/year + ~$3,562 fees
Location: Jackson, TN
5. East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy
ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy in Johnson City focuses on community and rural healthcare. Its Pharm.D. program integrates experiential learning throughout all four years and prepares students for diverse pharmacy careers.
Highlights:
- Emphasis on rural and underserved communities
- Experiential rotations throughout curriculum
- High licensure and residency placement rates
Tuition & Fees:
- In-State: ~$27,540/year
- Out-of-State: ~$33,660/year
- Additional fees: ~$1,855/year
Location: Johnson City, TN
6. South College School of Pharmacy
South College in Knoxville offers a career-focused Pharm.D. program designed for students seeking accelerated pathways. While smaller than major research universities, it emphasizes practical training and clinical readiness.
Highlights:
- Career-focused, practical pharmacy education
- Access to local healthcare networks for clinical rotations
- Emphasis on licensure exam preparation
Tuition: ~$47,900/year
Location: Knoxville, TN
7. Other Pharmacy Programs and Pre-Pharmacy Options in Tennessee
Several universities in Tennessee offer pre-pharmacy tracks or dual degree options leading to Pharm.D. programs. These include private colleges and partnerships that provide students a pathway into professional pharmacy programs.
Highlights:
- Pre-pharmacy and accelerated pathways
- Opportunities for dual degrees
- Access to research and clinical internships
Tuition: Varies depending on program and institution
Location: Various across Tennessee
Comparison Table: Top Pharmacy Schools in Tennessee
| Rank | Pharmacy School | Location | Annual Tuition (Approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UTHSC College of Pharmacy | Memphis, TN | $24,299 (TN) / $29,734 (OOS) | Top-ranked, research & clinical focus |
| 2 | Belmont University College of Pharmacy | Nashville, TN | ~$32,560 | Patient-centered care, small classes |
| 3 | Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy | Nashville, TN | ~$33,426 | Dual degree options, cohort-based |
| 4 | Union University College of Pharmacy | Jackson, TN | ~$43,088 + fees | Personalized learning, mentorship |
| 5 | ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy | Johnson City, TN | $27,540 (TN) / $33,660 (OOS) | Rural healthcare emphasis |
| 6 | South College School of Pharmacy | Knoxville, TN | ~$47,900 | Career-focused, accelerated pathway |
| 7 | Other TN Programs | Various | Varies | Pre-pharmacy and dual degree options |
Conclusion
Tennessee offers a diverse range of pharmacy programs, each catering to different student needs:
- UTHSC and ETSU offer affordable, research-driven programs with strong licensure outcomes.
- Belmont and Lipscomb emphasize clinical practice, patient-centered learning, and dual degrees.
- Union University and South College provide smaller, more personalized programs or accelerated pathways.
When choosing a pharmacy school, consider tuition, program focus, location, and career goals. By doing so, you can select a program that aligns with your aspirations and sets you on a successful path to becoming a licensed pharmacist.