Student Loans for Pharmacy School

Student Loans for Pharmacy School

BIG Ideas:

  • A career in pharmacy requires a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which will be a significant investment of your time and money.
  • To manage the cost of pharmacy school, start by exhausting all federal aid, scholarships and grants before you apply for pharmacy student loans with a private lender.
  • To qualify for student loans for pharmacy schools with a private lender and get the best rates, you will need good credit or to secure a co-signer with strong credit history.

So, you’ve decided to continue your education with an exciting career path as a pharmacist. It’s a huge advantage to know what you want for a career. It’s also great that pharmacy is a lucrative, in-demand, and rewarding profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a pharmacist in 2024 was $137,480 per year.

So, how can you make your career dream a reality?

You’ll have to attend pharmacy school, which will require a significant amount of your money. On average, in-state undergraduates will pay up $30,000 per year for pharmacy school at public colleges. For private schools, it can be up to $95,000 per year to pay for tuition, textbooks, equipment, room and board, transportation, and testing fees.

There’s also the time involved.

To become a pharmacist, you’ll need a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which can take up to four additional years post undergraduate school. It could be less, though, depending on pre-requisite coursework and the program offered by the school you choose.

How to Finance the Costs of Pharmacy School

Now that you know what pharmacists make and how much school costs, it’s time to answer an important question: How will you pay for it?

The best place to start is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal aid, which includes grants and federal loans from the government. Also, be sure to search for scholarships you’re eligible for—there may even be some specifically geared toward students pursuing pharmacy degrees.

Once you’ve exhausted federal aid and applied to scholarships, you can apply for pharmacy student loans with a private lender. Offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders like Brazos, private loans are designed to help bridge the gap where financial aid leaves off.

For example, as part of our pharmacy health profession private student loan, Brazos can help you finance the costs of tuition, fees, and other expenses. Keep in mind, though, that if you need a pharmacy health profession student loan, you’ll need to have established credit. If you don’t yet have established credit or have a lower credit score, consider getting a co-signer to help.

A Prescription for Making School More Affordable

A career in pharmacy can be a lucrative and rewarding one. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of patients, earn a competitive salary, and have the flexibility to work in different environments like retail stores or hospitals.

It will, however, be a significant investment of your time and money. So, do your homework to find the program that works best for your needs and budget.

Also, exhaust ways to reduce costs, such as commuting to school, applying for other scholarships and grants, and working part-time.

Brazos is Here to Help You Realize Your Career Dream

For more than 40 years, Brazos Higher Education has been helping make education more affordable for students and parents. As a Texas non-profit, we offer pharmacy student loans with competitive rates that can save you money. Contact us to learn more.