Since there is currently a shortage of pharmacists to keep up with the increased demand for patient services and growing number of prescriptions filled each year, many organizations are offering scholarships for pharmacy students to encourage qualified individuals to fulfill open positions in the field.
Along with years of schooling and difficult coursework, pharmacy school entails steep tuition bills that most students cannot afford to pay on their own. Luckily, the following are 25 of the most generous scholarships available specifically for pharmacy students to lessen the financial burden of achieving their rewarding career goals as a pharmacist.
1. AFPE Gateway Research Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Sponsored by the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE), the Gateway Research Scholarship is designed to grant up to $5,000 for promising pre-professional or baccalaureate pharmacy degree students in order to support their participation in a faculty-mentored research project. Eligible candidates must have completed at least one year of college, be enrolled full-time, be a U.S. citizen, and submit a personal letter explaining their career interests in pharmaceutical sciences.
Contact
AFPE Gateway Research Scholarship
2107 Wilson Blvd. Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 875-3095
sherrl.hunter@afpenet.org
2. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship
Deadline: Ongoing
For those interested in active duty upon graduation, the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship program provides up to $45,000 each year with a monthly stipend of $2,060 to cover living expenses for aspiring pharmacists, optometrists, clinical psychologists, nurses, medical doctors, dentists, and public health officers. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, be accepted at an accredited graduate institution, and sign an agreement to serving one year per year of participation.
Contact
Air Force Health Professions Scholarship
1690 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
(800) 588-5260
http://www.airforce.com/opportunities/healthcare/education
3. American Pharmacists’ Association Student Scholarship
Deadline: December 1st
In recognition of students who choose to invest their time in their school’s APhA chapter while managing the demands of a full-time pharmacy curriculum, the American Pharmacists’ Association (APhA) Student Scholarship awards up to $3,000 annually to members who have completed at least one academic year of the professional program. Eligible applicants must show active participation in their chapter’s activities and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better.
Contact
American Pharmacists’ Association Student Scholarship
2215 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 429-7565
rburke@aphanet.org
4. Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany
Deadline: January 31st
Sponsored by the Garden Clubs of America, the Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany provides at least one grant of $4,500 annually to currently enrolled Ph.D. or Pharm.D. students who wish to assist medical science in its ability to protect lives by conducting research on medicines from plants with therapeutic potential. Applicants must submit a brief application letter, two-page research proposal, financial budget, current curriculum vitae, and letter of recommendation from faculty advisor.
Contact
Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany
14 East 60th St. Third Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 753-8287
gca@gcamerica.org
5. Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International Scholarship
Deadline: October 1st
With the mission of encouraging students to pursue a career that advances the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the profession of pharmacy, the Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International Scholarship is offered for up to $2,500 to students enrolled in accredited pharmacy colleges for the advancement of knowledge and ethics in the practice of pharmacy with an integration of faith. Preference will be given to students who are current members of a college chapter of the national CPFI organization.
Contact
Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International Scholarship
4301 West Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-6491
Office@CPFI.org
6. Coal County Scholarship for Pharmacy Students
Deadline: May 1st
Administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), the Coal County Scholarship for Pharmacy Students provides financial aid to Kentucky residents who are actively pursuing a pharmacy degree from an accredited school of pharmacy in the state. Recipients of the scholarship funding must agree to work at least one year as a full-time licensed pharmacist in a Kentucky coal-producing county upon degree completion.
Contact
Coal County Scholarship for Pharmacy Students
100 Airport Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40602
(502) 696-7442
studentaid@kheaa.com
https://www.kheaa.com/website/kheaa/convloan_pharmacy?main=2
7. CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Pharmacy Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Pharmacy Scholarship is designed to advance the business of pharmacy by providing financial support to the most promising pharmacists of tomorrow as they complete their education. In order to be eligible for up to $5,000 in scholarship funding, students must be currently enrolled at an institution in the United States or Puerto Rico accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) full-time.
Contact
CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Pharmacy Scholarship
One CVS Drive
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 765-1500
customercare@cvs.com
8. Dr. B. Olive Cole Graduate Educational Grant
Deadline: November 1st
Established by the international professional pharmacy fraternity known as Lambda Kappa Sigma, the Dr. B. Olive Cole Graduate Educational Grant is available for up to $2,500 to members in good standing who are currently enrolled in a licensure eligible U.S. pharmacy degree program full-time. Qualified candidates must have successfully completed at least one-fourth of the program’s required credits and rank in the upper half of their class academically.
Contact
Dr. B. Olive Cole Graduate Educational Grant
P.O. Box 570
Muskego, WI 53150
(262) 679-4558
ExecutiveDirector@lks.org
9. Express Scripts Scholars Program
Deadline: May 15th
In order to support the efforts of academic pharmacy by educating students with diverse interests, the Express Scripts Scholars Program provides four $10,000 scholarships to graduate students enrolled full-time in a professional pharmacy degree program accredited by the ACPE to pursue a dual degree in another field closely related to pharmacy. Selection for the scholarships will be strongly based on career goals, professional involvement, work experience, and financial need from low-socioeconomic status.
Contact
Express Scripts Scholars Program
1727 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-2330
mail@aacp.org
10. Francis C. Bowden Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: November 1st
Sponsored by the Alaska Pharmacists Association (AkPhA), the Francis C. Bowden Memorial Scholarship program provides $1,500 for professional pharmacy students, $1,000 to pre-pharmacy students, and $500 to pharmacy technician students. For consideration, applicants must be Alaska residents, be enrolled in a pharmacy degree program at an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy in the state, and submit a personal statement discussing Alaskan background and career goals helping the association.
Contact
Francis C. Bowden Memorial Scholarship
203 West 15th Avenue Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 563-8880
akphrmcy@alaska.net
http://www.alaskapharmacy.org/html/resources/scholarships.php
11. Health Resources and Services Administration Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
Deadline: Varies
Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration distributes Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students for varying amounts to students at participating accredited health profession schools with a major in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, chiropractic, mental health, public health, nursing, or allied health. Qualified students must be from medically underserved communities with a low-level income based on family size.
Contact
Health Resources and Services Administration Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(887) 464-4772
ask@hrsa.gov
12. J.C. and Rheba Cobb Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Each year, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Foundation grants the J.C. and Rheba Cobb Memorial Scholarship for $2,000 with a $300 travel stipend to attend the annual convention for pharmacy student members who are currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college of pharmacy on a full-time basis. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of demonstrated interest in governmental affairs, leadership qualities, involvement in extra-curricular professional activities, and academic achievement.
Contact
J.C. and Rheba Cobb Memorial Scholarship
100 Daingerfield Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8200
ncpaF@ncpanet.org
13. Jack and Frances Fruth Family Pharmacy Scholarships
Deadline: March 5th
For students enrolled at Marshall University, West Virginia University, the University of Charleston, Ohio State University, and the University of Rio Grande, the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation offers up to 25 Jack and Frances Fruth Family Pharmacy Scholarships annually. Qualified candidates must be enrolled full or part-time, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be pursuing an accredited degree in pharmacy.
Contact
Jack and Frances Fruth Family Pharmacy Scholarships
4016 Ohio River Rd.
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
(304) 696-3162
info@pacfwv.com
14. Luther and Mary Ann Park Scholarship
Deadline: Contact sponsoring organization
In honor of a couple who dedicated more than 40 years of their lives to supporting pharmacy education in Texas, the Luther and Mary Ann Park Scholarship awards $1,000 to student members currently enrolled in their fourth professional year at an accredited college of pharmacy in Texas with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants will be judged based on financial need, academic performance, involvement in professional activities, and potential for becoming a leader in Texas pharmacy.
Contact
Luther and Mary Ann Park Scholarship
6207 Bee Cave Rd. Suite 120
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 615-9144
jkovar@texaspharmacy.org
http://www.texaspharmacy.org/?TPFScholarship
15. Maryland Pharmacists Association Student Scholarships
Deadline: April 25th
Annually, the Maryland Pharmacists Association (MdPhA) awards three scholarships for $1,500 apiece to Maryland residents who are currently enrolled in an accredited degree program to pursue a career in the field of pharmacy and are in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Along with the application, candidates are asked to attach proof of Maryland residency, an official sealed transcript, a current CV or resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 750-word essay on professional objectives.
Contact
Maryland Pharmacists Association Student Scholarships
1800 Washington Blvd. Suite 333
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-0746
peggy.funk@mdpha.com
16. Minnesota Rural Pharmacist Loan Forgiveness Program
Deadline: January 3rd
With the goal of recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals to needed areas throughout the state, the Minnesota Department of Health has established the Rural Pharmacist Loan Forgiveness Program to provide funds for the repayment of qualified educational loans up to $64,000 to students and residents in their final year of training to become a licensed pharmacist. Participants must plan to practice for at least 30 hours per week, for 45 weeks per year, for a minimum of three years in a designated high-need rural area.
Contact
Minnesota Rural Pharmacist Loan Forgiveness Program
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164
(651) 201-5000
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/funding/loans/pharm.html
17. Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 15th
For student members of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Foundation, the Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship Program offers $2,000 awards with a $300 travel stipend for attending the annual convention to pharmacy students who are currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. school of pharmacy on a full-time basis. Applicants must submit a recent official transcript, two letters of recommendation from a school official and pharmacy owner, and a resume outlining work experience and participation in professional activities.
Contact
Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship Program
100 Daingerfield Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8200
ncpaF@ncpanet.org
18. Phi Lambda Sigma First Year Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
As the national pharmacy leadership society, Phi Lambda Sigma grants the First Year Graduate Scholarship to student members in the final year of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program who are planning to start their first year in a graduate Ph.D. program upon completion. In order to qualify for the $7,500 award, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, proof of enrollment, two-page personal statement on educational goals, a list of special honors, and an official college transcript with GRE scores.
Contact
Phi Lambda Sigma First Year Graduate Scholarship
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
(913) 269-7570
exec_director@philambdasigma.org
19. Plough Pharmacy Student Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
As a non-profit organization focused on bringing awareness to the comprehensive needs of the older citizens in our communities, the Plough Foundation awards up to 16 Pharmacy Student Scholarships annually for $5,000 apiece to full-time Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) students who are enrolled at a participating college of pharmacy in the United States. Plough Scholars will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, good citizenship, professional involvement, and financial need.
Contact
Plough Pharmacy Student Scholarship Fund
62 North Main St. Suite 201
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 521-2779
mail@ploughfoundation.org
20. Rite Aid Competitive Pharmacy Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Each year, Rite Aid awards numerous competitive pharmacy scholarships for varying amounts to interns or dependents of Rite Aid employees who have completed at least 2 years of a pharmacy degree program and are enrolled full-time at an accredited institution. While it is required that all applicants have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and are U.S. citizens, preference will be given to those in Arkansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin where the pharmacy has not established its retail presence yet.
Contact
Rite Aid Competitive Pharmacy Scholarships
30 Hunter Lane
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 731-3860
recruit@riteaid.com
21. Sacramento Valley Pharmacists Association Student Scholarship
Deadline: November 10th
For active members in good standing, the Sacramento Valley Pharmacists Association offers scholarships for $2,000 each to students who are currently enrolled in a school of pharmacy to pursue a professional Pharm.D. degree within the state of California. Eligible candidates must have lived a minimum of five years in Sacramento, attend at least six meetings each year, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and write a two-page essay on future goals.
Contact
Sacramento Valley Pharmacists Association Student Scholarship
4030 Lennane Drive
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 779-1400
sacvalleypha@gmail.com
22. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 27th
In order to support students pursuing an education in healthcare, the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program presents at least 30 scholarships for $5,000 each and 10 scholarships for $10,000 each to students in 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/or pharmacy. Qualified candidates must be enrolled at an accredited four-year institution, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate involvement in volunteer service.
Contact
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program
200 Crutchfield Avenue
Nashville, TN 37210
(866) 851-4275
info@applyists.com
http://www.tylenol.com/news/scholarship
23. Walmart Pharmacy Scholars Program
Deadline: February 18th
In collaboration with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), the Walmart Pharmacy Scholars Program provides $1,000 for up to 85 graduate students, professional doctoral students, residents, or fellows annually who are committed to a career in academic pharmacy and participate in the AACP Annual Meeting and Teachers Seminar. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from an advising faculty member and an essay exhibiting their interest in academic pharmacy.
Contact
Walmart Pharmacy Scholars Program
1727 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-2330
walmartscholars@aacp.org
24. Westshore Pharmaceutical Association Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Annually, the Westshore Pharmaceutical Association offers four scholarships for $1,500 apiece to deserving students residing in Cuyahoga, Lorain, or Medina counties who are currently attending an accredited professional Pharm.D. degree program in pharmacy within Ohio. Preference for the awards is given to students who exhibit an interest in practicing in Cuyahoga or the surrounding counties and becoming involved in the organization’s efforts.
Contact
Westshore Pharmaceutical Association Scholarships
2634 Westmoor Rd.
Rocky River, OH 44116
(440) 331-3035
em-king@sbcglobal.net
25. William B. Simmons Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Established by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the William B. Simmons Memorial Scholarship provides $2,000 and a $300 travel stipend to attend the association’s annual convention for student members who are currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. school of pharmacy on a full-time basis. Selection will be made based on demonstrated interests in independent pharmacy management or entrepreneurism, leadership qualities, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and academic achievement.
Contact
William B. Simmons Memorial Scholarship
100 Daingerfield Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8200
ncpaF@ncpanet.org
http://www.ncpafoundation.org/scholarships/simmons.shtml
If you have a passion for helping patients feel better as quickly as possible and are seeking to become a respected member of the healthcare team with high levels of job stability, a career as a pharmacist may be the perfect option. In order to fulfill this professional goal and afford the years of schooling for earning a pharmacy degree without mountains of loan debt, check out these 25 excellent scholarships for pharmacy students just like you.