Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

Explore some of the best and cheapest online pharmacy schools and what you can do with a Pharm.D.
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Updated March 20, 2024

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With a Pharm.D. degree, you'll have the credentials to become a pharmacist. Doctorates inspire confidence from employers and those who rely on your guidance.

Discover the best and cheapest online pharmacy schools of 2024. Research and compare programs as you seek an affordable and rewarding learning opportunity.

Popular Online Pharmacy Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

Creighton University

  • Omaha, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Cost:
In-State | $39,910 per year
Out-of-State | $39,910 per year

Credits to Graduate: 145

Creighton University's Pharm.D. prioritizes flexibility with on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options. 

Students learn how to provide patient-focused, evidence-based care during the four-year program. Topics covered include patient assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, immunopharmacology, and biotechnology. 

The program requires five advanced pharmacy practice experiences that could include training in acute care, ambulatory care, and medication therapy management. The college partners with about 1,000 practice sites across the United States, giving enrollees many choices for their experiential learning. 

Distance learners make five visits to the campus in Omaha for an orientation, commencement ceremony,  and other activities. Admission requires at least 63 semester hours of prerequisite coursework.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,618
Out-of-state
$42,618
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,190
Out-of-state
$17,190
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
8,735
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

Duquesne University

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,914
Out-of-State | $1,914

Credits to Graduate: 142

Duquesne University's online Pharm.D. program (OPP) offers the best of both worlds with an online program that includes limited instruction on campus in Pittsburgh. The program prepares enrollees to sit for the North American pharmacist licensure examination.

OPP offers a customizable pharmacy education with six concentrations: acute care, geriatrics, and ambulatory care. Student pharmacists earn certificates like immunization and tobacco treatment specialist, and can opt to pursue others such as diabetes care or substance use disorders. 

The program provides 1,784 hours of experiential education in various practice settings. Admission requires prerequisite coursework from an accredited four-year institution in the United States.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$43,526
Out-of-state
$43,526
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,534
Out-of-state
$24,534
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
8,300
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

Howard University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $27,484
Out-of-State | $27,484

Credits to Graduate: 65

Practicing pharmacists can pursue Howard University's nontraditional doctor of pharmacy entirely online. The program admits American and Canadian pharmacists with a U.S. pharmacy registration/license. Students complete the competency-based curriculum in 2.5-3 years as part of a cohort.

The 18-month program includes coursework in disease state management instruction. A six-month experiential learning component requires up to 1,440 hours in community, ambulatory care, acute care/medicine, and institutional/management clinical rotations.

Pharmacists begin the program with a three-day orientation covering clinical concepts and the online delivery format.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,450
Out-of-state
$28,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$33,860
Out-of-state
$33,860
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
35%
Students Enrolled
12,065
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Erie, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Cost:
In-State | $29,600-$30,000 per year
Out-of-State | $29,600-$30,000 per year

Credits to Graduate: 136.25

Earning Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's online Pharm.D. positions graduates for licensure to practice pharmacy in the United States. Students complete the four-year program as part of a cohort. An introduction to pharmaceutical sciences lays the foundation for more advanced knowledge and clinical training. 

Students learn pharmacotherapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, management, and patient safety. Participants supplement online learning with in-person casework and laboratory work completed during annual residencies on the Bradenton, Florida, or Erie, Pennsylvania, campuses. 

The program only enrolls U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Admission requires 54 credits of prerequisite coursework.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,640
Out-of-state
$14,640
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,211
Out-of-state
$14,211
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,384
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
11% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

MCPHS University

  • Boston, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,110
Out-of-State | $1,110

Credits to Graduate: 43

The nontraditional doctor of pharmacy (NTDP) at MCPHS is designed for pharmacists licensed to practice in the United States. The part-time online format allows pharmacists to continue their employment. Enrollees begin the program with an on-campus orientation in Boston. 

Key NTDP topics include pharmacotherapeutics practice, clinical pharmacokinetics, and drug literature resources and evaluation. Up to four 160-hour clinical rotations provide practical experience in ambulatory care, community, health systems, and internal medicine in the pharmacist's state of licensure. 

Prior work experience and other qualifications could lead to the pharmacy school waiving up to three rotations. Admission requires a BS in pharmacy and employment in a patient-care setting. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$34,700
Out-of-state
$34,700
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,950
Out-of-state
$22,950
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
7,304
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

Saint John Fisher College

  • Rochester, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,233
Out-of-State | $1,233

Credits to Graduate: 151

Saint John Fisher College's online Pharm.D. prepares enrollees for pharmacist licensure in New York State. The curriculum aligns with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education's standards. It includes coursework on biosystems, state and federal pharmacy law, and applied pathophysiology and therapeutics. 

More advanced courses teach students how to compound pharmaceuticals and apply their knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice. Students supplement online learning with six campus immersions and 11 clinical rotations totaling 2,000 hours. 

The online Pharm.D. format offers small, live classes and downloadable videos, transcripts, and assignments. Admission requires pre-professional education from an accredited college.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,352
Out-of-state
$35,352
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,054
Out-of-state
$18,054
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
3,539
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

Shenandoah University

  • Winchester, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Cost:
In-State | $43,150 total program costs
Out-of-State | $43,150 total program costs

Credits to Graduate: 53

Shenandoah University's nontraditional doctor of pharmacy offers a pathway for licensed pharmacists to advance their education part time. Employed pharmacists can complete this degree online with access to streaming/downloadable lectures and other course material. Enrollees must participate in one on-site clinical assessment.  

The 53-credit curriculum covers applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics, patient assessment, and drug literature analysis/interpretation. The curriculum's integrated pharmaceutical care and science course series provides training in various specialties. 

Pharmacists complete advanced pharmacy practice experiences in ambulatory care, inpatient acute care, and other areas. Admission requires a license to practice in the United States.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,140
Out-of-state
$33,140
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,080
Out-of-state
$22,080
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
4,287
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  • Denver, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,353
Out-of-State | $1,719

Credits to Graduate: 65

The North American-Trained Pharm.D. (NTPD) at CU Denver enrolls pharmacists licensed to practice in the United States or Canada. Students complete the degree online in 2.5-6 years. NTPD requires didactic coursework and experiential training in pharmacotherapy, pharmacogenomics, ambulatory care, hospitals, and health system.

Elective coursework provides advanced training in innovation, entrepreneurship, or critical care. A notable elective gives pharmacists a peek into the inner workings of the pharmaceutical industry.

During a clinical capstone, students use their knowledge to address complex patient scenarios. Admission requires a pharmacy bachelor's degree from the United States, Canada, or another country.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,160
Out-of-state
$25,152
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,984
Out-of-state
$23,274
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
24,267
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs of 2024

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,163
Out-of-State | $2,163

Credits to Graduate: 64

The University of Southern California's doctor of regulatory science (DRSc) is offered by the school of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. A first-of-its-kind program, the DRSc typically enrolls students with 10-15 years of work experience in the product regulation industry. 

The 64-unit professional doctoral degree provides training for senior roles in academia, the life sciences industry, and the public sector. The curriculum examines project lifecycle strategy, project and personnel management, and global regulatory strategy and policy. Enrollees can take classes on campus or online, and they complete the degree in 4-5 years on average.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
49,318
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

What Kind of Doctorate in Pharmacy Should You Get?

A doctor of pharmacy degree differs from a doctor of pharmacology degree. Future practicing licensed pharmacists who work directly with patients earn a doctorate in pharmacy. Pharmacologists who wish to work in academia, testing, and research earn a doctorate in pharmacology.

An online Pharm.D. program allows students to continue working in the daytime and take classes at night or on the weekends. Online courses often follow an asynchronous format, meaning students do not need to meet at scheduled times. However, due to the clinical nature of the field, students may need to participate in some in-person lab classes or clinical rotations. They may also need to visit campus or a local facility.

How Much Does a Doctor of Pharmacy Make?

$79,950
Annual Salary for the Lowest 10% of Earners

$132,750
Median Annual Salary

$164,230
Annual Salary for the Highest 10% of Earners

Source: BLS

Pharmacists directly impact the health of others and have a high earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacists earn a median annual salary of $132,750. The top 10% of earners make a median $164,230 salary annually.

Those working in outpatient care centers make the most, with a mean salary of $155,770 annually. Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota pay pharmacists the most compared to other states.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctor of Pharmacy?

Graduates of online doctor of pharmacy degrees often pursue careers as pharmacists. They may be eligible for higher positions within their workplace after getting experience as a pharmacist. Other responsibilities for pharmacists include managing, hiring, or training employees.

Pharmacists can also pursue other positions:

Pharmacist Licensure and Certification

After graduation, aspiring pharmacists must obtain state licensure before they can independently practice. Pharmacists may also earn certifications to show expertise in a specific area, such as nutrition or diabetes.

What Are the Requirements for an Online Doctor of Pharmacy?

Online Pharm.D. programs typically take about four years to complete. The first 2-3 years typically include academic coursework. Some programs are fully online, while others require limited campus residencies.

Academic coursework typically covers pharmaceutical biochemistry, dosage forms and calculations, and drug absorption and metabolism. You'll also study pharmacy practice and integrated pharmacology.

You can apply and build your knowledge through practical training as you approach graduation. Fieldwork and clinical residencies may occur in several settings:

Some programs also include advanced research projects, doctoral dissertations, or capstones among their graduation requirements.

After earning your degree, you'll have extensive clinical knowledge to pursue careers in patient care, drug research and development, or academia.

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