AACP strives to support students with necessary tools in order to pursue a career in pharmacy. Be sure to consult with the Financial Aid departments at your institution for more information. Below are some resources to help you get started on your journey.
Start Early
Applying for scholarships can take time, so it’s best to start your search as early as possible. Some scholarships have deadlines a year before pharmacy programs even begin! The sooner you begin, the more options you’ll have.
Explore Different Types of Scholarships
Scholarships come in many forms, so don't limit yourself to just one type:
- Academic Scholarships: Awarded for high grades or strong test scores (like SAT or ACT).
- Community Service Scholarships: Recognize volunteer efforts and leadership.
- Minority and Diversity Scholarships: For students from underrepresented groups.
- Pharmacy-Specific Scholarships: Offered by pharmacy associations or schools. See below for two great scholarships offered by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
Search Online
Use scholarship search engines like:
- Fastweb.com
- Scholarships.com
- You can also search directly on websites for pharmacy schools and organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) or the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
Check with Pharmacy Schools
Pharmacy colleges and schools may offer financial assistance, or administer funds provided by local or state pharmaceutical associations, practicing pharmacists, drug manufacturers and wholesalers, memorial funds and foundations, alumni associations, local chapters of pharmaceutical organizations and fraternities, as well as general university funds allocated for this purpose. Contact the college or school of pharmacy of your choice for information. Pre-professional students may be eligible to receive similar assistance from the community colleges or universities they plan to attend before entering professional schools.
Check with Local Organizations
Many local community groups offer scholarships. Specifically, look for local health-related organizations that might sponsor students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Apply for FAFSA
Even if a scholarship isn’t guaranteed, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can open the door to other financial aid, like grants and low-interest loans.
Focus on Essays and Recommendations
Many scholarships require essays and letters of recommendation. When writing essays, be authentic and show your passion for pharmacy. Ask teachers or mentors who know you well for strong letters of recommendation.
Stay Organized
Create a spreadsheet or calendar to track:
- Application deadlines
- Required documents
- Scholarship criteria
This will help you avoid missing deadlines and keep everything in order.
Don’t Get Discouraged
You may not get every scholarship you apply for, and that’s okay. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of success—think of it like casting a wide net!
Consider Small Scholarships Too
Even small awards can add up. A few $500 scholarships can go a long way in covering books or fees, so apply for as many as possible.
Keep an Eye Out for Renewable Scholarships
Some scholarships offer funding for multiple years, but they often require you to maintain a certain GPA or meet other conditions. Be sure to follow up each year to keep these scholarships active.
With some effort and persistence, you can find the right scholarships to support your dream of becoming a pharmacist! Keep working hard, and remember: the more you apply, the better your chances.
Grants – Free Money!
Grants are great because they don’t have to be paid back. Here are some tips:
- Search early and often: Start applying in high school and continue each year of pharmacy
school. - Check federal and state grants: The Pell Grant is one example for undergraduates. Some
states also offer pharmacy-specific grants.
Federal Loans – Borrowing from the Government
Federal loans are a common way to pay for pharmacy school. These loans must be paid back after you graduate, but they often come with lower interest rates and repayment plans designed to fit your income.
Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans:
For undergraduate and graduate students.
Direct Subsidized Loans
- Who can get them? Only undergraduate students with financial need.
- How they work: The government pays the interest on the loan while you’re
in school and for the first six months after graduation (this is called the
grace period). - Why it’s good: Since the interest doesn’t build up while you study, the total
amount you owe will be smaller. - Example: If you borrow $5,000, that’s all you owe when you leave school—no extra interest added while you’re still in class.
- More information can be found here.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Who can get them? Both undergraduate and graduate students, and
financial need is not required. - How they work: You’re responsible for all the interest that builds up on the
loan, even while you’re still in school. However, you don’t have to start
paying until after you graduate. - Why it’s helpful: Since there’s no need requirement, anyone can apply,
even if they don’t qualify for grants or scholarships. - Example: If you borrow $5,000, interest starts adding up right away, so the
total amount you owe may be more by the time you leave school. - More information can be found here.
Graduate PLUS Loans:
- Who can get them? Graduate and professional students, regardless of
financial need. - How they work: You can borrow up to the total cost of attendance (including
tuition, fees, books, and living expenses), minus any other financial aid you
receive. The loan accrues interest from the moment it’s disbursed, even
while you’re still in school. You don’t have to start paying back the loan until
6 months after graduation (this is called the grace period). - Why it’s helpful: If federal loans, scholarships, and grants aren’t enough to
pay for school, a Graduate PLUS Loan can fill the gap. Like other federal
loans, Graduate PLUS Loans offer income-driven repayment plans and
forgiveness options, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). - Example: Let’s say your total pharmacy school cost for one year is
$50,000, and you already received $20,000 from other loans and
scholarships. You could take out a Graduate PLUS Loan for up to $30,000 to
cover the rest. Even though interest starts adding up right away, you don’t
have to make payments until 6 months after graduation, giving you time
to focus on your studies first. - More information can be found here.
Quick Comparison
| Loan Type | Subsidized | Unsubsidized | Graduate PLUS |
| Available to | Undergraduates only | Undergraduates & Graduates | Graduate/Professional students (e.g., Pharm.D.) |
| Financial Need | Required | Not required | Not required |
| Who Pays Interest? | Government (while in school) | Student (but payments can wait) | Student (interest accrues immediately) |
- How to Apply: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is required to be considered for federal loans, grants, and some scholarships.
- Apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan separately: You’ll need to fill out a PLUS Loan
application on the Federal Student Aid website.
Balancing work and pharmacy school can provide financial support, professional experience, and networking opportunities but also presents challenges like time pressure and burnout. Here's how to manage both effectively:
Benefits of Working While Studying
- Financial Help: Cover tuition and personal expenses.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain real-world pharmacy knowledge.
- Build Connections: Network with professionals.
- Improve Skills: Develop time management and organization.
Challenges to Watch Out For
- Time Management Struggles: Pharmacy programs are demanding, with many hours of studying, exams, and labs.
- Burnout Risks: Trying to do too much may lead to exhaustion or burnout.
- Reduced Social Time: Balancing work, school, and personal life can leave little time for relaxation or social activities.
Tips for Finding Balance
- Limit Hours: Many students find that 10-15 hours a week is a manageable amount. Prioritize pharmacy-related jobs if possible, since they complement your studies.
- Work During Breaks: Consider working more hours during semester breaks or holidays and scaling back during exam periods.
- Choose Flexible Jobs: Look for employers (such as community pharmacies) that offer flexible scheduling around your classes and exams.
- Use a Planner: Keep track of shifts and assignments to avoid conflicts.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Maintain sleep, exercise, and downtime.
Good Job Options for Pharmacy Students
- Pharmacy Technician: Working as a technician provides insight into medication dispensing and builds essential pharmacy skills.
- Research Assistant: This role, often on campus, helps develop research skills and may offer opportunities to co-author papers.
- Tutor: If you're strong in subjects like chemistry or pharmacology, tutoring is a good way to earn money while reinforcing your knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Communicate with Employers: Give notice about exams or school needs as early as possible.
- Set Boundaries: Don’t take extra shifts that interfere with studies.
- Seek Support: Use school resources if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Balancing work and school takes planning, but with the right strategy, you can succeed in both.
Loan Forgiveness Programs
A loan forgiveness program is a financial program that cancels or “forgives” all or part of a borrower’s loan, typically under specific conditions. These programs are often offered by the government, employers, or non-profit organizations and are usually designed to encourage individuals to work in certain fields, like public service, education, or healthcare, or to provide relief to those who are struggling to repay their loans.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on federal loans after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan, and while working full-time for an eligible employer.
Learn more.
A State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is a type of financial assistance program offered by individual states in the U.S. to help healthcare professionals repay their educational loans. In exchange for this financial assistance, participants typically commit to working in areas that are underserved or have a shortage of healthcare providers, such as rural or low-income communities.
State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
The State Loan Repayment Program provides cost-sharing grants to states and territories to operate their own loan repayment programs. These programs offer loan repayment to primary medical, mental/behavioral, and dental healthcare clinicians working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA).
Learn more.
A tuition reimbursement program is a benefit offered by employers where they agree to pay for a portion or all of an employee’s educational expenses, typically for courses or degrees related to their job or career development. This benefit is designed to help employees further their education, develop new skills, and advance their careers while working for the company.
The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)–Veterans Health Administration
Eligible VA pharmacy positions may offer up to $40,000 per year (up to $200,000 total) in tax-free student loan repayment through the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Availability is position-specific and included in the job offer if offered as a recruitment or retention incentive.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
The Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program (LRP) offers up to $50,000 in student loan repayment for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who commit to serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities for at least two years. Eligible applicants may apply in their final year of training and must provide proof of licensure before receiving an award.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs)
The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) offer up to $50,000 per year toward qualified student loan debt for graduates who commit to conducting NIH mission-relevant research at least 20 hours per week. Awards are granted in two-year contracts, with the potential to renew, and payments are applied quarterly to eligible loans.
Health Professions Scholarship Program (ROTC-HPSP) - Cooperative Pharmacy Program
The Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offers 5–6 years of financial assistance for pharmacy education, with graduates commissioning as Officers and committing to active duty service. Interested students should connect with an Army Medical (AMEDD) recruiter to determine eligibility.
Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program
The Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program provides up to $40,000 per year (minus taxes) in student loan repayment, with potential financial assistance of up to $134,600 during residency. Eligibility requires being a commissioned officer (or final-year Pharm.D. student) in a Navy-identified health profession shortage area.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Rural Community Loan Repayment Program
The NHSC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Loan Repayment Program offers up to $100,000 for full-time service (or $50,000 for part-time) to pharmacists working at approved rural SUD treatment facilities, with additional awards for Spanish-language proficiency. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, a pharmacy license, qualified student loans, and placement at an NHSC-approved site.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program
The NHSC SUD Low-Income or Low-HPSA Loan Repayment Program provides up to $75,000 for full-time pharmacists (or $37,500 part-time) serving three years at approved SUD treatment facilities, with extra awards for Spanish-language proficiency. Eligible participants must be U.S. citizens, licensed pharmacists, hold qualifying student loans, and work at NHSC-approved sites.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Faculty Loan Repayment Program
The NHSC Faculty Loan Repayment Program offers up to $40,000 in student loan repayment for pharmacists from disadvantaged backgrounds who hold a health professions degree and teach at an approved health professions school with a two-year (or longer) contract. The program also provides funds to help offset the associated tax burden.
CVS Health
PharmD Tuition Assistance Program
This program offers CVS Health Retail Pharmacy Interns, in their final two professional years of their Doctor of Pharmacy degree, up to $20,000 of tuition reimbursement per school year.
Enterprise Tuition Assistance Program
CVS Health offers reimbursement up to $3,000 for job-related degree programs. Covered expenses include tuition, books, and mandatory course-related fees. Full-time colleagues are eligible on the first day of the month following their start date and part-time colleagues are eligible after 90 days of service.
Walgreens
PharmStart
A first‑of‑its‑kind partnership with Guild, the leading talent development company, launched April 23, 2025, offering fully funded online prerequisite courses for current eligible pharmacy technicians and frontline employees, covering all costs and providing personalized academic and career coaching.
Walgreens 401(k) & Student‑Loan Match Program
Even if you're paying down student loans, Walgreens’ retirement plan treats a portion of those payments as 401(k) contributions, helping you secure full matching while building your nest egg.
Walgreens Pharmacy Educational Assistance Program (PEAP)
Eligible team members can receive up to $40,000 in tuition assistance to pursue their PharmD or similar pharmacy-related education.
Questions? Reach out to JoinOurStores@walgreens.com.