University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy ranks among the nation's elite pharmacy education institutions, consistently placing in the top ten nationally for research funding and educational outcomes. Established in 1892, the college has over 130 years of history preparing pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who advance human health through medication expertise, research innovation, and patient care excellence. The college operates on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis, benefiting from the university's status as one of America's largest public research institutions. This context provides exceptional resources including the Academic Health Center, which integrates pharmacy education with medicine, nursing, dentistry, and public health in collaborative learning and research environments. The college's mission emphasizes preparing leaders who transform pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences. Faculty members conduct cutting-edge research in drug discovery, pharmacogenomics, clinical outcomes, and health services, generating over $30 million annually in research funding. This research activity enriches student education while advancing scientific knowledge. With approximately 550 professional students and 150 graduate students, the college offers personalized mentorship within a major research university context. The college maintains accreditation through ACPE and strong partnerships with healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, and community organizations throughout Minnesota and beyond. Alumni serve in clinical practice, industry, academia, and regulatory positions worldwide.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Pharmacy students at Minnesota balance demanding coursework with the advantages of a large university campus. The college maintains its own facilities and student organizations while students can also access broader university resources including recreation centers, libraries, and cultural events. Professional pharmacy fraternities provide social connections and mentorship. Student chapters of organizations like the American Pharmacists Association and specialty interest groups create networking opportunities and professional development. The Twin Cities campus spans Minneapolis and St. Paul, connected by free campus buses. Most pharmacy activities occur on the Minneapolis campus, but students can explore both cities for entertainment, dining, and cultural events. The student body includes people at various life stages. Many pharmacy students enter directly from undergraduate studies, while others come after years in the workforce. This mix brings different perspectives to discussions and group work. Study groups form naturally as students navigate challenging material together. The professional nature of pharmacy training creates strong bonds among classmates who will become colleagues in the field.
Location & Surroundings
Minneapolis anchors the Twin Cities metropolitan area of roughly 3.5 million people, making it one of the largest urban centers in the Upper Midwest. The city combines major corporate headquarters, world-class healthcare systems, and cultural institutions with accessible neighborhoods and extensive park systems. The Mississippi River runs through the urban core, providing waterfront trails and scenic beauty. Climate presents the major challenge for those unaccustomed to Upper Midwest winters. Temperatures drop well below zero Fahrenheit in January and February, with significant snowfall from November through March. The university connects buildings with enclosed skyways that allow winter travel without going outside. Summers bring pleasant weather with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, along with a packed calendar of outdoor festivals and events. Major employers in healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals cluster in the Twin Cities, creating career opportunities for pharmacy graduates. Companies like UnitedHealth Group, Medtronic, and Target Corporation maintain headquarters here. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester is about 90 minutes south. Public transportation via light rail and buses serves the campus and downtown areas, though many students prefer having cars for accessing clinical sites.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Pharmacy education at Minnesota represents a major investment, with tuition running approximately $30,000 to $40,000 annually depending on residency status. When living expenses and fees are added, students typically accumulate $150,000 or more in debt over four years. This debt level warrants serious consideration given the realities of pharmacist salaries, which have flattened in recent years as the job market has tightened. Career outcomes for Minnesota pharmacy graduates remain generally positive despite market challenges. Graduates work in community pharmacies, hospital settings, ambulatory care clinics, pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, and specialty practices. Residency training after graduation has become increasingly important for competitive hospital and clinical positions. Many graduates pursue one or two years of residency before entering practice. Starting salaries for pharmacists typically range from $100,000 to $130,000 depending on practice setting and location, with community pharmacy positions often paying more than clinical roles. Career advancement can lead to management positions, specialized clinical roles, or industry careers. The college's career services help students connect with employers and navigate the job market. Alumni networks in the Twin Cities and beyond provide mentorship and professional connections.
Campus Location
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