University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy combines the intimacy of a professional program with the resources and excitement of a major research university. Chapel Hill's legendary college town atmosphere provides a vibrant backdrop for professional education, with students enjoying ACC athletics, cultural events, and outdoor recreation while pursuing rigorous academic programs. Pharmacy students engage actively in the broader UNC community through intramural sports, campus organizations, and Carolina traditions. Professional organizations within the school include chapters of the American Pharmacists Association, the National Community Pharmacists Association, and specialty interest groups in oncology, pediatrics, and ambulatory care. Service organizations coordinate health fairs, medication counseling events, and outreach to underserved communities throughout North Carolina. Housing options include university-owned graduate apartments and the abundant rental housing market in Chapel Hill and nearby Carrboro. Most pharmacy students live off-campus in apartments shared with classmates, creating informal study groups and social communities. The cost of living in the Triangle area remains moderate by national standards, though has increased in recent years as the region has grown. The pharmacy school building includes student lounges, study spaces, and collaborative areas that foster community among classes. Annual events including the White Coat Ceremony, Pharmacy Week celebrations, and the graduation formal create shared traditions. The school's wellness initiatives recognize the demands of professional education, providing mental health resources, counseling services, and peer support programs.
Location & Surroundings
Chapel Hill, home to the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, offers an idyllic college town setting that has attracted students for generations. The town of approximately 60,000 residents (expanding significantly when students are present) centers on the historic Franklin Street corridor, lined with restaurants, bookstores, and shops. The university campus features Georgian architecture, ancient oak trees, and the famous Old Well, creating a traditionally beautiful academic environment. The climate features four distinct seasons with mild winters, warm summers, and beautiful spring and fall periods perfect for outdoor activities. Average winter temperatures hover around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, with occasional snow, while summers reach the 80s and 90s with humidity. Students enjoy hiking at nearby Eno River State Park, swimming at Jordan Lake, and weekend trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains or North Carolina beaches. Chapel Hill forms one corner of the Research Triangle, along with Raleigh and Durham, creating one of the nation's most concentrated biomedical and technology hubs. Major pharmaceutical companies including GSK, Merck, and Novo Nordisk maintain significant Triangle operations, providing internship and employment opportunities. The Research Triangle Park, located between Chapel Hill and Raleigh, hosts hundreds of companies employing thousands of life science professionals. Transportation within Chapel Hill relies on the excellent Chapel Hill Transit bus system, which is fare-free for all riders. Many students live within biking distance of campus, and the town's compact layout makes car ownership optional. Raleigh-Durham International Airport, approximately 30 minutes from campus, provides connections to major cities nationwide. The Triangle's reasonable cost of living, growing job market, and quality of life have made it one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy runs approximately $24,000 annually for North Carolina residents and $44,000 for non-residents, making it one of the more affordable options among top-ranked pharmacy programs. Total annual costs including fees, books, and living expenses range from $45,000 to $65,000 depending on residency status and lifestyle choices. Over four years, total educational investment ranges from $180,000 to $260,000. Financial aid availability helps manage these costs, with over 80% of students receiving some form of assistance. The school offers numerous scholarships based on merit, need, and specific criteria such as leadership potential or interest in particular pharmacy practice areas. Named scholarships honor distinguished alumni and benefactors, with awards ranging from $2,500 to full tuition. Federal loans supplement scholarship and grant aid for most students, with typical graduation debt ranging from $100,000 to $150,000. Career outcomes reflect the school's elite status, with virtually 100% of graduates employed or in residency training within months of graduation. Approximately 65% of graduates pursue residency training, one of the highest rates nationally, reflecting the school's emphasis on advanced clinical practice. Starting salaries for clinical pharmacists in North Carolina range from $110,000 to $140,000, with positions in major metropolitan areas and specialty practice commanding premium compensation. Major employers include academic medical centers (UNC Health, Duke Health, Wake Forest Baptist), health systems (Novant Health, Atrium Health), pharmaceutical companies (GSK, Pfizer, Merck), and pharmacy chains. The school's extensive alumni network creates exceptional networking and mentorship opportunities, with graduates supporting current students' career development. Many alumni hold senior positions in healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions nationwide.
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