Texas offers a robust and highly competitive landscape for pharmaceutical education, featuring a mix of nationally ranked public institutions and specialized private schools. The state’s pharmacy programs are Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), which are essential for licensure as a pharmacist.
These programs are rigorous, typically spanning four years of professional study, and offer students access to world-class research facilities, diverse clinical rotation sites, and strong career placement in the growing healthcare sector. With the demand for pharmacists continuing to grow, Texas pharmacy schools provide excellent pathways to a rewarding career in healthcare.
Top 20 Pharmacy Schools In Texas
1. The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy (Austin)
The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy is the #1 pharmacy school in Texas and was ranked #8 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, maintaining its position as the state’s premier institution . The program has earned a 4.2 peer assessment score and is led by a faculty with over $20 million in research funding, making it a leader in pharmaceutical research and innovation.
The Pharm.D. program features a 94% residency match rate, the highest in Texas, and offers students clinical rotations beginning in the first semester, with the entire fourth year dedicated to real-world experiences. The college was founded in 1893 and is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking research and innovative interdisciplinary education, with a total Pharm.D. enrollment of 442 students.
2. Texas A&M University Health Science Center Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy (College Station and Kingsville)
Texas A&M’s Rangel College of Pharmacy was created specifically to help address the shortage of pharmacists in the border region between Texas and Mexico, serving an underserved population with a mission-driven approach to education. The college operates on two campuses: one in College Station and one in Kingsville, offering students the flexibility to choose their preferred learning environment.
Its four-year program consists of 146 semester credits of classroom and laboratory coursework, and 38 semester credits of clinical rotations, with the final year entirely devoted to real-world experiences in healthcare facilities throughout South Texas. The college is accredited by ACPE and offers a concurrent Pharm.D./MBA curriculum for students interested in the pharmacological industry or management roles, and it is ranked among the top 50 pharmacy programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy (Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, Dallas)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy is a major institution in West Texas, providing pharmacy education to a large, rural region of the state through multiple campuses in Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, and Dallas.
The school is fully accredited by ACPE and offers a comprehensive Pharm.D. program that includes extensive clinical training opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, preparing students for practice in underserved communities. The program has been granted full accreditation status through 2028 by ACPE, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
4. University of Houston College of Pharmacy (Houston)
The University of Houston College of Pharmacy is a well-established program located in the Texas Medical Center area, providing students with access to world-class clinical training facilities and a vibrant healthcare community.
The program is fully accredited and offers a comprehensive curriculum preparing graduates for diverse careers in pharmacy, including community practice, hospital pharmacy, and pharmaceutical research. Founded in 1946, the college has a long history of excellence in pharmacy education and serves as a major contributor to the healthcare workforce in the Houston metropolitan area.
5. University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy (Fort Worth)
The University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy is a growing program serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.
The program is ACPE-accredited and offers a comprehensive four-year curriculum designed to prepare graduates for careers in pharmacy practice and research, with a focus on serving the diverse populations of North Texas. The college was founded in 2013 and has quickly established itself as a key institution for pharmacy education in the region.
6. The University of Texas at Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy (Tyler)
The University of Texas at Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy is one of the newer pharmacy schools in Texas and has quickly gained recognition for its strong academic outcomes and commitment to serving the East Texas region.
The program is a four-year, public Pharm.D. program with a priority deadline of December 1 and a final application deadline of June 1, making it accessible to students across the state. The school is currently working toward full accreditation status, having been granted Candidate status, and is dedicated to preparing pharmacists to meet the healthcare needs of underserved communities in East Texas.
7. University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy (San Antonio)
The University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy is a fully accredited Pharm.D. program located in San Antonio, offering a unique educational environment that integrates professional pharmacy training with the university’s mission of service and ethical leadership.
As a private, faith-based institution, the school provides a values-centered education that emphasizes compassionate patient care and community service. The school offers a four-year professional program and is accredited by ACPE, ensuring graduates are eligible for licensure and prepared for careers in diverse pharmacy settings.
8. Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Houston)
Texas Southern University is a diverse institution with a strong mission to help resolve disparities in health status between economically disadvantaged minorities and the population as a whole, making it a vital resource for healthcare equity in Houston. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a Pharm.D. program that prepares students for both research and clinical careers, including an IV Certification program for second-year students that meets Texas State Board of Pharmacy requirements for compounding sterile preparations.
The college provides clinical rotations at prestigious healthcare facilities such as North and South Texas Veterans Administration Hospitals, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the Mayo Clinic, offering students exposure to world-class healthcare environments.
9. The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy (El Paso)
The University of Texas at El Paso offers a four-year Pharm.D. program that is fully accredited by ACPE and serves the West Texas and border region, addressing the unique healthcare needs of the El Paso community.
The program is a public institution with a priority deadline of May 1 and is committed to training pharmacists who will serve the diverse populations of the border region . The school is working toward full accreditation status and is dedicated to improving healthcare access in underserved areas of West Texas.
10. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)
Stephen F. Austin State University offers a pre-pharmacy program designed to help students complete the prerequisite coursework required for admission to professional pharmacy schools, providing a strong foundation for future pharmacy students.
While the university does not offer a Pharm.D. degree itself, it provides the foundational courses needed to apply to pharmacy programs across Texas, including 20 semester hours of biology, 16 hours of chemistry, eight hours of physics, six hours of mathematics, and 12 hours of English and speech. A bachelor’s degree is recommended due to the competitiveness of admission to Pharm.D. programs, and students receive comprehensive advising to help them build competitive applications.
11. The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy (San Antonio Campus)
The UT Austin College of Pharmacy operates a campus in San Antonio at the McDermott Building at The University of Texas Health Science Center, providing pharmacy education and training to students in South Texas. This campus has provided facilities for the education and training of pharmacy students, residents, and fellows since 1972 and houses faculty and staff in the college’s Division of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Sciences. The San Antonio campus expands UT Austin’s reach and provides valuable clinical training opportunities in the South Texas region.
12. The University of Texas at Austin Graduate Programs (Austin)
Beyond the Pharm.D., the UT Austin College of Pharmacy offers graduate programs leading to research-focused M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in pharmacy, including an inter-institutional Ph.D. program in translational research. The college has longstanding and well-developed graduate training programs in pharmaceutical sciences and translational sciences, preparing students for careers in research and academia. These programs attract students from around the world and contribute to UT Austin’s reputation as a leader in pharmaceutical research.
13. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at Texas A&M University (College Station)
Texas A&M University offers pre-pharmacy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to Pharm.D. programs, providing guidance on completing prerequisite coursework and building a competitive application for professional pharmacy schools. Students receive comprehensive support from advisors who help them navigate the complex admissions process and identify opportunities for research and clinical experience. The university’s strong science programs provide an excellent foundation for students pursuing careers in pharmacy.
14. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at the University of Texas at Austin (Austin)
The University of Texas at Austin provides pre-pharmacy advising for undergraduate students planning to apply to the College of Pharmacy, offering comprehensive guidance on prerequisite courses and the competitive application process. The university helps students understand the requirements for Pharm.D. admission, including the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) and the importance of strong academic performance. Students benefit from the university’s extensive resources and its connection to one of the top pharmacy schools in the nation.
15. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at the University of Houston (Houston)
The University of Houston offers pre-pharmacy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to Pharm.D. programs, providing guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process. Students receive support from advisors who help them build strong applications and identify opportunities for clinical experience and research. The university’s location in the Texas Medical Center provides students with access to world-class healthcare facilities and potential shadowing opportunities.
16. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Texas Tech University offers pre-pharmacy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to Pharm.D. programs, providing guidance on completing prerequisites and building competitive applications for pharmacy schools. Students benefit from the university’s connection to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, which provides a clear pathway to professional pharmacy education. The university’s strong science programs provide an excellent foundation for students pursuing careers in pharmacy.
17. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at the University of North Texas (Denton)
The University of North Texas offers pre-pharmacy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to Pharm.D. programs, providing guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process. Students receive support from advisors who help them navigate the admissions process and build strong applications for pharmacy schools across Texas. The university’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex provides students with access to a wide range of healthcare facilities and potential shadowing opportunities.
18. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at Texas Southern University (Houston)
Texas Southern University offers undergraduate pre-pharmacy coursework that prepares students for admission to its professional Pharm.D. program or other pharmacy schools, providing a clear pathway to a career in pharmacy. The university’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences provides a pathway for students to complete the prerequisites needed for a career in pharmacy, with a focus on serving diverse and underserved communities . Students benefit from the university’s mission of addressing healthcare disparities and its location in the Texas Medical Center.
19. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at the University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso)
The University of Texas at El Paso offers pre-pharmacy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to Pharm.D. programs, providing guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process. Students benefit from the university’s connection to the UT El Paso School of Pharmacy, which provides a clear pathway to professional pharmacy education in the border region. The university’s location provides unique opportunities to address the healthcare needs of the El Paso community.
20. Pre-Pharmacy Advising at the University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler)
The University of Texas at Tyler offers pre-pharmacy advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to Pharm.D. programs, providing guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process. Students benefit from the university’s connection to the UT Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, which provides a clear pathway to professional pharmacy education in East Texas. The university’s commitment to serving the East Texas region provides students with unique opportunities to address local healthcare needs.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UT Austin College of Pharmacy | Austin | Pharm.D. | #1 in Texas, #8 nationally, 94% residency match rate |
| 2 | Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy | College Station/Kingsville | Pharm.D. | Border region focus, Pharm.D./MBA option |
| 3 | Texas Tech HSC School of Pharmacy | Lubbock/Amarillo/Abilene/Dallas | Pharm.D. | Multiple campuses, rural health focus |
| 4 | University of Houston College of Pharmacy | Houston | Pharm.D. | Texas Medical Center location |
| 5 | UNT Health College of Pharmacy | Fort Worth | Pharm.D. | DFW area, growing program |
| 6 | UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy | Tyler | Pharm.D. | East Texas focus, Candidate status |
| 7 | UIW Feik School of Pharmacy | San Antonio | Pharm.D. | Private faith-based institution |
| 8 | Texas Southern University | Houston | Pharm.D. | Research and clinical training, diverse mission |
| 9 | UT El Paso School of Pharmacy | El Paso | Pharm.D. | Border region, Candidate status |
| 10 | SFASU Pre-Pharmacy Program | Nacogdoches | Pre-Pharmacy | Prerequisite coursework for pharmacy school |
| 11 | UT Austin College of Pharmacy | San Antonio Campus | Pharm.D. | San Antonio location |
| 12 | UT Austin Graduate Programs | Austin | M.S./Ph.D. | Research-focused graduate degrees |
| 13 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
| 14 | UT Austin | Austin | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
| 15 | University of Houston | Houston | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
| 16 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
| 17 | University of North Texas | Denton | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
| 18 | Texas Southern University | Houston | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
| 19 | UT El Paso | El Paso | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
| 20 | UT Tyler | Tyler | Pre-Pharmacy Advising | Undergraduate preparation |
Success Tips for Applying
Start by researching each program’s specific prerequisites, as pharmacy schools have detailed coursework requirements in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English, and a bachelor’s degree is highly recommended for competitive admission.
Be aware of the application deadlines; programs like UT Austin have a priority deadline of October 1, while others like UT Tyler have a final deadline of June 1.
Prepare for the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) and aim for a competitive score, as it is a key component of the application.
Consider the program’s NAPLEX pass rates, such as UT Austin’s strong performance, as these are indicators of program quality . Look into clinical rotation opportunities and research experiences; programs like the UT Austin College of Pharmacy, with its over $20 million in research funding, offer significant opportunities for hands-on learning and career development.
Apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) and ensure you meet all requirements for Texas residency classification if applicable .
Closing
Texas offers a comprehensive and highly competitive selection of pharmaceutical schools, anchored by the nationally #1-ranked UT Austin College of Pharmacy and featuring a mix of public and private institutions across the state. From the research-focused programs at UT Austin and Texas Southern University to the border-focused Texas A&M program and the faith-based UIW, Texas pharmacy schools provide diverse pathways to a rewarding career. When choosing a program, consider accreditation, NAPLEX pass rates, program mission, and clinical training opportunities.
Note that all information, including rankings and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through official resources like the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) .