Individuals who complete their PharmD application before Sept. 1 are given Early Action status, and if admitted, they will receive a one-time $2,500 Early Action scholarship. In addition, students are given priority consideration for additional scholarships.

Early Action Scholarship Extension

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After the first year of the program, students are eligible for the school’s endowed scholarships.

Endowed scholarships are diverse and have specific criteria established by the donor. Our largest endowed scholarship is the Cardinal Health Independent Pharmacy Scholarship, which covers the final year of tuition.

All McWhorter School of Pharmacy students are considered for these scholarships annually through an application process, ensuring that additional scholarships can be earned as a second, third or fourth-year student.

All incoming first-year students are eligible to receive a $2,500 Merit Scholarship, which is given in recognition of academic success, leadership experience and service to the community. Merit Scholarships are awarded in the first year only and are not annually renewable.

Coutu Scholar Award

The Coutu Scholar Award is a total award of $50,000, conferred to incoming first-year students based upon their academic achievement, leadership experience and commitment to community service. It is dispersed in installments of $12,500 annually for four years.

Superior Scholar Award

The Superior Scholar Award is a total award of $40,000, conferred to incoming first-year students based upon their academic achievement, leadership experience and commitment to community service. It is dispersed in installments of $10,000 annually for four years.

Scholar Award

The Scholar Award is a scholarship with a total award of $30,000 conferred to incoming first-year students based upon their academic achievement and leadership experience or commitment to community service. It is dispersed in installments of $7,500 annually for four years.

Dean’s Scholarship

The Dean’s Scholarship is a total award of $20,000, conferred to first-year students who demonstrate academic success and commitment to serving their community. It is dispersed in installments of $5,000 annually for four years.

For Continuation of Annual Scholarships

In order for students to renew one of the annually renewable scholarships (Coutu, Scholar or Dean’s Scholarships), they must:

1. Be enrolled full-time in the PharmD program each semester.
2. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater each semester.
3. Remain free from Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct violations.
4. Remain clear from/of any criminal offenses beyond traffic tickets.
5. Have no professional license revocation during enrollment.

Samford University is dedicated to making education affordable for students through a variety of need-based options. Maximize your eligibility for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Start Your FAFSA

Any student who has completed the 72 hours of undergraduate course work requirement and has been accepted into McWhorter School of Pharmacy is considered a graduate student and is eligible to be considered an independent student (for financial aid purposes) and for graduate level loan limits. It is important to select “graduate/professional student” status when completing the FAFSA if you will be entering pharmacy school with 72 hours of college credit or more.

Financial Aid Information for First Year of Pharmacy School

Any student who has not completed the 72 hour undergraduate course work requirement is still considered an undergraduate student and is eligible for undergraduate loan limits. Typically, students within this category complete the 72-hour undergraduate course requirement after their fall semester and will become a graduate student in their spring semester.

For more information about financial aid, contact Samford OneStop at onestop@samford.edu or 205-726-2905.

Are additional scholarship opportunities available after my first year in pharmacy school?

Yes. McWhorter School of Pharmacy has many endowed scholarships that you can apply for in your subsequent years in pharmacy school.

Is it normal for pharmacy students to take out loans for their education?

Yes. According to 2022 national survey data from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, approximately 84% of graduating students borrowed to pay for their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). Compared to those students who are attending medical, dental or many other professional schools, the cost of attaining a Pharm.D. is much more affordable.

How should I weigh cost of attendance verses the school I really want to go to?

Your pharmacy school choice should be based on where you feel you will flourish, the opportunities offered for achievement and the success metrics of graduates. “Fit” is also an important consideration and how the school aligns with your values. McWhorter School of Pharmacy is unique in that our small cohort size allows you to form meaningful connections with your peers and professors, at a Christ-centered institution. Our faith defines everything we do inside and outside the classroom and is woven into our curriculum.

It makes me nervous when I think about taking out loans. What advice can you give?

Student loans are made available to assist students in reaching educational and professional goals. Repayment of loans does not typically begin until six months after graduation. Taking out student loans is a routine part of the financial planning process for the majority of Pharm.D. students. Generally, pharmacists launch their career with profitable salaries upon entering the profession, which makes repayment achievable while also planning for your future dreams and aspirations.

Can my student loans be used to pay for living expenses as well?

Yes. It is important to make a budget to account for your expenses during pharmacy school. Any funds received in excess of tuition and fees will be refunded to you each semester to assist you in paying for your living expenses and needs outside of pharmacy school.

I know that McWhorter School of Pharmacy is where I want to be. Is there anyone who can help me in completing the FAFSA, applying for loans and designing a budget?

Yes. Jonathan Parker, director of pharmacy admission, is happy to set up a virtual appointment where he can walk you through the application process and help answer any questions. Contact him today at jmparker@samford.edu to set up an appointment.