Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy is committed to providing multiple scholarship opportunities for incoming and current students. This year, we will award over $1.7 million in scholarships. Incoming first-year students are awarded scholarships based upon their PharmCAS application and specific criteria, including but not limited to, academic excellence, leadership experience and a commitment to service. Unless noted, scholarships can be awarded in combination.

 

For Incoming Students

Early Action Scholarships

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.

The Early Action Extension Deadline is Nov. 1. Applicants who complete their PharmD application by this date and are admitted will receive a one-time $1,250 scholarship. 

Learn More

Promise Scholarship

Apply between Dec. 5 and Feb. 1. If you are offered admission and submit your deposit within the two-week deadline, you will receive a $500 award for your first year.

Merit Scholarships

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.

Renewable Scholarships

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.

For Current Students

Endowed Scholarships

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

Financial Aid

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, visit Graduate Tuition and Fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, approximately 84% PharmD graduates have student loans. Compared to those students who are attending medical, dental or many other professional schools, the cost of attaining a  is much more affordable.

How should I compare pharmacy school cost of attendance when choosing the right program?

Cost is important but it should not be the only factor. Consider where you will thrive the opportunities for learning and leadership and the success of graduates. McWhorter School of Pharmacy’s small cohort size offers personalized faculty mentorship meaningful relationships and a Christ centered Pharm.D. experience that integrates faith service and professional preparation.

Can my student loans be used to pay for living expenses during pharmacy school?

Yes. Creating a realistic budget is important. Any loan funds that exceed tuition and required fees are refunded to you each semester and can be used to help pay for your living expenses.

Is help available for completing the FAFSA and applying for pharmacy school loans?

Yes. McWhorter School of Pharmacy provides personalized support to help you navigate the financial aid process. Jonathan Parker, director of pharmacy admission, can assist with completing the FAFSA, applying for student loans and creating a pharmacy school budget. Contact him at jmparker@samford.edu to schedule an appointment.Contact him today at jmparker@samford.edu to set up a virtual appointment.