Preparing Pharmacists Who Transform Lives
McWhorter School of Pharmacy offers scholarships to incoming and current PharmD students. This year, we award more than $2 million in scholarships to recognize academic achievement, leadership and service.
2026-27 Admission Timeline
For Incoming Students
Annually Renewable Scholarships
Incoming first-year students are awarded scholarships based on their PharmCAS application and additional criteria aligned with the school's mission and values.
- No separate application is required.
- Students may receive only one annually renewable scholarship
- Annually renewable scholarshps may not combined with other scholarships, except for Early Action Scholarships.
- Annual scholarships are contingent upon students meeting eligibility requirements.
Early Action Scholarship
Individuals who complete their PharmD application before Sept. 15 are given Early Action status, and if admitted, they will receive a $2,500 annual scholarship. In addition, students are given priority consideration for additional scholarships. The Early Action Scholarship may be combined with one of our other renewable scholarships.
McWhorter Excellence Scholarship
The McWhorter Excellence Scholarship is awarded to incoming students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership and an innovative spirit. It is named in honor of our esteemed alumnus R. Clayton McWhoter. The average award is $12,500.
Ingalls Scholarship
The Ingalls Scholarship honors the historic Ingalls Hall, which served as the home of McWhorter School of Pharmacy from 1957 to 2016. It is awarded to incoming students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the pharmacy profession. The average award is $10,000.
McWhorter White Coat Scholarship
The McWhorter White Coat Scholarship supports incoming students who are committed to developing their pharmacy practice skills and providing impactful, patient-centered care in the future. The average award is $7,500.
Future Pharmacist Scholarship
In honor of McWhorter School of Pharmacy celebrating 100 years of preparing pharmacists who transform lives, pthe Future Pharmacist Schcholarship is awarded to incoming students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to upholding the profession's standards and values. The average award is $5,000.
For Continuation of Annually Renewable Scholarships
In order for students to renew one of the annually renewable scholarships, they must:
- Be enrolled full-time in the PharmD program each semester.
- Remain in good academic standing.
- Have no Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct violations.
- Have no criminal offenses other than traffic violations.
- Have no professional license revocation during enrollment.
For Current Students
Endowed Scholarships
After completing the first year of the program, students may apply for the school’s endowed scholarships. Each scholarship has specific criteria established by the donor.
Cardinal Health Scholarship
Our largest endowed scholarship is the Cardinal Health Independent Pharmacy Scholarship, which covers the final year of tuition.
Cardinal Health Scholarship Application
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).
If you have completed at least 72 undergraduate credit hours and have been accepted into McWhorter School of Pharmacy, you are considered a graduate student for financial aid purposes. You may be eligible for independent student status and graduate-level loan limits.
When completing the FAFSA, select “Graduate/Professional Student” if you will enter pharmacy school with at least 72 college credit hours.
Financial Aid Information for First Year of Pharmacy School
If you have completed fewer than 72 undergraduate credit hours, you are considered an undergraduate student for financial aid purposes and are subject to undergraduate loan limits.
Typically, students in this category complete the 72-credit-hour requirement after the fall semester and move to graduate student status in the spring.
For more information, visit Graduate Tuition and Fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are additional scholarship opportunities available after my first year in pharmacy school?
Yes. After your first year, McWhorter School of Pharmacy has many endowed scholarships that are available to current students.
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% of PharmD graduates have student loans. In comparison, students who are attending medical, dental or other professional schools, the cost of attending pharmacy school 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 your only consideration. Think about where you will thrive academically and personally. At McWhorter School of Pharmacy, students benefit from a small cohort, personalized faculty mentorship, meaningful relationships and a Christ-centered PharmD experience that integrates faith, service and professional preparation.
Can my student loans be used to pay for living expenses during pharmacy school?
Yes. Loan funds remaining after tuition and required fees are paid are generally refunded to you each semester. You may use those funds to help cover living expenses.
Is help available for completing the FAFSA and applying for pharmacy school loans?
Yes. McWhorter School of Pharmacy offers personalized support with the financial aid process. Jonathan Parker, director of pharmacy admission, can help you complete the FAFSA, explore student loan options and create a pharmacy school budget. Email jmparker@samford.edu to set up a virtual appointment.
