The University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Pharmacy ranked No. 16 nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 graduate school rankings, maintaining its status as the top college of pharmacy in Tennessee.
The ranking places the UT Health Sciences College of Pharmacy in the top 12% of 142 pharmacy schools nationwide. The college’s position as Tennessee’s largest producer of pharmacists advances UT Health Sciences’ broader commitment to preparing health professionals for the communities that depend on them.
With Tennessee’s largest graduating class in 2025, 124 students, the college demonstrates its record of educating future pharmacy leaders in the state. The class’s impressive 89.4% on-time graduation rate, along with high first-time licensure exam pass rates of 92.7% on the NAPLEX and 90.6% on the MPJE, reflects the college’s rigorous academics, dedication to excellence, and standing as the premier institution for pharmacy education in the state.
The faculty’s clinical expertise and patient-centered curriculum further boost the college’s reputation. It ranks No. 14 nationally and No. 1 in Tennessee for the number of residents matched to PGY1 (Postgraduate Year 1) in phase 1 in 2026 and ranks No. 12 in research funding from the National Institutes of Health, emphasizing its research strength and focus on preparing the next generation of clinical pharmacists.
Despite these achievements, the college remains one of the most affordable pharmacy schools nationwide, with tuition set at $24,785 for Tennessee residents and $30,392 for out-of-state students in 2026–2027. The college proudly positions itself as a top-ranked, accessible, and innovative institution committed to student success.
“Achieving a No. 16 national ranking while remaining Tennessee’s top pharmacy program reflects far more than numbers; it speaks to the exceptional commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to advancing the profession, educating the next generation of pharmacy leaders, and serving our communities,” said College of Pharmacy Dean Reginald Frye, PharmD, PhD. “Our continued growth in education, clinical training, and research demonstrates what is possible when excellence, legacy, and accessibility go hand in hand. I am incredibly proud that we continue to train the largest number of pharmacists in the state while remaining one of the most affordable and impactful pharmacy schools in the nation.”
The UT Health Sciences College of Pharmacy has provided excellent pharmacy education for 128 years. The college offers a comprehensive four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program that combines basic and clinical sciences with social and administrative sciences. The program emphasizes skill-based competencies to ensure students are well prepared for a successful career as pharmacists in community settings, hospitals, and industry. With three campuses in Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville, students have the flexibility to complete all four years of their degree in the Tennessee region of their choice.
Applications for fall 2027 will open via PharmCAS this July. For more information about the College of Pharmacy, visit uthsc.edu/pharmacy/whyuthsc.
This blog was written by Nathan Ball
Nathan Ball is the marketing and communications manager for the UT Health Sciences College of Pharmacy.
