Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences logo

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Albany, NY Private ยท Urban Est. 1881 www.acphs.edu
Accept Rate
59.08%
Grad Rate
65.5%
Enrollment
509
Avg SAT
1280
Tuition
$40,375
Median Salary
$131,426
Overall Grade
C+
B-
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The campus feels like a tight-knit, pre-professional boot camp where everyone is laser-focused on a career in healthcare. It's an intense but supportive environment where students bond over challenging coursework and shared ambitions in the health sciences.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

59.08%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 128075th Pctl
11201380
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3075th Pctl
2833
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Highlight your quantitative and science coursework in your application, as your preparedness for a rigorous STEM curriculum is paramount. Demonstrate a genuine, specific interest in pharmacy or a related health field through shadowing, volunteer work, or relevant extracurriculars.","Aim for an SAT score at or above the 1280 average to be a competitive applicant, and ensure your GPA reflects strong performance in chemistry, biology, and math."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1280
40080012001600
School range: 1120โ€“1380

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college is a powerhouse in health professions, particularly pharmacy, with a curriculum designed for deep scientific mastery. Students benefit from hands-on lab work, extensive research opportunities with faculty, and direct preparation for licensure exams.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
82.3%
Biology & Biomedical
17.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

65.5%
Graduation Rate
85.6%
Retention Rate
509
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$40,375
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$26,027
After financial aid
Total Cost
$52,317
Cost of attendance/year
29.3%
Receive Pell Grants
88%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Albany

As a student in New York's capital city, you can explore the historic downtown, visit the New York State Museum, or catch a show at The Palace Theatre. The city offers a variety of restaurants, seasonal festivals, and easy access to the Hudson River for recreation, all while being a short train ride from major cities like New York City and Boston.

Local Rent Check

$1,131 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Albany
Explore Albany

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$161,500
$0Est. 4 Years: $161,500

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($131,426):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a central urban area of Albany, so students should practice standard city safety awareness. The college provides campus security services, but students must be mindful of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Specialized focus on pharmacy and health sciences leads to deep expertise and strong career outcomes.
  • โœ“ High median earnings of $131,426 10 years after graduation indicate excellent return on investment.
  • โœ“ Strong retention rate of 85.6% suggests a satisfied and supported student body.
  • โœ“ Located in New York's capital city provides access to government, healthcare, and research institutions.

Cons

  • โœ— Very small enrollment of 509 students limits campus diversity and a broad range of social activities.
  • โœ— The 65.5% graduation rate is below the national average for private institutions.
  • โœ— Niche academic focus means fewer options for students exploring non-health fields or changing majors.
  • โœ— Urban setting requires students to be proactive about personal safety and navigating city life.

Notable Alumni

Dr. John L. Colaizzi
A pioneering figure in pharmaceutical science and former president of the college who contributed significantly to the field of pharmaceutics.
Dr. William R. Garnick
A respected leader in the field of pharmacy practice and education, contributing to advancements in clinical pharmacy.
Dr. Christine Anne O'Neil
A distinguished professor and researcher known for her contributions to pharmacy education and practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is primarily known for its highly-regarded Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program and its specialized focus on health professions and biomedical sciences. The institution provides a rigorous, career-oriented education with a strong emphasis on scientific research and hands-on laboratory experience.

The college has a moderately selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 59.08%. Applicants should aim for a strong academic record, with an average SAT score of 1280, and demonstrate a clear commitment to the health sciences.

Campus life is a tight-knit, pre-professional experience centered around a shared focus on healthcare careers. The small enrollment of just 509 students fosters a close community, but students looking for a large, traditional social scene may find the environment limited.

Yes, the financial return on investment is compelling. With a 10-year median earnings figure of $131,426 and an average net price of $26,027, the degree offers a strong potential to significantly outpace its cost, especially given the high earning power of its top majors in pharmacy and health professions.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany Medical Center St. Peter's Health Partners New York State Department of Health CVS Health
Smart Start Score
100

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1881
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 643
  • In-State Tuition $40,375
  • Zip Code 12208

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 37.9% โ™€ 62.1%

The Money Talk

With a 10-year median earnings figure of over $131,000, the return on investment is exceptionally strong for a specialized professional degree. While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $26,027 and the high earning potential in health professions make it a financially sound investment for a dedicated student.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Centenary College of

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $40,375
Housing (12 mo) $13,572
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $61,147
With avg financial aid:
$26,027/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.