Boston University vs Rutgers: Which Is the Better Choice for Pharmacy?

For a student already committed to becoming a pharmacist, Rutgers is the more direct and pharmacy-focused choice. Rutgers has the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. Boston University does not operate a PharmD program, so a BU student would complete an undergraduate degree and then apply separately to pharmacy schools.

At Rutgers, pharmacy students can enter a curriculum built around the profession from the start, including pharmaceutical sciences, patient care, and experiential education.

BU can still be a solid pre-pharmacy launching point, particularly for a student who wants a traditional four-year college experience, broad major options, and the flexibility to reconsider health careers. Its pre-health advising and science coursework can prepare a student to apply to PharmD programs later, but that route requires maintaining a strong college record and navigating a separate, competitive pharmacy-school application process.

Cost deserves close attention as well. Rutgers may be especially compelling for New Jersey residents because its in-state tuition structure can make the full path to a PharmD substantially less expensive.