ACPHS Admissions

ACPHS, the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, has moderately selective admissions. In 2016, the specialized school had an acceptance rate of 69%. The great majority of admitted students have both grades and standardized test scores that are above average. The college uses the Common Application, and students must submit either SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a high school transcript. As with all schools with holistic admissions, good grades and high test scores do not guarantee admission--applicants must also demonstrate writing skills, critical thinking skills, and their involvement in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, or volunteer work.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Albany College of Pharmacy Acceptance Rate: 69 percent
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 500 / 600
  • SAT Math: 540 / 640
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 23 / 27
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • What these ACT numbers mean

ACPHS Description:

The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private independent college located in Albany, New York, approximately three hours from both New York City and Boston. The college offers bachelor of science programs in health and human sciences, biomedical technology, pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry and master of arts degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, health outcomes research, biotechnology, cytotechnology and molecular cytology and biotechnology-cytotechnology, as well as a doctor of pharmacy program and several joint degrees. Academics are supported by a healthy 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Student life is active with over 30 clubs and student organizations. The ACPHS Panthers compete in men’s and women’s soccer, basketball and cross country in the NCAA Division III Hudson Valley Athletic Conference, and full-time students interested in other sports are also eligible to participate in nearby Union College’s athletic program. ACPHS also has a satellite campus located in Colchester, Vermont, which offers the only doctor of pharmacy program in the state.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 1,408 (902 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 39 percent male / 61 percent female
• 99 percent full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $31,981
• Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $10,700
• Other Expenses: $2,598
• Total Cost: $46,279

ACPHS Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 99 percent
  • Loans: 81 percent
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $14,655
  • Loans: $13,616

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Biomedical Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 82 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 44 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 48 percent

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Soccer, Track and Field, Basketball, Cross Country 
• Women's Sports: Track and Field, Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like ACPHS, You May Also Like These Schools:

If you’re looking for a college with strong programs in health sciences and pharmaceuticals, MCPHS, UNC – Chapel Hill, the University of Arizona, and the University of Michigan are all great options to explore. 

And, for applicants interested in fairly small schools (around 1,000-2,000 students) in the Hudson Valley, (from Albany to Yonkers) other choices to consider include Bard College, Vassar College, Union College, and Sarah Lawrence College.