(Athens, Ga.)  The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy has been ranked 15^th among its peer institutions by U.S. News and World Report (USNWR), rising nine spots from the previous ranking of 24^th, announced Dean Kelly M. Smith.

The ranking was released Tuesday, April 9 and was followed by an announcement from University of Georgia Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. S. Jack Hu. The USNWR pharmacy ranking document is here.

“We are thrilled with this new ranking,” said Dean Smith. “It is always fulfilling to experience the reward of hard work and determination on the part of many. Certainly, I credit the team of faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, preceptors, and supporters who are dedicated to the mission of the UGA College of Pharmacy, which is ‘…to be a global leader and catalyst for innovation in pharmacy practice, education, and scientific inquiry that improves health outcomes.’ ”

The ranking is based on reputational data provided by fellow deans and college administrators from the 141 colleges of pharmacy ranked by USNWR and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

With 925 students currently enrolled in its Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science, various graduate degrees, as well as certificate and residency programs, UGA’s College of Pharmacy has several other notable achievements, including:

• Class of 2023 North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) first-time pass rate, which was the highest among the four pharmacy schools in the State of Georgia and 10% above the national average
• National recognition from Insight IntoDiversity Magazine, including the Alumni Association Inclusive Excellence Award and the Inspiring Programs in STEM Award
• A recent residency match of more than half of the Class of 2024
• A 26% increase in research funding in 2023
• Almost $500,000 in scholarship funds awarded to students in academic year 2023-24

Remarked Dean Smith, “Our engagement among peers on the national and state pharmacy stages, along with our increased efforts to tell our College of Pharmacy story also have increased our recognition and favorably impacted our reputation. We will continue our commitment to train future pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, who will, in turn, integrate as valuable members on healthcare teams for those we serve.”

The College of Pharmacy’s rise to 15^th in the USNWR 2024 graduate and professional school rankings coincides with a period of growing demand for graduate and professional training at UGA, which enrolls over 10,000 students in more than 200 doctoral and master’s programs. Other UGA graduate and professional programs in this year’s rankings include the UGA School of Public and International Affairs, 4^th; School of Law, 20^th; School of Social Work, 20^th; Terry College of Business, 27^th; Mary Frances Early College of Education, 30^th, and the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, 7^th.

“Our new ranking affords us the opportunity to further enhance the brand of the University of Georgia and the College of Pharmacy across the health care and health sciences spectrum,” added Dean Smith. “As a bonus, the timing allows us to further demonstrate the strength of health professions programs at UGA, including Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy, Social Work, and others, especially as we anticipate the opening of UGA’s new independent School of Medicine. This is a great time to be a member of the University of Georgia and College of Pharmacy communities.”