Chapman University’s School of Pharmacy (CUSP) rose almost 20 spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings of Best Pharmacy Schools.

CUSP jumped from No. 99 last year to No. 80 this year, and is the No. 8 pharmacy school in California.

Schools offering a Doctor of Pharmacy degree are peer-ranked by academic quality and other factors like location, financial aid and job placement, according to U.S. News.

“CUSP faculty, staff and students are pleased to see our school’s continued march up in the rankings,” Dean Rennolds Ostrom said. “This is one step toward achieving our higher goals, and we are eager to continue the hard work that will continue to increase our reputation and rank in all aspects of our school.”

CUSP, which is based at Chapman’s Rinker Campus in the health care hub of Irvine, was third in the state in phase 1 residency match results and recently partnered with City of Hope Orange County for Pharm.D. graduates. CUSP faculty received more than $3 million in research funding last year for subjects including asthma, HIV and antibiotics. 

Almost 90% of CUSP alumni passed the national board exam on their first try. Students were active in national competitions and organizations, including Elyn Lam (PharmD ’24), who was given the Student Leadership Award by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.