There are only a few professions that can give you age-long satisfaction, a career with a work-life balance, an opportunity to own your practice, to remain in practice for as long as you wish without the fear of being laid-off at the peak of your career and also pays you well while you bring laughter, joy, and happiness into the lives of those you render your services to.
Optometry tops the chart. If you’re looking to get job satisfaction and career fulfillment for life, being an Optometrist is the surest bet. Read on to know more about optometry and the optometry schools in the US out there for you to choose from.
Who is an Optometrist?
An Optometrist is an independent primary health care provider who specializes in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as the diagnosis of related systemic conditions.
Within this scope of practice, optometrists are dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the quality of our lives and environment. While all optometrists provide general eye and vision care, some optometrists specialize in specific areas of optometry.
The areas of specialization include contact lenses, vision therapy, sports vision, ocular disease, geriatrics, pediatrics, low vision (working with visually impaired patients), occupational vision, education and research.
Why Study Optometry in the US
Optometry is the third largest independent, primary health care profession in the United States and is the major provider of primary eye care in America. Therefore if you are looking to enroll in the best optometry schools in the US, you are on the right track.
Data from a survey conducted by the American Optometric Association shows the average net income of Optometrists ranges from $140,013 for the primary practice of optometry to $172,356 for optometrists who own all or a portion of their practice.
In addition to the monetary rewards, optometry is a very satisfying profession since, by treating a patient’s vision problems, one can improve the quality of the patient’s life.
The profession provides substantial financial security, too, because the need for vision care in America will only continue to grow as the population ages.
How to become an Optometrist in the US
Becoming an optometrist in the USA usually requires 7-8 years of postsecondary education in total. You will begin by completing a 3- or 4-year Bachelor’s program, and then attend a 4-year optometry program to receive your Doctor of Optometry degree (OD).
All optometry schools in the United States are accredited by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).
Undergraduate Degree and Prerequisites
Before attending a four-year Doctor of Optometry program in the United States, you must first complete an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree and complete the required prerequisites.
Required courses may vary by school, but the ASCO recommends that you complete the following courses during your Bachelor’s program: 1 year of Biology, 1 year of General Chemistry, 1 year of Organic Chemistry, 1 year of General Physics, 1 year of Microbiology, 1 year of Mathematics, 1 year of English.
The ASCO emphasizes on the need that all the science classes you take should be pre-professional courses designed for science or health majors, and that these classes need to involve a lab experience component.
Next step, take the OAT
All of the accredited optometry schools in the United States require that applicants take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) before applying to a school of optometry. The standard fee to take the test is $490 USD. The OAT is a multiple-choice exam divided into four sections: Survey of Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry); Reading Comprehension; Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. The test is offered only in English.
You may take the OAT at any point after the first year of your Bachelor’s degree, but most students prefer to take it after completing 2 or 3 years of their Bachelor’s program.
After all, the undergraduate science classes recommended by the ASCO are the perfect preparation for the OAT! The minimum score required to pass each section of the exam is 300.
The higher your score, the better your chances are of getting into your optometry school of choice. You are allowed to retake the OAT up to three times. You will need to request special permission to take it after your third attempt.
Applying to The Optometry Schools in the US
According to recent data from the ASCO, the average cumulative GPA of optometry applicants was 3.36. Other recent ASCO data suggests that the average GPA of recent admitted applicants is as high as 3.64 or even 3.7.
Anyone wishing to apply to a school of optometry in the USA must submit their application through OptomCAS– Optometry’s Centralized Application Service.
The online unified application system allows you to apply to multiple schools of optometry in the USA at the same time.
The system opens for applications at the end of June/beginning of July every year. You will pay a fee of $180 USD to apply to your first school, and an additional $70 USD fee for any additional schools you apply to.
Attending Optometry Schools in the US
Once you are accepted into any of the optometry schools in the US, you will need to complete all of the requirements of the 4-year program.
The costs of attending an optometry program vary from school to school, but the usual range is between $25,000 – $50,000 USD per year for tuition.
It is important to note that within that range, rates are usually higher for non-resident students than for their in-state counterparts.
A typical curriculum will include two years of classroom study, followed by a mix of classroom and clinical instruction in the final two years.
Post-graduate residencies last for a minimum of twelve months. The National Board of Examiners in Optometry(NBEO) administers the standard entry-to-practice examinations.
Licensing
Becoming licensed to practice as an optometrist is state-specific. Some states still have clinical and written examinations that all aspiring optometrists must pass before receiving their license. However, many states have now moved to accept examinations administered by the NBEO that are given to students during or after their medical education.
All optometrists are required to hold a Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited school, and to have passed either the NBEO exams or the state license examinations offered by individual states.
The List of Best Optometry Schools in the US
- Illinois College of Optometry (ICO)
- Pacific University College of Optometry
- Indiana University Bloomington
- New England College of Optometry (NECO)
- University of California Berkeley
- Nova Southern University
- University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO)
- The Ohio State University
- State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry
- Midwestern University Glendale
- Marshall B. Ketchum University
- Salus University
- Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UBA)
- University of Houston
- Western University of Health Sciences
- University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry
- The University of Missouri at St Louis College of Optometry
- Southern College of Optometry
- Michigan College of Optometry
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry
- Seton Hall University
- Illinois College of Optometry (ICO)
Illinois College of Optometry (ICO)
Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) is a private optometry college in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the world’s leading Optometric Schools and the oldest operating educational facility dedicated to the teaching of Optometrists.
The mission of the Illinois College of Optometry is to develop highly qualified clinical optometrists through excellence in optometric education.
The school has a principal clinical training facility for its students, the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI) which serves as a center for clinical research involving vision.
Admission requirements: Illinois College of Optometry is the most selective institution in US for the study of Optometry.
Here are the minimum grade requirements: GPA l Recommended minimum score of 3.15, PTE | Recommended minimum score of 53, GTEC | Recommended minimum score of 1200, TOEFL | Recommended minimum score of 79 iBT, 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, IELTS | Recommended minimum score of 6.5 Band, ITEP | Recommended minimum score of 3.7, CEFR | Recommended minimum score of B2, Duolingo English Test | Recommended minimum score of 110, SAT R | Recommended minimum combined SAT R scores of 1040 (ERW+M); recommended minimum Reading Test score of 25, SAT I | Recommended minimum combined SAT I scores of 1410; recommended minimum critical reading score of 450, ACT | Recommended minimum ACT composite of 20; recommended minimum English score of 20.
Tuition: Tuition for both regional and non-regional students is $42,870. A comprehensive cost estimate of tuition for each academic year and other fees which include feeding and housing can be seen here.
Pacific University College of Optometry
Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove, Oregon. The University offers a four-year doctor of optometry program preparing tomorrow’s optometrists for licensure and practice. Its core perspective on optometry education is distinctive. PUFCO believe that vision and eye health are foundational to people’s success and enjoyment of life — throughout their lives. At Pacific, teaching is the first priority. PUCO faculty lecture and publish worldwide, but teaching is at the center of their practice.
Programs Offered: Pacific University College of Optometry programs provide a firm foundation in basic and clinical sciences, as well as significant hands-on experience in serving diverse populations of patients. In addition to the doctor of optometry program, the College of Optometry offers residency programs in Cornea & Contact Lenses, Geriatric Optometry, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Ocular Disease, Pediatric Optometry, Primary Care Optometry, Refractive & Ocular Surgery, Vision Therapy, and Vision Rehabilitation, a master of science in vision science program, and a PhD in Vision Science program that prepares students for teaching or research in the ophthalmic industry.
Admission requirements: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative of 3.50 GPA in all undergraduate coursework at the time of OptomCAS submission.
In addition, no individual semester GPA can fall below 3.00. Should a candidate fall below the required GPA, he/she will not automatically forfeit conditional admittance status, but will be placed in a probationary status and have one semester to bring the cumulative GPA back to a minimum of 3.50. Scores at least a 320 academic average on the OAT or at least 153 on the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections on the GRE. See all grade requirements and acceptance conditions here.
Tuition: Tuition and fees for First Academic Year: $46,464, Rent and Food: $15,740, Books and Equipment: $6,404, Laptop Computer: $2,000, Transportation: $1,250, Miscellaneous and Loan Fees: $2,994. See tuition and scholarships aids for international students here
Indiana University Bloomington
The Indiana University School of Optometry is home to the most comprehensive and advanced eye health education, research, and patient care available, with an emphasis on outreach to our most vulnerable populations.
The school focuses on making eye health a priority, advancing the field of vision through research, improving the availability of services to everyone who needs them and training future generations to do the same through its cutting-edge curriculum and state-of-the-art clinics.
Programs offered: Indiana University college of optometry offers degree programs in the following areas: BSc in Optometry(OD), PhD in vision science, M.S in vision science, and a Graduate certificate & online MBA
Admission requirements: Applicants must complete a minimum of 90 semester hours prior to the time they begin their professional studies. See comprehensive admission requirements here.
Tuition: see tuition and estimated cost of attendance for resident and non-resident students here.
New England College of Optometry (NECO)
New England College of Optometry is a private, nonprofit, and internationally recognized optometry school. NECO prepares the next generation of eye care providers, educators, and innovators through a rigorous curriculum, extensive clinical experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong support network. As an independent optometry school, the school focuses solely on optometry.
Programs: NECO offers the following programs: Doctor of Optometry 4-year program, accelerated OD Program, advanced Standing International Program, MS/OD China Program, MS in Vision Science, OD/MS Dual Degree, OD/PhD Dual Degree, and Residency Programs.
Admission requirements: click here to access full admission requirements and course prerequisites.
- Tuition: see tuition, the total cost of attendance and financial aid here
- How to apply: apply for any of the listed programs here
University of California Berkeley
The University of California Berkeley is the no. 1 public university in the world. At the school of optometry, the brightest minds from across the globe come together to explore, ask questions, and improve the world.
The mission of the University of California Berkeley School of Optometry is to further the frontiers of primary vision care practice, specialized optometric practice and vision science research.
Programs offered: the University of California Berkeley offers a graduate-level, four-year professional program leading to the Doctor of Optometry degree (OD), and a one-year, ACOE-accredited residency program in clinical optometry specialties (primary care, ocular disease, contact lenses, low vision, binocular vision, and pediatrics).
It is also the home department for the multidisciplinary Vision Science Group at the University of California, Berkeley, whose graduate students earn either MS or PhD degrees.
Admission requirements: the prerequisites courses that are required to create the foundation for the four years in the OD program. Click here to see all requirements and also apply
Tuition: see tuition fee for each semester and total cost of attendance for both resident and non-resident students here
Nova Southern University
Nova Southeastern University (NSU or, informally, Nova) is a private research university with its main campus in Davie, Florida. The university consists of 18 total colleges, centers, and schools offering over 150 programs of study. The mission of the College of Optometry is to prepare, educate and train optometric physicians to practice at the highest level of proficiency, integrity, and professionalism; and to provide a multidisciplinary environment that encourage scholarly activity, service, and lifelong learning.
Programs: NSU offers a four years Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree program.
Admission requirements: The College of Optometry selects students based on the candidate’s application content, pre-professional academic performance, Optometry Admission Test (OAT) scores, letters of evaluation and personal interviews. See all admission requirements here.
Tuition: Tuition for students in years 1,2, and 3 of the extended program is $27,603 for in-state and $31,247 for out-of-state students and for years 4 and 5 tuition is $34,424 for in-state and $38,997 for out-of-state students. See all expenses and financial aid here.
University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO)
University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry is the only optometry school affiliated with a faith-based institution.
UIWRSO is committed to educating and preparing students who are caring, compassionate and competent optometrists. UIWRSO actively seeks qualified applicants with a passion for lifelong learning who are prepared for leadership and service to humankind
Programs offered: UIWRSO offers a direct admit program which is the 3+4 Bachelor of Science in Vision Science / Doctor of Optometry program.
Admission requirements: A recommended minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. A recommended minimum overall Optometry Admission Test score of 300. See all requirements and prerequisites here.
Tuition: see tuition, scholarship and financial aid here.
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University College of Optometry is a leader in optometric education in the United States and is the oldest university-based program in the nation and was the first public university program to grant the Doctor of Optometry degree.
The Ohio State University College of Optometry is focused on excellence in optometric education and vision research.
At the Ohio State University, you will learn from a group of highly qualified and passionate optometrists, whose primary goal is to provide top-notch eye care to the world by training the finest optometrists in the world.
Programs offered: Ohio State University College of Optometry offers degree programs in the following areas, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, binocular vision, vision therapy, pediatric optometry, geriatric optometry and general medical eye care.
Admission requirements: see general admission requirements for all applicants here
Tuition: The estimated cost for the first year of optometry school for an Ohio resident in the College of Optometry includes these expenses, tuition: $26,936, general fees: $2,117. Click here for all financial information.
State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry
The State University of New York College of Optometry is a public school of optometry in New York City. It is a center for research on vision and the only school of optometry in New York.
The University Eye Center provides eye care, corrective lenses, and vision therapy to the public. The University Eye Center is one of the largest outpatient eye clinics in the country, with over 73,000 patient encounters.
Programs offered: The college grants a professional degree, the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), and two academic degrees, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Vision Science and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Vision Science. Continuing education courses for practicing optometrists are also provided by the College.
Admission requirements: to be considered as a candidate for admission to the professional OD program, a four-year baccalaureate degree is highly recommended.
The educational institution must be accredited. Students who have completed all pre-requisite courses and a minimum of three years (90-semester credits) of undergraduate study from an accredited institution will also be considered for admission. See all admission requirements here.
Tuition: see all fees and financial aid for in-state and out-of-state students here
Midwestern University Glendale
Midwestern University opened the doors of its Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree program in the Fall of 2009.
The mission of Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry is to educate future optometrists and residents in an inter-professional healthcare environment.
Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry delivers premier optometric educational experience utilizing unique multi-health professional settings and cutting-edge technology.
Admission requirements: to be eligible for admission you must possess a minimum cumulative GPA and science coursework GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale, and complete a baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited institutions. A BA degree is acceptable, but a BS degree is preferred. See all requirements here.
Tuition: see tuition for the whole academic years, broken down in session and other attendance costs here.
Marshall B. Ketchum University
Marshall B. Ketchum University is a private university focused on graduate programs in healthcare. Located in the large suburb of Fullerton, MBKU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.
The mission of Marshall B. Ketchum University is to educate caring, inspired health care professionals who are prepared to deliver collaborative, patient-centric health care in an interprofessional environment.
Programs offered: Marshal B. Ketchum University South California college of optometry offers degree programs in the following areas: BSc in Optometry(OD), Ph.D. in vision science, M.S in vision science & clinical optometry and residency programs.
Admission requirements: To be considered as a candidate for admission to the professional OD program, a four-year baccalaureate degree is recommended but not required.
However, applicants who complete a minimum of 135 quarter credit hours of undergraduate study will qualify for admission.
To be eligible to apply, the applicant must be on track to complete the required credit hours through the summer term that precedes fall matriculation. See other requirements here
Tuition: see tuition and all financial information here
Salus University
Salus University is a private university in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, specializing in degree programs for the health care professions.
Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University has an unparalleled legacy in the education of competent and compassionate Doctors of Optometry.
Pennsylvania college of optometry created a four year degree program that set the standard for all other institutions of optometry that exists today.
Programs offered: Salus University Pennsylvania College of optometry offers the following programs: Doctor of Optometry – Traditional Program, doctor of Optometry – Accelerated Scholars Program, Residency Programs, International Optometry Programs and Advanced Studies Program.
Admission requirements: An applicant must have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of credit from an accredited undergraduate college or university.
These credits must include the pre-optometry courses listed below completed with a ‘C’ or better. See the list and other requirements here
Tuition: Doctor of Optometry (Traditional Program), Annual Tuition: $45,150 ($1,081/credit, Student Services Fee: $440/year, laboratory Fee: $95/term, Technology Fee: $170/term. See tuition and financial information for all optometry programs and financial aid here
How to apply: Pennsylvania College of Optometry accepts applications only through the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS). Click here, pick your program choice and apply.
Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
Northeastern State University Oklahoma, College of Optometry is a public university in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Northeastern State University doctors of Optometry are the major providers of primary vision care in America and are specially educated, clinically trained, and state licensed to examine the eyes for the presence or absence of vision problems, eye diseases, or other abnormalities.
In preparing students to meet the vision care needs of the future, NSUOCO is recognized for utilizing the highest levels of new technology, including laser procedures.
Annually, students, residents, and faculty experience more than 40,000 patient encounters.
Programs offered: NSU College of Optometry is a four-year professional program that leads to the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Other programs include residency program and continuing education courses for practicing optometrists.
Admission requirements: applicants who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree must meet the general education requirements of Northeastern State University. Click here to see all requirements.
Tuition: see tuition, other fees and financial aid/ scholarship for Oklahoma and non-Oklahoma residents here
How to apply: Only 28 spots are available. Not all qualified applicants will be accepted due to limited seats. Admission is competitive. Click on the OptomCAS link to apply.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is a private university focused on medical and health-related science programs and located in Boston, Massachusetts.
The university provides traditional and accelerated programs of study focused on professional education in pharmacy and the health sciences.
At the college of optometry, students learn about the most advanced technology available. And in the school’s on-campus eye clinic as well as other selected clinical facilities, students gain hands-on experience with real patients, so they can begin their careers with confidence.
Programs offered: students who meet prerequisite requirements can enter the four-year doctoral pathway. Undergrads can complete a straight-through, seven-year program. Additionally, some students can earn a Master of Public Health alongside their O.D.
Admission requirements: Students with 12 or more college credits may transfer into the first or second year of the program.
While there are no specific required courses for entry into the first year of the program, the admission committee looks for success in any math and science courses already taken by the applicants. See other requirements here.
Tuition: tuition: $47,100 / academic year, cost per credit hour: $1,325, equipment fee: $1,351 / semester (first year), equipment fee: $1,226 / semester (second year).
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UBA)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry adds value to the state of Alabama, the Southeast, the United States, and the world through excellent, effective, and efficient optometric and vision science education, research, service, and patient care programs.
The four-year professional optometry program prepares students to be the nation’s leaders in providing comprehensive, evidence-based eye care.
Students can also combine their degrees with an additional degree that will allow them to better understand the ever-advancing field of eye care.
Programs offered: Doctor of Optometry degree(OD), graduate degrees in Vision Science and three dual degree programs: OD/MBA, OD/MPH and OD/MS.
The UAB School of Optometry also offers seven affiliated residency programs for additional training in optometry with 12 highly-competitive spots.
Admission requirements: prerequisites and processes involved include: major and credit hour requirements, college-level prerequisite courses, optometry admissions Test (OAT), letters of recommendation or composite evaluation, transcripts, interview process. For more details, visit here.
Tuition: see tuition, books & supply expenses and total cost of attendance for the entire academic year here.
How to apply: start your application here.
University of Houston
The University of Houston (UH) is a public research university in Houston. A member of the University of Houston System and the third-largest university in Texas.
Programs offered: programs offered by the University of Houston College of optometry include a doctor of optometry(O.D.)degree, a graduate program (Ph.D./M.S) that is a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in physiological optics, and also clinical Residencies.
The University of Houston College of Optometry or UHCO is one of twelve academic colleges at the University of Houston and one of the best optometry schools in the United States, as well as the only one in the state of Texas.
Admission requirements: to be eligible for admission, students must have a baccalaureate degree of any major and a grade of “C” or better in each required prerequisite course.
While there is no minimum GPA required for application, the College of Optometry will generally not consider applicants with an overall GPA less than 3.00 to be competitive for admission. See the comprehensive list of requirements for all programs and also apply here.
Tuition: Tuition and fees vary depending on your department, your residence status, your graduate level, and the courses you’re taking. See tuition scholarship and financial aid for UHCO here.
Western University of Health Sciences
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry offers an innovative curriculum emphasizing community-based clinical education to foster a humanistic approach to health care.
The WesternU Health Eye Care Institute is the school’s clinical teaching facility for College of Optometry students. Doctors also have extensive experience in treating all types of vision and eye conditions.
Programs offered: the College of Optometry offers an innovative Doctor of Optometry program that emphasizes optometric rehabilitation including neuro-optometry.
The emphasis on optometric rehabilitation also includes vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, and care for vulnerable populations such as those with developmental disabilities.
Admission requirements: Minimum of 135 quarter units of undergraduate coursework must be completed by matriculation at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. See all requirements and also apply here.
Tuition: click here to see tuition, financial aid and total cost of attendance.
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry
The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) being the only college of optometry in Kentucky trains future doctors to provide state-of-the-art eye care.
Kentucky is one of three states in the nation to allow optometrists to perform in-office laser eye procedures, inject medications into the eyes and remove lumps and bumps around the eyes.
Uniquely, all of these procedures are part of the curriculum and clinical practice at KYCO.
Programs offered: KYCO offers a Doctor of Optometry degree program (OD).
Admission requirements: see all course/grade requirements and also apply here.
Tuition: the Kentucky College of Optometry has a Student Advantage Program which exists to ensure that all students who are admitted with few financial resources have the same educational opportunities as those with greater resources. See full details, tuition and total cost of attendance here.
The University of Missouri at St Louis College of Optometry
The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) is a public research university in St. Louis, Missouri. The College of Optometry is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometry Education (ACOE).
The training and clinical experience optometry students receive at UMSL qualify graduates to practice optometry in any state in the nation.
UMSL also has a Center for Eye Care which provides a patient care environment for upper-level optometry students and postdoctoral residents.
Programs offered: The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a four-year program of study leading to the doctor of optometry degree.
Admission requirements: The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is the preferred qualifying exam that determines an applicant’s eligibility for an interview.
Applicants must score a 330 or higher in relevant subject areas of the OAT exam. Click here to see all admission requirements and also how to apply.
Southern College of Optometry
Southern College of Optometry is a private college of optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. Southern College of Optometry is one of the nation’s leading optometry schools.
An alma mater to 14 American Optometric Association Presidents and nearly 90 years of graduating the best clinicians in the field.
Admission requirements: A candidate for admission to SCO is required to present at least three years of undergraduate work that includes a minimum of 90 semester or 135 quarter hours.
The average GPA of an entering class is usually around 3.6, and the average OAT score has been around 335. Click here to see all requirements.
Tuition: Southern College of Optometry Accepts Applications from All States and Foreign Countries however, limited positions are available for applicants from the regional states participating in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) contract program. See details, of their tuition, non-regional tuition and other fees here.
Michigan College of Optometry
The Michigan College of Optometry is affiliated with Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan that specializes in optometry. It is the only college of optometry in Michigan.
Michigan College of Optometry of Ferris State University helps students build a foundation that moves them forward in optometric healthcare and gives students the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with expert faculty members to develop the skills, knowledge, and integrity to join the next generation of leaders in the field of optometry.
Programs offered: Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education to offer the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program.
Admission requirements: For the Regular Admissions Program, the applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to the start date at the Michigan College of Optometry. See all requirements and also apply here.
Tuition: Michigan College of Optometry now offers one professional tuition rate for all students, no matter the state or country of origin. The tuition rate is an average of $38,958 per year.
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry
The Inter-American University of Puerto Rico is a private Christian university with its main campus in San Germán, Puerto Rico.
The School of Optometry is accredited by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association. General Information.
The IAUPR School of Optometry’s mission is to educate, develop and train students within a bilingual environment to become Doctors of Optometry who are knowledgeable, skilled and ethical primary health providers, dedicated to community service.
Programs offered: the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry (IAUPR) offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry program.
Admission requirements: 90 credits or more from an accredited university, 2.50+ General GPA (Grade Point Average), 2.50+ Requisite courses RGPA (Required Course work Point Average). See all requirements here.
Tuition: see tuition, financial aid and other fees here.
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University (SHU) is a private Catholic research university in South Orange, New Jersey. Seton Hall is the oldest diocesan university in the United States.
Programs offered: Seton Hill University’s cooperative degree program with the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry offers a combined undergraduate and graduate program leading to two degrees: the Bachelor of Science in biology from Seton Hill and the Doctor of Optometry from the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
As a student in this program, you will move to graduate-level study after three years, allowing you to complete both degrees in only seven years.
Admission requirements: There are no specific admission requirements to be part of these pre-professional programs.
Tuition: see all tuition and fees here
FAQs
What is the easiest optometry school to get into?
Here are the top 5 optometry schools with the easiest admission requirements:
- Indiana University School of Optometry.
- Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University.
- Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B.
- The University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry.
- Western University of Health Sciences.
Which state is best for optometrists?
West Virginia! Research shows that West Virginia is the best state for optometrists, with a median salary of $191,206.
What is a good GRE score for optometry school?
The GRE is designed to measure critical thinking and writing skills. GRE scores range from 130-170 with a national average score of 150 in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections.
What is the hardest year of optometry school?
The second year at Pacific is the toughest and stays that way for the entire year. Do you have any suggestions about our list of best optometry schools in the US, please comment below.