Optometry School Cost

Only eighteen universities in the US have accredited optometry schools so competition is tough. Along with high undergraduate scores, a personal essay and letters of recommendation, applicants must take the Optometrist Admission Test to be considered for the four-year program in one of the public or private universities.

• Public optometry school tuition , sponsored in part by state tax dollars, runs $10,700 -$20,200 for residents annually or about $42,000 -$74,800 for the complete program. Non residents pay around $22,400 -$43,400 per year, totaling $89,600 -$173,600.
• Indiana University School of Optometry in-state tuition costs about $16,000 per year or $64,000 to reach the degree. Non residents are charged about $30,560 per year or $122,240 for four years.
• At the top of the scale, the University of California-Berkeley charges about $20,200 per year for residents or $80,800 for the complete program, while non residents pay around $32,500 annually or nearly $130,000 during the four years.
• Optometry school tuition and fees at private universities run $15,000 -$29,100 per year or $60,000 -$116,400 for the four-year program for residents and $20,000 -$29,100 per year or $80,000- $116,400 for a degree for non residents. Some private schools have only one fee schedule for residents and non residents.
• Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee sits at the economical end of the scale for residents at about $15,500 per year, totaling around $62,000. Non residents pay around $20,450 per year or $81,800 for the four-year program.
• Western University of Health Sciences charges $27,700 per year or $110,800 for the complete Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, while tuition at Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University runs $29,500 per year or $118,000 for four years.

• Books purchased during optometry school become a personal reference library at the start of a student's career. Supplies include equipment needed to examine, diagnose and treat eyes. Together, books and supplies run about $2,300 -$6,280 per year during the first two years, around $1,060 -$1,600 the third year and dropping to near $400 -$1,780 the fourth -- totaling $6,000 -$16,000 overall, depending on the school.
• Students also take the national board during their second, third and fourth years at about $625 each year or $1,875 overall. License and certification fees in the fourth year are around $400.
• Taken in several sections, the complete National Board of Examiners in Optometry exams will cost about $3,600.

• The American Academy of Optometry maintains online information on scholarships, awards and grants for optometry students.
• Many schools offer programs that allow students from out of the area to either enter as a resident or become a resident during their studies. Check the individual school's admissions requirements for complete information.
• Before applying for most awards or loans, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must usually be completed.

• The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry maintains a list of the 18 US and one Puerto Rican optometry schools.

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