How much does optometry school cost in the US?

Private Schools:

School	Tuition/Fees (Regional)	Average GPA
Illinois College of Optometry	$42,870	3.42
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences	$43,950	3.22
Southern California College of Optometry	$47,432	3.32
Midwestern University	$48,529	3.41

What is the best optometry school in USA?

Here Are the 10 Best Optometry Schools in the US

• University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (Pikeville, KY)
• UC Berkeley School of Optometry (Berkeley, CA)
• Illinois College of Optometry (Chicago, IL)
• University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry (St. Louis, MO)

What are the cheapest optometry schools?

10 Most Affordable Doctor of Optometry Degrees

• Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry.
• Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry.
• Midwestern University.
• Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
• New England College of Optometry.
• Illinois College of Optometry.

Why is optometry school so expensive?

Optometrists graduate with more student loans than anticipated. Not only that, but higher living expenses, tuition increases each year, interest accruing on the loans, and leftover loans from undergrad push the cost of becoming an OD well above what was anticipated.

Do you have to take the MCAT for optometry school?

How do you become an optometrist? After obtaining a bachelor degree and completing the necessary prerequisites, you will take the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)—whereas for medical school you would take the MCAT. You will then need to complete a four-year program at an accredited optometry school.

Is med school harder than optometry school?

Medical school can be more expansive in what is covered, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is harder. By contrast, optometric education goes into much more depth in the diverse array of optometric subcategories (e.g., low vision, ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, or vision therapy).

Is 310 a good oat score?

The average GPA of an entering class is usually around 3.7, and the average OAT score has been around 340. Applicants with an OAT academic average score of 310 or below are encouraged to retake the OAT.

Is it worth it to be an optometrist?

Optometry can certainly be a rewarding career as it helps people improve their eyesight and maintain eye health. And along with this eye care career an OD can earn a nice living. Even though incomes have leveled off, the cost of optometry school continues to rise.

What is the best major for optometry school?

Here are top 20 of the best optometry schools that you should consider: UC Berkeley School of Optometry UC Berkeley School of Optometry – a public school with 27\% rate of acceptance. State University of New York College of Optometry – a public school with 16\% acceptance rate.

What is a safe GPA for admission to optometry school?

A GPA of 3.5 is required to be competitive

3 recommendation letters

1 letter from a licensed optometrist following a shadowing is required

How to become an optometrist?

Pursue an education. The most important step toward becoming an optometrist is meeting the necessary educational requirements.

Gain experience. A common way to gain experience as an optometrist is to work for or volunteer in an optometry office.

Become licensed to practice.

Consider certifications.

Apply for jobs.

How hard is optometry school?

Getting accepted to optometry school is difficult, but not impossible. Optometry schools have a 74\% acceptance rate. However, to apply to most optometry schools, a student will need to have a GPA of at least 3.0, finish required undergraduate courses, and pass the OAT (Optometry Admission Test).