Most Affordable Optometry Schools in 2025

Optometry is a growing field with strong job security and steady demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for optometrists to grow by eight percent from 2024 to 2034.¹ While medical training can be expensive, there are optometry programs around the country that make this path surprisingly affordable.

This guide breaks down the most affordable optometry schools in the U.S. You’ll learn what drives the cost of this education, how to find scholarships, and which programs offer the best value for your career goals.

Key Takeaways

• Optometry remains a high-demand field and has strong long-term job stability and earning potential.
• There are 25 accredited U.S. schools and colleges of optometry, each with distinct tuition structures and aid options.
• Similar with any other program, the cost of attendance (COA) for optometry school includes tuition, fees, required equipment, exams, and living expenses, not just tuition alone.
• Licensure requires that you complete an OD program and pass the NBEO exams, plus any state-specific requirements.
• Scholarships, federal loans, and work-study programs can all help make OD programs more financially accessible.

Most Affordable Optometry Schools

Eye-care training is increasingly accessible in 2025 as more affordable optometry programs emerge across the U.S. There are approximately 25 ASCO-accredited optometry schools around the country, which means that competition is there but it’s still manageable for people who are aspiring to become an optometrist.

What Are the Most Affordable Optometry Schools in the US?

Choosing one of the most affordable U.S. optometry schools means that you should be evaluating both the outright tuition and any hidden program costs. The most affordable programs include the University of Houston, University of Missouri–St Louis (UMSL), and SUNY College of Optometry, which are all public institutions that have relatively low resident tuition and strong clinical training opportunities.

How Much Do the Cheapest Optometry Schools Cost?

The lowest-cost optometry programs in the U.S. today start at under $13,000 tuition per year for residents. While total COA varies from school to school, most public-school OD students will end up paying between $12,000 and $38,000 annually for tuition. Big factors that contribute to cost include if you are an in-state resident or attending an out-of-state school.

Why You Should Attend an Optometry School

Pursuing an OD degree offers you a stable and meaningful career path. Optometry schools provide students from health and science backgrounds with specialized training in all things eye-related. Once you graduate, you will be able to preserve and restore vision, which is both a financially secure and often a very fulfilling career path. Typical licensure for optometrists requires that you complete your OD, pass NBEO Part I–III exams, and meet your state-specific requirements for practice. 

Best Optometry School Career Options

Graduates of optometry programs can move into clinical roles, residencies, management, or a career in academia. Optometry is one of the few healthcare professions that has a defined professional doctorate (OD) as its entry point. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of optometrists is projected to grow by 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.¹

Many new ODs complete a one-year residency in ocular disease, pediatrics, low vision, or contact lenses to broaden their clinical experience and qualify for hospital-based or VA positions. 

Optometry Salary

The median annual salary for optometrists in 2024 was $134,830. The top 10% of earners made at least $203,210 per year, so there is great potential for earnings.¹ That being said, your salary will vary depending on the setting you are working in. People who work in outpatient care centers typically earn more than optometrists who work in private practice.¹ 

Can You Attend Optometry School for Free?

While no optometry school is entirely “free,” you can utilize financial aid and scholarships to significantly cut the cost of your education. Aid packages like Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, plus institutional or association scholarships, are a great way to help offset the cost. Federal Pell Grants do not apply to graduate study, but many schools offer competitive need- or merit-based OD awards. 

Cheapest Optometry Schools That Won’t Break the Bank

Here are some of the most affordable OD programs in the United States. You’ll notice that public schools are typically more affordable than private schools, but private programs may offer better financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities. 

What Are the Cheapest Optometry Schools? A Deep Dive

Paying for Optometry School With Financial Aid

Effective financial planning is important when considering enrolling in an OD program. Many students help to finance their education with federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Grad PLUS Loans.

Federal and state grants are generally limited to undergraduates, but OD students can still explore need-based or diversity scholarships through their schools or associations such as the American Optometric Foundation.

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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Optometry School Program

The first step to applying for financial aid is to fill out the FAFSA. Graduate students have to submit a FAFSA annually to qualified for financial aid. 

Step-by-step overview:

1. Create an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website.
2. Prepare financial documentation, including your Social Security number, tax return, and income records.
3. Select the correct FAFSA year that matches your program start date.
4. List all OD schools you’re applying to; each has its own school code.
5. Submit, sign, and monitor your application status. You’ll receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) once processed.

Submitting your FAFSA early will help to maximize the federal aid you can potentially qualify for and help you explore your eligibility for any institutional grants. 

Best Optometry Scholarships

Scholarships that are specifically created for optometry students can help to drastically reduce your tuition expenses. National organizations like the National Optometric Foundation and American Optometric Association, as well as individual schools offer annual scholarships that can range from $500 to over $10,000.

You can find additional optometry scholarships and grants through individual school’s websites or on the ASCO scholarship database.

Cheapest Undergraduate Optometry Schools

Cheapest Graduate Schools for Optometry

Graduate degrees in vision science or clinical optometry may offer lower-cost options for your graduate study. These degrees focus more on research instead of the clinical licensure you would get with an OD program. 

How to Choose a Good and Affordable Optometry School

Selecting an affordable optometry school means that you are balancing tuition, clinical training, state scope, and your career goals. There are currently 25 accredited optometry schools in the country to choose from. 

Factors to weigh:

• Location & cost of living: This can be a major expense that you should take into consideration.
• Clinical exposure: Hands-on opportunities for clinical exposure can vary drastically by program.
• Licensure & scope: State practice laws differ from location to location.
• Financial aid: Internal grants and scholarships can help offset costs significantly.

Tips for Saving Money While Attending Optometry School

Smart budgeting and cost-saving strategies can make a major difference in your optometry school expenses.

• Apply early for federal aid and institutional scholarships.
• Buy used or loaner equipment when permitted; verify with your school.
• Factor in NBEO exam fees when planning.
• Compare housing and food plans to local alternatives.
• Check for fee waivers for application or testing costs.

Highest-Paying Optometry Careers

Optometry careers vary widely in earning potential depending on specialty, location, and practice setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for optometrists was $134,830 in 2024, with the top 10 percent earning more than $203,210.¹ States with the highest pay include New Hampshire, Washington, North Carolina, Maine, and New York.²⁴

Best Optometry Jobs Explained

From senior optometrist to medical scientist, optometry graduates can pursue diverse roles across healthcare, including:

• Senior Optometrist – Experienced professionals who lead clinics or supervise care teams. Many hold practice ownership or management duties.
• Optometrist – Provides diagnosis and treatment of visual defects and prescribes corrective lenses.
• Medical & Health Services Manager – Oversees healthcare facilities or departments; ODs with additional management training often move into these roles.
• Medical Scientist – Conducts research on vision disorders and treatment methods.
• Postsecondary Teacher – Educates future optometrists and conducts research at universities or optometry schools.

Optometry Schools Ranking Methodology

This article ranks optometry schools by affordability using transparent data from school websites, ASCO, and the U.S. Department of Education. No “best overall” rankings are presented, there is only verified cost data and graduation outcomes. All figures reflect the most recent publicly available data (2025–2026 academic year).

Additional Reading About Optometry

For deeper exploration into optometry training, careers, and pathways, explore these Career Karma resources:

• How to Become an Optometrist
• Paramedical Courses
• Best Health Tech Startups

Cheapest Optometry Schools FAQ

What are the common admission requirements for optometry?
Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework (biology, chemistry, physics) and pass the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), to be accepted by all accredited U.S. schools. 

What undergraduate degree should an aspiring optometrist get?
Most optometry students major in biology, chemistry, or a pre-optometry track to fulfill OD program requirements.

Are there any alternatives to a four-year OD program?
No. All U.S. optometrists must complete an accredited four-year OD program to qualify for licensure.

What kinds of conditions do optometrists treat?
Optometrists diagnose and manage vision disorders, eye injuries, and diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

How do you get licensed as an optometrist?
Getting licensed requires that you pass the NBEO Parts I–III and complete any additional state law exams or background checks before you can begin practicing as an optometrist.

Sources

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