Top 10 Optometry Schools in the United States (2025 Update)

Choosing the right optometry school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a future eye care professional. The best programs combine clinical excellence, innovative research, and strong residency placement all while preparing you for a rewarding career in vision science.

If you're applying to optometry school this year, here are the top programs to consider based on graduation rates, OAT scores, research output, and clinical opportunities.

What to Look For in an Optometry School

Before diving into the rankings, keep in mind what makes an optometry program stand out:

• Board exam pass rates and graduation success
• Faculty credentials and research funding
• On-campus clinics and patient exposure
• Residency program availability
• Opportunities for clinical outreach and public health impact

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1. Arizona College of Optometry at Midwestern University

Located in Glendale, AZ, this program boasts a 98% graduation rate and an immersive curriculum that blends high-tech simulations with real-world clinical work. Students participate in outreach clinics and benefit from mentorship by faculty who are fellows of the American Academy of Optometry.

• Acceptance Rate: 10%
• Average GPA: 3.41
• Average OAT: 319
  
  

2. Illinois College of Optometry (ICO)

With its central location in Chicago and partnership with the Illinois Eye Institute, ICO produces around 160 graduates each year. Students engage in extensive hands-on training and can choose from diverse residency programs, including vision rehabilitation and ocular disease.

• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Average GPA: 3.42
• Average OAT: 326
  
  

3. Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry

Students at NSU benefit from a dual-track curriculum: two years of didactic learning and two years of focused clinical training. The program is known for advanced technology, international mission opportunities, and nearly a 98% pass rate on board exams.

• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Average GPA: 3.43
• Average OAT: 323
  
  

4. Ohio State University College of Optometry

With a reputation for academic rigor, OSU trains just 64 optometry students per class, offering personalized attention and high-tech resources. Faculty and students have won national awards for vision research and low-vision innovation.

• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Average GPA: 3.72
• Average OAT: 317
  
  

5. Southern College of Optometry (SCO)

One of the oldest optometry schools in the country, SCO in Memphis hosts over 60,000 patient visits annually through its Eye Center. The school offers modern facilities, a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and a 99% graduation rate.

• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Average GPA: 3.61
• Average OAT: 336
  
  

6. SUNY College of Optometry

This competitive program in New York City offers access to world-class faculty, $4M in research funding annually, and a strong record of student success. Its alumni frequently earn national awards for excellence in optometric practice and research.

• Acceptance Rate: 23%
• Average GPA: 3.59
• Average OAT: 346 
  
  

7. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

UAB students receive hands-on training at the nationally recognized UAB Eye Care clinic. NIH-backed research and a nearly 98% graduation rate make this a strong choice for future optometrists.

• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Average GPA: 3.66
• Average OAT: 321 
  
  

8. UC Berkeley School of Optometry

Berkeley's program is known for academic excellence and early patient exposure—students begin working with patients in their first year and average 2,500 clinical hours by graduation. The program also supports independent student research through its Clinical Research Center.

• Acceptance Rate: 37%
• Average GPA: 3.42
• Average OAT: 355
  
  

9. University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) College of Optometry

UMSL emphasizes access, diversity, and community-based care. Its students contribute to low-cost eye care clinics and graduate with over a 95% pass rate. The school promotes hands-on learning from the very start of the program.

• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Average GPA: 3.42
• Average OAT: 31
  
  

10. University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO)

As Kentucky’s first and only optometry school, KYCO offers a $60M state-of-the-art facility and a focus on serving medically underserved communities. The school emphasizes public health, outreach, and affordability.

• Acceptance Rate: 38%
• Average GPA: 3.31
• Average OAT: 296

Why Consider a Career in Optometry?

Optometry is a growing field, with job prospects projected to increase over 4% in the next decade. The average optometrist earns approximately $140,000 annually and enjoys the flexibility to work in clinical care, education, or research. As vision care demand increases, optometrists will be essential in both urban and rural healthcare systems.

Want to Strengthen Your Optometry School Application?

The top optometry programs are competitive. Strong academics and test scores are just part of the equation. What truly sets applicants apart is clinical experience and demonstrated commitment to patient care.

At Go Elective, we offer immersive pre-optometry internships in underserved communities across Kenya and Tanzania. You’ll shadow eye care professionals, assist in community health outreach, and build a powerful foundation in global health.

Key Takeaway: Whether you’re aiming for Berkeley, SCO, or SUNY, the right preparation starts now. Combine academic excellence with hands-on experience to maximize your chances of getting into the best optometry schools in the U.S.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 16, 2025