Pre-Optometry

Optometry schools

We track 31 programs awarding the OD across 22 states and provinces. The median cumulative GPA across these programs is 3.53 — 0.03 above the typical optometry applicant. The median OAT total is 325. Public programs charge a median $32,578 in state against $50,450 out of state.

3.53

Median cumulative GPA

0.03 above the typical applicant

325

Median OAT total

5 below the typical applicant

$32,578

Median in-state tuition, public programs

Median class size

Medians are worked out from the schools listed on this page that publish each number. Each school’s numbers say where they came from. How we source our numbers

Typical-applicant benchmark: We don't have a record of where this came from · How we source our numbers

What this path asks for

Admissions test

OAT — required by all schools. Four subtests (Natural Sciences, Reading, Physics, Quant). Take spring of junior year.

Where you apply

OptomCAS (ASCO) — Cycle opens late June.

Accreditation

ACOE · ~24 accredited OD programs

Letters of recommendation

A science professor and a practicing optometrist (OD).

Prerequisite coursework

No optometry program in our database publishes a structured prerequisite list. These are the courses the path generally expects.

Biology + labs
General Chemistry + labs
Organic Chemistry + labs
Physics + labs
Biochemistry or Microbiology
Calculus
Statistics
English
Psychology

Public and private cost

13 public programs

$32,578

median in-state tuition

$50,450 out of state

18 private programs

$50,237

median tuition

Private programs charge one rate regardless of residency.

All 31 optometry programs

Keep reading

Read the admissions blog for guidance that applies across every pre-health path.

Compare other paths

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Data Accuracy & Source Disclosure: The statistics provided (including GPA and test score percentiles) are gathered from publicly available data, university class profiles, and educational reports. This data is provided for informational purposes only. White Coat World is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) or any specific health professional school. While we strive for 100% accuracy, admissions requirements are subject to change; users are encouraged to verify all critical data points with the respective institution's admissions office directly. Each number says where it came from; see How we source our numbers.