Illinois College of Optometry: Programs, Admissions, Tuition & Housing

Illinois College of Optometry is one of the few universities in the country that is exclusively focused on optometric education. Located in downtown Chicago, the college has been known for its excellence and offers a rigorous curriculum that is both challenging in the coursework and very high in clinical experience. Students benefit from direct access to patient cases through the Illinois Eye Institute and develop the skills and confidence that are key to practice in all forms of healthcare.

This guide discusses admissions to Illinois College of Optometry and Illinois College of Optometry Programs, along with tuition, scholarships, ranking, campus, and Illinois College of Optometry acceptance rate; this should be fairly comprehensive for you to make an educated decision about one of the most respected optometry colleges in America.

Illinois College of Optometry Campus and Location

The Illinois College of Optometry is located in a premier city, Chicago, and offers students the ability to study in one of the largest, most diverse metropolitan areas in the country. The campus is on the South Side of the city, near renowned health care institutions, neighborhoods rich in culture, and historic sites. The college's location grants exceptional access to clinical experiences, professional connections, and collaborative experiences that are interdisciplinary and collaborative, due to its proximity to the Illinois Medical District (one of the largest urban medical districts in the United States).

The Illinois Eye Institute, an all-patient eye and vision care facility, is located on the modern campus, as well as state-of-the-art learning spaces and labs. There are opportunities to gain hands-on experience with numerous ocular conditions in a facility that serves an expansive patient population. The Illinois College of Optometry will allow students to develop academically and personally, while they absorb Chicago's urban culture, museums, theaters, dining, and parks -such as Millennium Park and Lake Michigan's shoreline.

Illinois College of Optometry Ranking

The Illinois College of Optometry is one of the finest optometry schools in the United States Innovation and quality clinical experience, a demanding degree program, as well as a rich history of being a leading contributor of practicing optometrists in the country, add to an excellent reputation. The College continues a long-standing tradition of excellence in the areas of vision science, patient care, and research, proudly possessing the highest academic and professional rankings.

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Ranking Category	Rank/Recognition
Top Optometry Schools in the U.S.	Among the Top 5
Best Graduate Schools in Health Professions	Nationally Recognized
Clinical Training Excellence	Highly Rated for Patient Diversity & Case Volume
Research in Vision Science	Known for Innovative Eye Care Research

The Illinois College of Optometry's leadership in the field of optometry is demonstrated by continual accolades in all professional/societal assessments. In observance of the evidence related to optics education, the Illinois College of Optometry continues to use the metrics to determine their success. The Illinois College of Optometry has an education component, and merges it with a manifestly significant clinical experience.

Illinois College of Optometry Programs

Many different academic options are provided by the Illinois College of Optometry to prepare students for rewarding careers in vision science and optometry. Each program ensures that graduates will be ready for success in the fields of patient care, research, and leadership in the eye care profession through a balance of rigorous coursework and extensive clinical experience.

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Program Name	Description	Duration
Doctor of Optometry (OD)	A professional degree program focusing on vision science, diagnostics, treatment, and patient management.	4 Years
OD/MS in Vision Science	Dual-degree option integrating optometric education with advanced research in vision science.	4–5 Years
Residency Programs	Postgraduate clinical training in specialties like pediatric optometry, ocular disease, and contact lenses.	1 Year
Continuing Education	Short-term courses and workshops for practicing optometrists to maintain licensure and expand expertise.	Varies

Because of these programs' emphasis on experiential learning, innovative research, and patient-centered care, the Illinois College of Optometry is a top choice for practicing and aspiring optometrists looking for academic and clinical excellence.

Illinois College of Optometry Admissions Process

The purpose of the Illinois College of Optometry admissions process is to identify individuals who are excited about the field of optometry, to ascertain their academic readiness, and to assess their future promise as providers of patient care. Applicants are evaluated based on many factors, such as academic accomplishments, clinical experiences, leadership capabilities, and their personal attributes and characteristics; they are not evaluated solely on academic experiences.

At the Illinois College of Optometry, the historical acceptance rate average is around 40%. While this is competitive, it is also diverse. The admissions team looks for applicants who are excited and committed to providing eye care to many different populations, as well as academic readiness for optometry school.

Eligibility and Required Documents

Doctor of Optometry (OD) Applicants generally will need:
Complete application through OptomCAS
Bachelor's degree (or at least 90 points) from an accredited institution
Official academic transcripts for all colleges /universities attended
Overall minimum GPA (3.0 or higher recommended)
Written score from the OAT, Optometry Admission Test
Two Letters of Recommendation (preferably from an optometrist and a professor)
A Personal Statement expressing the applicant's motivation for entering into the field of optometry.
A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) (optional, but should be considered)

Graduate Program (OD/MS) Applicants will need to submit:

Bachelor's degree in optometry or related field
Official transcripts from the institution(s) the applicant attended
GRE scores (if required by the research program)
2 letters of recommendation (usually two)
Statement of Purpose explaining research interests
Updated resume or CV

International Students will also have to submit:

TOEFL or IELTS scores if the applicant is not a native English speaker and needs to demonstrate English proficiency.
Credential evaluation of academic transcripts from a service such as WES or ECE.
Evidence of financial support.

Application Deadline:

It is always recommended to apply early, especially when a scholarship is considered. A few programs might use rolling admission, but those who apply before deadlines will be prioritized.

Illinois College of Optometry Tuition

The Illinois College of Optometry offers specialized, quality optometric education that prepares students for successful careers in the field of ocular health. The institution is committed to helping students identify financial means to pay for their education, although tuition levels reflect the value of a professional doctorate program.

Overview of Tuition

The Illinois College of Optometry Tuition varies depending on the program and academic year. An approximate breakdown for full-time students is provided below:

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Program Type	Estimated Annual Tuition
Doctor of Optometry (OD)	$43,740–$45,500
OD/MS Dual Degree	$45,000–$47,000
Graduate Certificate	$800–$1,200 per credit
Continuing Education	Varies by course/workshop

The tuition estimates do not account for additional costs like lab fees, equipment costs, books, and living expenses. It is advised that students budget for these additional expenses in advance.

Illinois College of Optometry Scholarships

The Illinois College of Optometry will assist students through need-based aid, merit-based awards, and special scholarships to students who have shown leadership, community service, or academic excellence. These options provide opportunities to help reduce the total cost of earning a graduate degree in optometry.

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Scholarship Name	Amount	Eligibility Criteria
Presidential Scholarship	Up to $15,000/year	Exceptional academic record, leadership, and service
Dean’s Merit Award	$5,000–$10,000/year	High GPA and strong entrance exam scores
Diversity in Optometry Scholarship	Variable	Students from underrepresented backgrounds in optometry
Legacy Scholarship	$2,000–$5,000/year	Children or relatives of ICO alumni
Research Excellence Award	Variable + research grant	Outstanding research projects in vision science

While some scholarships require a separate application, essay, or evidence of financial need, others are given out automatically upon admission based on academic credentials. In order to receive the most consideration, students are urged to apply as soon as possible.

Student Housing Near Illinois College of Optometry

Through its Residential Complex (RC), which is situated right on campus for unparalleled convenience, Illinois College of Optometry provides on-campus housing. First- and second-year students can stay in suites at this facility, while upper-year students can stay in apartment-style units. The RC offers convenient access to classrooms and the Illinois Eye Institute, as well as study lounges and fitness centers.

On-Campus Housing at Illinois College of Optometry

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Housing Type	Description	Average Cost (Per Quarter)
Residential Complex Suites	Shared suites with common lounge areas for early-year students	Varies by configuration
Apartment-Style Units	Private or shared apartments for upper-year students with in-unit kitchens	Varies by configuration
Graduate/Family Housing	Limited units for graduate students or families	Varies by configuration

Off-Campus Housing Near Illinois College of Optometry

Due to the flexible lease terms and convenient commutes offered by neighboring Chicago neighborhoods like Bronzeville, Bridgeport, and South Loop, many students opt to live off campus. Apartments with multiple bedrooms and furnished studios are among the options. Popular off-campus apartments near Illinois College of Optometry are as follows:

1. Lake Meadows Apartments, Chicago
2. Prairie Shores Bronzeville, Chicago
3. June Homes 60616, Chicago

These off-campus buildings are highly regarded for fusing close proximity to ICO's academic and clinical facilities with student-friendly features like fitness centers, common areas, and round-the-clock security.

Notable Alumni of Illinois College of Optometry

Generations of leaders in optometry, public health, research, and entrepreneurship have been molded by the Illinois College of Optometry. Its alumni network is a thriving group of professionals who mentor aspiring optometrists, serve their communities with distinction, and contribute to advancements in vision care.

Among the most well-known alumni are:

Dr. Robert N. Lewenson
Dr. Abby Jakob
Dr. Sandra S. Block
Newton K. Wesley
Donald L. Iverson

The dedication of the Illinois College of Optometry to quality, innovation, and service in the field of eye care is demonstrated by these successful graduates.

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