Optometry Tuition and Financial Aid

Earning a doctor of optometry at Pacific University is an investment in your future. We are here to help you plan a financing strategy for your education.

The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility for all federal loan and employment programs and provides resources for students interested in borrowing through private and alternative loan programs. The process of financing a graduate education can be challenging; the Financial Aid Office is committed to making the process as manageable as possible.

Review doctor of optometry tuition, program costs and financial aid below. 

Doctor of Optometry Tuition 2023-2024

Tuition and fees are based on standard program enrollment. 

Year 1 tuition and fees: $48,620/year

Year 2 tuition and fees: $48,605/year

Year 3 tuition and fees: $48,605/year

Year 4 tuition and fees: $48,641/year

Find complete cost of attendance information:

Academic Year 2023-2024
Academic Year 2022-2023

Financial Aid 

To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available annually beginning October 1. To explore and understand available financing options, we recommend that you file the FAFSA no later than February 15, prior to the start of the academic year. It is not necessary to be accepted for admission prior to submitting a FAFSA.

Loans

Federal Student Loan Programs 

Federal student loan programs offer:

• Fixed interest rates, set annually by the federal government
• Income-driven repayment plans
• Loan forgiveness plans

Private Loans

Alternative loans are available through private lenders. Eligibility is generally based on a borrower’s employment history, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and enrollment status. Students are encouraged to explore federal student loan options before applying for alternative student loans.

Learn more about federal student loans for graduate and professional programs. 

Federal Work Study

Federal work study funds part-time jobs for students with financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Earnings are paid directly to the student for hours worked. To qualify, students must submit the FAFSA by March 1 (prior to the start of the academic year) and indicate on the FAFSA that they want to be considered for federal work study.

Doctor of Optometry Scholarship Opportunities

Pacific University College of Optometry is pleased to award approximately 20 scholarships to first-year optometry students. The scholarships include our Dean's Merit Award ($15,000 over three years), the Dean's Scholarships ($5,000 toward your first-year tuition), and other awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Scholarships are determined by the overall quality of your application, including GPA and OAT scores; your written application and letters of reference; your on-campus interview; and compatibility with specified criteria when applicable. Examples of specified criteria include but isn’t limited to applicants returning to optometry as a second profession, Canadian citizenship, state of residency, and affiliation with an under-represented ethnicity within the profession of optometry. The majority of the scholarships are awarded by the Admissions Committee in the spring.

WICHE Financial Assistance

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) offers financial assistance to certified professional optometry students from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawai‘i, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. 

All residents from the states above are strongly encouraged to apply for WICHE certification. The WICHE PSEP application deadline is different for each state, but is usually in September or October of the year prior to entrance in the program.

International Students

Pacific University is a private institution, so all students pay the same tuition rate. In general, international students are not eligible for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) unless they meet the criteria posted on the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site at fafsa.gov. In order to receive permission to enter the United States as an international student, you will need to show proof that you have enough money to pay for at least the first year cost of attendance and to support yourself and any family members that accompany you. Proof of funds can be obtained with a letter from your local bank stating your account balance or line of credit. If you accept your offer of admission, the Office of International Programs will contact you in the spring with the amount that you will have to show to receive your I-20.