by our College Data Analytics TeamOptometry is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their optometry programs.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best optometry schools.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the optometry degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Southern College Of Optometry, our #1 school for optometry. Set in the city of Memphis, Southern College Of Optometry is a small private not-for-profit institution. There were roughly 126 optometry students who graduated with this degree at Southern College Of Optometry in the most recent data year. Graduates of the optometry program make about $106,728 in their early career. See the full optometry program report for Southern College Of Optometry
Nova Southeastern University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best optometry schools. Set in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Nova Southeastern University graduates 63% of students within six years. Nova Southeastern University awarded about 97 optometry degrees in the most recent data year. Optometry graduates of Nova Southeastern University earn a median of $88,293 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete this degree. See the full optometry program report for Nova Southeastern University
Pikeville College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in optometry, ranking #3. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Pikeville. Roughly 42% of students complete a degree within six years here. Pikeville College awarded about 55 optometry degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their optometry degree from Pikeville College earn around $120,196 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,966 to complete this degree. Get the full optometry details for Pikeville College
University Of Alabama At Birmingham is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in optometry, ranking #4. This very large public university is located in the city of Birmingham. About 64% of students finish within six years. About 56 optometry degrees were awarded at University Of Alabama At Birmingham in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from University Of Alabama At Birmingham generally make around $97,611. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. More information about a degree in optometry from University Of Alabama At Birmingham
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 4 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.