Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University
Downers Grove, IL
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School Detail
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APPLICATION FEE
N/A
Tuition In State
$49,634
Tuition Out of State
$49,634
Average GPA
3.45
AVERAGE OAT
304
School Overview
- Degrees
- N/A
- Ownership
- Private Non-Profit
- Program Length
- 4 years
- Total Enrollment
- N/A
- Accreditation Status
- Accredited
- Founding Year
- 2017
- Accreditation Year
- N/A
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SDN Insights
Cost of Attendance: $385,496
Estimate repayment
Estimated loan burden for CCO-MU using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.
Cost of Living: Near national average cost of living
Downers Grove, IL is close to the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment keeps the $3,000 monthly allowance at about $3,120 per month. Treat this as a city-level budgeting estimate, not the school's official cost of attendance.
Environment: Urban
The area surrounding CCO-MU is best navigated by car, with few amenities within walking or biking distance. While this quieter environment may offer fewer distractions, it requires a bit more planning for everyday errands or exploring local offerings.
Interview Feedback
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 20% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
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About the School
The Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University, located in Downers Grove, Illinois, was established in 2014. It is part of Midwestern University, which is a private, not-for-profit institution known for its focus on health sciences education. The college offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program designed to prepare students for careers in optometry through a curriculum that integrates basic and clinical sciences with hands-on patient care experiences. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are trained in a variety of clinical settings, including the Midwestern University Eye Institute, which provides comprehensive eye and vision care services to the community. The program emphasizes interprofessional education, allowing students to collaborate with peers from other health professions, enhancing their ability to work in diverse healthcare teams.
Curriculum
The curriculum at CCO is structured into a four-year program divided into preclinical and clinical phases, designed to provide comprehensive optometric education. The first two years focus on foundational biomedical sciences, optics, and visual sciences, integrated with early clinical exposure through simulated patient interactions and clinical skills labs. The third and fourth years emphasize clinical training, with students participating in diverse patient care experiences across various settings, including primary care, specialty clinics, and externships. Unique educational tracks include opportunities for interprofessional education, allowing students to collaborate with peers from other healthcare disciplines within Midwestern University. Notable learning approaches at CCO include a problem-based learning model and the use of advanced technology in clinical training, ensuring students are well-prepared for contemporary optometric practice.
Facilities
The Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance the educational experience of its students. The college features advanced laboratories equipped with the latest technology for optometric education, including a dedicated pre-clinical skills lab where students can practice essential techniques. The simulation center provides realistic patient care scenarios to help students develop clinical skills in a controlled environment. Additionally, the on-campus Eye Institute serves as a primary clinical training site, offering comprehensive eye care services to the community and allowing students to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced faculty. The college also benefits from its location within the Midwestern University campus, which includes access to interprofessional education opportunities and collaboration with other healthcare programs.
Demographics
As of the most recent data available from Midwestern University's official website, the Chicago College of Optometry exhibits a diverse student body with a commitment to inclusivity. The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with a slight majority of female students. The college attracts students from various geographic regions, with a significant representation from the Midwest, while also drawing applicants from across the United States and internationally. The institution emphasizes a multicultural environment, fostering a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds among its enrollees. Additionally, the college supports diversity through various initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the educational experience for all students.
Last Updated: Sep 09, 2026