School Overview
- Degrees
- N/A
- Ownership
- Private Non-Profit
- Program Length
- 4 years
- Total Enrollment
- 131
- Accreditation Status
- Accredited
- Founding Year
- 1932
- Accreditation Year
- N/A
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SDN Insights
Cost of Attendance: $238,726
Estimate repayment
Estimated loan burden for SCO 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: Below national average cost of living
Memphis, TN is about 0.92x the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment lowers the living allowance from $3,000 to about $2,760 per month. Local rent and commuting choices can still move your actual budget meaningfully.
Environment: Urban
Nestled in an area with excellent walkability and strong biking infrastructure, SCO offers students flexibility in how they get around. Whether on foot or bike, most destinations are easily accessible, making for a convenient daily routine.
Interview Feedback
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 15% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
Secondary Essays for SCO
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About the School
Southern College of Optometry, located in Memphis, Tennessee, was founded in 1932 and is dedicated to the education of optometrists. The college offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program and is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including The Eye Center, which serves as a clinical training ground for students while providing comprehensive eye care to the community. Southern College of Optometry emphasizes a strong foundation in clinical education, research, and community service, preparing students for diverse careers in optometry. The institution is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), ensuring that its programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards.
Curriculum
The curriculum at SCO is structured into a four-year program that begins with a preclinical phase focused on foundational sciences and optometric principles, followed by a clinical phase emphasizing hands-on patient care and advanced clinical skills. The first two years primarily cover basic and vision sciences, including courses in anatomy, physiology, optics, and visual perception, integrated with early clinical exposure through labs and simulations. The third and fourth years transition into extensive clinical training, where students participate in rotations across various specialties such as primary care, pediatrics, contact lenses, and ocular disease, both on-campus and at external sites. SCO offers unique educational tracks, including the Advanced Studies Program, which allows students to delve deeper into areas like ocular disease or contact lenses. The curriculum is notable for its emphasis on evidence-based practice and interprofessional education, preparing students to collaborate effectively within healthcare teams.
Facilities
SCO offers state-of-the-art facilities that include advanced laboratories, modern classrooms, and a comprehensive simulation center designed to enhance clinical training for optometry students. The Eye Center, located on campus, serves as a primary clinical training site, providing students with hands-on experience in patient care under the supervision of licensed optometrists. Additionally, SCO's research spaces support a variety of studies in vision science, allowing students and faculty to engage in innovative research projects. The college also collaborates with local hospitals and clinics, offering students diverse clinical experiences in different healthcare settings.
Demographics
As of the latest available data, Southern College of Optometry's student body comprises a diverse demographic with approximately 64% female and 36% male students. The college emphasizes diversity, with about 25% of the student population identifying as underrepresented minorities in the field of optometry. Geographically, the student body represents a wide range of states across the U.S., with a significant number of students coming from the southeastern region. The college also maintains a commitment to inclusivity and representation, fostering an environment that supports students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Last Updated: Sep 09, 2026
