University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry
St. Louis, MO
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School Detail
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APPLICATION FEE
$50
Tuition In State
$18,720
Tuition Out of State
$34,256
Average GPA
3.5
AVERAGE OAT
306
School Overview
- Degrees
- N/A
- Ownership
- Public Non-Profit
- Program Length
- 4 years
- Total Enrollment
- 45
- Accreditation Status
- Accredited
- Founding Year
- 1980
- Accreditation Year
- N/A
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SDN Insights
Cost of Attendance: $237,268
Estimate repayment
Estimated loan burden for UMSL 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
St. Louis, MO 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 $2,850 per month. Treat this as a city-level budgeting estimate, not the school's official cost of attendance.
Environment: Urban
Located in a more suburban setting, UMSL is in an area where biking can supplement the otherwise car-centric environment. While walking to amenities isn't always practical, students may find short bike rides useful for local errands.
Interview Feedback
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 28% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did well.
Secondary Essays for UMSL
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About the School
The University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, located in St. Louis, Missouri, was established in 1980 and is one of the 23 optometry schools in the United States. It offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. The college is known for its comprehensive curriculum that integrates clinical experience with foundational science and research. Students have access to diverse clinical training opportunities through partnerships with various healthcare facilities and community outreach programs. The college also emphasizes research and innovation in the field of optometry, providing students with opportunities to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to advancements in eye care.
Curriculum
The UMSL College of Optometry curriculum is structured into a four-year program divided into preclinical and clinical phases, designed to provide a comprehensive education in optometry. The first two years focus on foundational sciences and preclinical training, where students engage in courses such as anatomy, physiology, optics, and visual sciences, alongside hands-on laboratory work to develop essential clinical skills. The latter two years emphasize clinical education, with students participating in diverse clinical rotations across various settings, including the on-campus University Eye Center and external sites, to gain practical experience in patient care. Unique educational tracks include opportunities for specialization in areas such as pediatric optometry, contact lenses, and ocular disease. Notable learning approaches at UMSL include problem-based learning and interprofessional education, fostering collaboration with other healthcare disciplines to enhance comprehensive patient care.
Facilities
The University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry offers state-of-the-art facilities that include advanced laboratories, modern classrooms, and a comprehensive simulation center designed to enhance clinical training. The college is equipped with the Center for Eye Care, which serves as a primary clinical teaching facility, providing students with hands-on experience in patient care. Additionally, the college has access to cutting-edge research spaces that support a wide range of optometric studies, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery. These facilities are integral to the college's mission of providing high-quality education and training to future optometrists.
Demographics
As of the most recent data available from the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, the student body is composed of a diverse group of individuals, with approximately 60% identifying as female and 40% as male. The college emphasizes inclusivity, with students representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds, contributing to a multicultural learning environment. Geographic representation is broad, with students hailing from multiple states across the U.S., although a significant portion of the student population comes from Missouri and neighboring regions. The college is committed to fostering a diverse academic community, which is reflected in its enrollment statistics and outreach efforts.
Last Updated: Sep 09, 2026