Boston, MA
School Overview
Tuition (In State): $39,445
Tuition (Out of State): $39,445
Accreditation Status: N/A
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 135
Degrees: N/A
Founding Year: 1894
Accreditation Year: N/A
Website: https://www.neco.edu/
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Application Information
Applications Received: 829
Admitted: 398
Average OAT: 338
Average GPA: 3.61
Male: 25%
Female: 75%
Interview Feedback Summary
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 23% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
School Review Summary
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About the School
The New England College of Optometry, located in Boston, Massachusetts, was founded in 1894 and is one of the oldest continually operating colleges of optometry in the United States. It offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, as well as several dual degree and advanced standing options for students with international optometric qualifications. The college is known for its emphasis on clinical education, providing students with extensive hands-on experience through its network of clinical affiliates and community health centers. Additionally, the college is involved in research and public health initiatives, contributing to advancements in the field of optometry and vision science.
Curriculum
The curriculum at NECO is structured into a four-year program that integrates both preclinical and clinical education phases, designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in optometry. The first two years focus on preclinical studies, where students engage in foundational courses such as optics, anatomy, physiology, and visual science, alongside hands-on laboratory work to develop essential clinical skills. The clinical phase begins in the third year, emphasizing direct patient care through rotations in diverse clinical settings, including community health centers and specialty clinics. NECO offers unique educational tracks such as the Advanced Standing International Program for internationally trained optometrists and the Accelerated Optometric Degree Program for students with advanced standing. Notable learning approaches include problem-based learning and interprofessional education, which foster critical thinking and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Facilities
NECO features state-of-the-art facilities designed to support comprehensive optometric education and training. The campus includes modern classrooms equipped with advanced audiovisual technology to enhance learning experiences. NECO's clinical training is supported by its on-site clinical facility, the NECO Center for Eye Care, which provides students with hands-on experience in patient care. The college also boasts specialized laboratories for vision science research, where students and faculty engage in cutting-edge studies. Additionally, NECO maintains affiliations with numerous hospitals and community health centers, offering students diverse clinical rotations and exposure to a wide range of patient populations.
Demographics
As of the most recent data available from the New England College of Optometry, the student body is composed of a diverse group of individuals, with a significant representation of international students, accounting for approximately 20% of the enrollment. The gender distribution is predominantly female, with women making up about 70% of the student population. Students hail from various geographic regions, with a majority coming from the Northeastern United States, though there is also a notable presence of students from the West Coast and Midwest. The college emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, with efforts to support students from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, contributing to a rich and varied academic environment.
Last Updated: Aug 14, 2025
SDN Insights
Our analysis of NECO:
Cost of Attendance: $494,391
A student taking student loans for all 4 years at NECO, including tuition, fees, locally adjusted cost of living expenses, incidentals, and interest, can expect to have total student loans of $494,391. Estimate repayment with the SDN School Loan Repayment Calculator.
Cost of Living: Highest 102% Nationally
The cost of living at NECO is among the top 102% of all similar schools. Take this into consideration when considering loan burden.
Environment: Urban
With top-tier walkability and great biking infrastructure, the neighborhood around NECO offers true versatility. Whether on foot or on wheels, students have a range of options to navigate their surroundings comfortably.
School Address: 424 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02115
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Why no Tier Rankings?
Although we could tier rank, over the past 25 years we've found no compelling benefit for ranking schools. Students are most successful when they prioritize personal and academic fit over school rank.
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