by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, optometry was the 194th most popular major nationwide with 1,822 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 156 over the prior year, a growth of 8.6%.
This year's Best Optometry Schools ranking compares 21 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of optometry programs later in this article.
Optometry majors are found most commonly in careers in which giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times is important. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and talking to others to convey information effectively are all required skills for careers related to this major.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most optometry degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific optometry careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Optometry degree levels vary. Optometry programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest optometry degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a optometry degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to optometry, with approximately 91.3% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for optometry workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 94.2% |
| First Professional Degree | 9.0% |
Most workers in optometry have at least a doctor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in optometry have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which optometry career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your optometry degree? Optometry careers are expected to grow 17.9% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to optometry.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Optometrists | 47,400 | 17.9% |
Optometry graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $88,635 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $68,650 to as high as $102,561. As you might expect, salaries for optometry graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for optometry graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers optometry grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Optometrists | $119,980 |
With over 24 different optometry degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased optometry school rankings to help you with this.
One of 30 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Optometry has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 322,592 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 89,359 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 84,492 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 84,274 |
| Allied Health Professions | 82,308 |
