Academic success in the School of Optometry runs hand-in-hand with financial success in your academic career.
Learn more about available financial tools below.
Financial aid at IUSO
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form
The first step in applying for financial aid is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you complete your FAFSA, request that the information be sent to IU Bloomington at school code 001809.
Upon submitting your FAFSA, you will be considered for many of the financial aid options below, including loans, grants, work-study, and some scholarships.
The FAFSA opens October 01 for the upcoming academic year.
Submit your FAFSAFAFSA Questions?
Contact Amanda Peterson at amkhoffm@iu.edu with questions about the FAFSA form.Student Loan Options
There are two major student loan programs that can help with your cost of attendance. Learn more about each of them by clicking below.
All admitted IUSO students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
Scholarships for incoming students
Indiana University has a proud tradition of supporting student success—and scholarships are a huge part of that tradition. Are you an admitted Hoosier? Working toward admission? No matter what, we’re happy to help you find support. Learn more about IUSO's scholarship opportunities below.
Merit Based Scholarships
Students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships after admission to IUSO, whether or not you have paid your deposit. Decisions on scholarships are made by the Admissions Committee and are based on a holistic review of the applicant.
Merit-based scholarships may require that the recipient maintain a threshold GPA to be renewed.
Once matriculated, students are eligible for additional scholarships and awards, including cash, plaques, equipment, financial help with professional development, and more. Current optometry students are notified of these opportunities as they arise by the Awards and Honors Committee.
OD/MS Scholarship
IUSO offers scholarships to highly qualified incoming students who commit to the rigorous joint program leading to both the Doctor of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) in Vision Science degrees. Students enrolled in the OD program may apply to the MS program during the fall semester of their first year. Those admitted will be notified in the first month of their second semester and can begin their MS research in the spring semester of that same year.
Maintaining the OD/MS Scholarship
A limited number of partial scholarships are available to students in the joint program during the spring semester of the 1st year in the OD program. These awards are highly competitive and are provided in addition to any merit-based scholarships the student may already be receiving. To remain eligible for the additional scholarship, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher in OD program coursework each semester, and a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher in Vision Science graduate coursework once that commences.
Contact us
Please contact the IUSO Office of Student Administration with your questions about the admissions process or our academic programs.