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. This page contains what scholarships and awards that are available through IUSO.
OD/MS Full-Tuition Scholarship
IUSO will provide a full-tuition, 4-year scholarship for up to two highly-qualified optometry school applicants who are committed to completing the demanding rigors of both the OD degree and the MS in Vision science. This scholarship is for incoming students and there will also be one scholarship available for current OD 1st year students.
To qualify, students must apply to both the OD program and the scholarship program. Student should indicate interest in the dual-program on the University Graduate School supplemental application.
Note: While standardized tests are not required for admission to the OD program, students will have to submit GRE score report to be considered for the Full-Tuition Scholarship.
Application deadline is January 31.
Apply today!
IU School of Optometry OD/MS Full-Tuition Scholarship
IUSO will provide a full-tuition, 4-year scholarship for up to two highly-qualified optometry school applicants who are committed to completing the demanding rigors of both the OD degree and the MS in Vision science. This scholarship is for incoming students and there will also be one scholarship available for current OD 1st year students.
The Scholarship Application requires completion of multiple steps:
IUSO Doctor of Optometry Admission Process, which consists of:
- Completion of the OptomCAS Application
- Completion of the University Graduate School supplemental application
- Completion of an IUSO Admission Day
Learn more about the Doctor of Optometry application process
The OD/MS Full-Tuition Scholarship application, which consists of:
- General Bio/Demographic Information
- Submission of Two Recommendation Letters
- At least one letter must speak to the student’s research experience and/or potential
- Letters submitted for the OD application can be reused
- Submission of GRE Score Report
- Submission of a Statement of Intent, describing your interest and experience (if any) in research, and how it applies to optometry and vision science (Approx. 250 words.)
- Completion of interview(s) with the selection committee (Finalists Only)
Basic Requirements of the Program
Awardees will have an introduction to IU Optometry research remotely in the Spring before they begin at IUSO. In the summer before starting the program, students will participate in either:
- An early orientation: student is expected to come to Bloomington several weeks before optometry classes begin.
Or
- A full summer session prior to starting Optometry School, for students with an interest and ability to start research or research rotations.
There will also be either an early orientation, with the student expected to come to Bloomington several weeks before optometry classes begin, or for students with an interest and ability to start research or research rotations in the summer prior to entering Optometry.
OD courses and specific graduate coursework will be completed over four calendar years, culminating with the submission of an MS research thesis.
Maintenance of the scholarship will require a graduate/OD program 3.5 GPA and an annual review of performance and progress that meet faculty expectations. In the first year, this may involve defining an interest and topic area, providing a brief literature review, and preparing a preliminary research proposal. In later years, actual research progress will be evaluated. Failure to meet these expectations will result in partial or full loss of scholarship.
The scholarship covers full tuition only. University and school lab fees, health insurance, as well as living expenses, are not included.
MyEyeDr. Fellowship: IUSO Business Management Certificate Scholarship
The Indiana University School of Optometry has partnered with MyEyeDr. and is proud to offer five $5000 scholarships to incoming Doctor of Optometry program students enrolled in Business Management Certificate for Eye Care Professionals program.
Note: We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, and the scholarships may be awarded before the deadline to qualified applicants. Apply as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please email iubopt@indiana.edu.
Application deadline is May 15.
Merit-based scholarships for incoming students
Once matriculated, students are eligible for dozens of additional scholarships and other awards, including cash, plaques, equipment, expense-paid trips, and more. Current optometry students are notified of these opportunities as they arise by the Awards and Honors Committee.
Dean’s Academic Merit Scholar Program
The Dean’s Academic Merit Scholar Program is offered to applicants who’s cumulative g.p.a. is 3.8 or higher:
- Indiana residents receive $3,500 to $6,500 each year.
- Nonresidents receive $9,500 to $15,000 each year.
You will be automatically considered after admission, whether or not you have paid your deposit. The scholarship is renewable for all four years, depending on maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Applicants meeting the minimum GPA requirements for IUSO scholarships will not automatically receive an award. Decisions on scholarships are made by committee and are based on a holistic review of the applicant.
Faculty Fellowship Merit Scholar Program
The Faculty Fellowship Merit Scholar Program is offered applicants cumulative g.p.a. is 3.6 or higher:
- Indiana residents receive $1,500 to $2,500 each year.
- Nonresidents receive $3,500 to $8,500 each year.
To be eligible for the Faculty Fellowship Merit Scholar Program, you must have:
- Undergraduate GPA or 3.6 or higher
You will be automatically considered after admission, whether or not you have paid your deposit. The scholarship is renewable for all four years, depending on maintaining a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Applicants meeting the minimum GPA requirements for IUSO scholarships will not automatically receive an award. Decisions on scholarships are made by committee and are based on a holistic review of the applicant.
Bring your vision into focus.
Contact the Office of Student Administration
For Doctor of Optometry program admission questions or to schedule an advising appointment, please contact:
Office of Student AdministrationIndiana University School of Optometry
800 E. Atwater Avenue
Second Floor
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: 812-855-1917
Fax: 812-855-4389
Email: iubopt@indiana.edu
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