Scholarships and Awards

Funding your future

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.

Available scholarships for incoming students

  • Merit Scholar Programs
  • OD/MS Scholarship

OD/MS Scholarship

IUSO will provide a scholarship for 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.

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 scholarship.

Application deadline is January 31.

Apply today!

IU School of Optometry OD/MS Scholarship

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 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. 

Incoming students are automatically considered for all available merit-based scholarships.  

Merit-based scholarships for incoming students

Students will be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships after admission, whether or not you have paid your deposit.  Merit awards could be renewable for all four years, depending on maintaining the required GPA. Decisions on scholarships are made by the Admissions Committee and are based on a holistic review of the applicant.

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

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 Administration
Indiana University School of Optometry
800 E. Atwater Avenue
Second Floor
Bloomington, IN 47405

Phone: 812-855-1917
Fax: 812-855-4389
Email: iubopt@iu.edu

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