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
The application deadline for the OD/MS Scholarship is January 31
IUSO provides scholarships for highly-qualified incoming optometry school students who commit to completing the demanding rigors of both the OD degree and the MS degree in Vision Science.
The steps of the OD/MS scholarship application process are outlined below:
Students must take the GRE and submit their score report to be considered for the OD/MS scholarship.
Student should indicate interest in the dual-program on the University Graduate School supplemental application.
Information about the application process for the Doctor of Optometry program, as well as information on how to arrange an admission day visit can be found by clicking below:
Learn more about the Doctor of Optometry application process
The IUSO OD/MS Scholarship application will ask you to provide:
- Biographic/demographic information
- Two (2) 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
- Your GRE score report
- A Statement of Intent, describing your interest and experience (if any) in research, and how it applies to optometry and vision science (approximately 250 words.)
- An interview(s) with the selection committee (finalists only)
Maintaining the OD/MS Scholarship
Maintenance of the scholarship requires a 3.5 GPA in the OD program and an annual review of performance and progress. Failure to meet program expectations may result in a loss of scholarship.