2026 Best Value Optometric Technician/Assistant Schools

1

Durham Technical Community College
Durham, NC

Durham Technical Community College earned the #1 spot for value among optometric technician/assistant schools in the United States. Set in the city of Durham, Durham Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,240 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,531. Optometric Technician/assistant graduates carry a median of $20,408 in student loans. Optometric Technician/assistant graduates of Durham Technical Community College earn a median of $61,860 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,408 median debt.

2

Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hillsborough Community College earned it the #2 place for optometric technician/assistant. Set in the city of Tampa, Hillsborough Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,491 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Students borrow a median of $19,464 to complete the optometric technician/assistant program here. Soon after graduation, optometric technician/assistant degree recipients from Hillsborough Community College generally make around $44,101. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Ogeechee Technical College
Statesboro, GA

A rank of #3 makes Ogeechee Technical College one of the best values for optometric technician/assistant. Located in the town of Statesboro, Ogeechee Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for optometric technician/assistant graduates is $11,894. Soon after graduation, optometric technician/assistant degree recipients from Ogeechee Technical College generally make around $35,521. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt.

4

San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jacinto Community College earned it the #4 place for optometric technician/assistant. Located in the city of Pasadena, San Jacinto Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Optometric Technician/assistant graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. Early-career optometric technician/assistant graduates make about $38,107. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, GA

Georgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value optometric technician/assistant schools. Set in the suburb of Clarkston, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,404, compared with $5,954 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for optometric technician/assistant graduates is $15,716. Optometric Technician/assistant graduates of Georgia Piedmont Technical College earn a median of $42,073 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt.

6

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Mercedita, PR

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value optometric technician/assistant schools. Located in the rural area of Mercedita, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Typical student debt for optometric technician/assistant graduates is $7,869. Early-career optometric technician/assistant graduates make about $17,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted.

7

Columbia Centro Universitario Caguas
Caguas, PR

Columbia Centro Universitario Caguas placed #7 among the best values for optometric technician/assistant. Set in the city of Caguas, Columbia Centro Universitario Caguas is a mid-sized private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $13,875 to complete the optometric technician/assistant program here. Soon after graduation, optometric technician/assistant degree recipients from Columbia Centro Universitario Caguas generally make around $18,613. Set against $13,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Tyler Junior College
Tyler, TX

Tyler Junior College came in at #8 for value in optometric technician/assistant this year. Located in the city of Tyler, Tyler Junior College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,869 to complete the optometric technician/assistant program here. Optometric Technician/assistant graduates of Tyler Junior College earn a median of $43,348 early in their careers. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI

Madison Area Technical College landed the #9 spot for optometric technician/assistant value this year. Set in the city of Madison, Madison Area Technical College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for optometric technician/assistant graduates is $16,812. Soon after graduation, optometric technician/assistant degree recipients from Madison Area Technical College generally make around $44,279. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt.