by our College Data Analytics Team
[Optometry](/majors/health-care-professions/optometry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for optometry students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in optometry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Pikeville College tops our 2026 list of the best value optometry schools in the Southeast Region. Set in the town of Pikeville, Pikeville College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $24,850. Optometry graduates carry a median of $22,966 in student loans. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from Pikeville College generally make around $120,196. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value optometry schools. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public school located in the city of Birmingham. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. Typical student debt for optometry graduates is $26,162. Optometry graduates of University Of Alabama At Birmingham earn a median of $97,611 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Nova Southeastern University earned it the #3 place for optometry. Located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,700. Typical student debt for optometry graduates is $25,021. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from Nova Southeastern University generally make around $88,293. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.