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2026 Best Value Optometry Schools in the Southwest Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the optometry degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Optometry Schools
Leading the list is Northeastern State University, our #1 best value for optometry in the Southwest Region. Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Tahlequah. In-state tuition and fees average $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Optometry graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from Northeastern State University generally make around $106,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants.
University Of Houston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in optometry, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical student debt for optometry graduates is $21,255. Optometry graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $104,352 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Students looking for strong value in optometry will find it at University Of The Incarnate Word, which ranked #3. University Of The Incarnate Word is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,090. Students borrow a median of $28,028 to complete the optometry program here. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from University Of The Incarnate Word generally make around $96,994. Set against $28,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Incarnate Word admits about 98% of applicants.
Narrow Optometry Schools by State
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
ADBLOCK #116
[Optometry](/majors/health-care-professions/optometry/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong optometry education at a price that pays off.
