by our College Data Analytics TeamOptometry degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their optometry programs.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for optometry students pursuing a degree.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall optometry education in the Far Western Region.
Pacific University tops our 2026 ranking of the best optometry schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Forest Grove. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. About 85 optometry degrees were awarded at Pacific University in the most recent year. Optometry graduates of Pacific University earn a median of $107,293 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,170. Read more about the optometry program at Pacific University
A rank of #2 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the top schools for optometry. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 55 optometry degrees were awarded at University Of California Berkeley in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $88,760. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete this degree. See the full optometry program report for University Of California Berkeley
Students looking for a strong optometry program will find one at Western University Of Health Sciences, which ranked #3. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Pomona. Western University Of Health Sciences awarded about 88 optometry degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the optometry program make about $84,910 in their early career. Read more about the optometry program at Western University Of Health Sciences
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 4 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.