2026 Best Optometry Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington tops our 2026 ranking of the best optometry schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 83 optometry students who graduated with this degree at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $109,361. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in optometry from Indiana University Bloomington

2

Midwestern University Downers Grove
Downers Grove, IL

A rank of #2 makes Midwestern University Downers Grove one of the top schools for optometry. Located in the city of Downers Grove, Midwestern University Downers Grove is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. There were roughly 59 optometry students who graduated with this degree at Midwestern University Downers Grove in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from Midwestern University Downers Grove generally make around $117,219. Read more about the optometry program at Midwestern University Downers Grove

3

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in optometry, landing the #3 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Columbus. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Ohio State University Main Campus awarded about 68 optometry degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, optometry degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $95,369. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in optometry from Ohio State University Main Campus

4

Illinois College Of Optometry
Chicago, IL

Illinois College Of Optometry is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in optometry, landing the #4 spot this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. There were roughly 121 optometry students who graduated with this degree at Illinois College Of Optometry in the most recent data year. Graduates of the optometry program make about $105,772 in their early career. More information about a degree in optometry from Illinois College Of Optometry

5

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in optometry, ranking #5. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. About 31 optometry degrees were awarded at Ferris State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the optometry program make about $113,016 in their early career. Ferris State University graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. See the full optometry program report for Ferris State University