While scholarship opportunities for incoming students are highly competitive, we have access to nearly a half-million dollars in scholarships and awards that we distribute annually. The following scholarships are offered exclusively by ICO to incoming students. When you apply for admission, your application is automatically evaluated by our Admissions Committee for consideration of these scholarships. Early applicants receive greater scholarship consideration as scholarships are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Presidential Scholarship
Presidential Scholarships are renewable scholarships, valued at half tuition. They are highly competitive and very limited. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance at the undergraduate level and academic promise for professional education, possess a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher, an OAT score of 370 or higher, and exhibit the ability to contribute significantly to the ICO community and the optometric profession. To receive this scholarship annually, a 3.4 cumulative ICO GPA is required.
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Trustees Scholarship
The Trustees Scholarship was established to encourage outstanding students to select ICO as their school of choice for professional education. The award amounts vary based on the available funds in a given year. A 3.2 cumulative ICO GPA is required for the annual renewal of this scholarship.
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ICO Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations
This scholarship was established to encourage students from underrepresented minority populations to pursue a career in optometry. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance at the undergraduate level and academic promise for professional education, a professional demeanor, high ethical standards and integrity, and the ability to contribute significantly to the ICO community and the optometric profession. Upon being invited to attend Interview Day, candidates should notify the Admissions Committee of their interest in being considered for this scholarship. A limited number of these $7,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Funds can increase to $10,000 in years 2 - 4 based on academic performance.
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Illinois Optometric Education Scholarship
Exclusively available to Illinois residents, two $5,000 scholarships are offered to two students who have demonstrated academic merit and plan to practice in Illinois after graduation. A 3.0 cumulative ICO GPA is required for annual renewal.
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Additionally, we track more than 100 public scholarships and awards that are available to students who are currently enrolled at ICO. These opportunities are always shared first with students and can be pursued further with the Office of Student Affairs.
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