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Books and Equipment
Students are required to have access to designated textbooks and equipment. Books and supplies purchased at the University Bookstore cost approximately $1,500 during the first and second year and about $1,600 for the third year. It is up to the students whether they buy new or used, or rent their books. This will impact the overall cost. Costs for the fourth year are substantially less.
Students can purchase equipment required for the first year of study through the Optometric Student Association for slightly above cost, which is now at approximately $5,500. Trial lenses and hand-held instruments-a retinoscope, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes-are some of the required pieces of equipment that will be used throughout the students’ educational careers in examination of patients and later during the students professional practice. A service policy may be purchased with the equipment. After being admitted, students will receive specific equipment lists and information concerning purchase and rental possibilities in late spring prior to enrollment.
External Clinic Rotation
Students spend 32 weeks in interdisciplinary clinic rotations during the fourth year. Several of these clinics are in or near Houston and require no extra expense except for transportation. Other extern sites are located in other states or countries. (See External Education Program for a listing.) Students should plan ahead for additional transportation and room and board expenses for many of these extern assignments outside of the Houston area.
Total Costs
Tuition for first-year Texas residents is currently $545 per semester credit hour, nonresident tuition is $896 per semester credit hour.
During the first academic year, total expenses (educational and personal) may range from $35,000 - $43,000 for Texas residents and from $48,000 - $56,000 for nonresidents.
The nine-month budget shown breaks down estimated expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year based on: the purchase of new text books and equipment and assumes student is living off-campus. A typical first-year budget follows; this budget is for a first-year student living off-campus. The on-campus budget is slightly lower due to decreased room & board and transportation costs.
| Expenses |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
| |
9 Months |
9 Months |
| Tuition & Fees |
$23,690 |
$36,980 |
| Room & Board |
$6,200 |
$10,200 |
| Equipment & Books |
$4,000 |
$4,000 |
| Transportation |
$2,800 |
$2,800 |
| Personal |
$2,700 |
$2,700 |
| Total |
$43,390
|
$56,680 |
Costs in subsequent years should be approximately $1,700 less per year because of decreased costs for books and equipment.
Tuition Deposit
As of August 1, 2013 all accepted applicants are required to submit a $500 deposit. Upon matriculation, this $500 deposit will be applied to tuition. This amount is non-refundable.
Student Employment
The optometry curriculum will require the major portion of a student’s time and concentration. Especially during the first academic year, students should outline a financial plan that does not require them to work. However, if a real need for working arises, permission may be granted for limited employment. School assignments and clinical duties cannot be altered to fit work schedules. Students should discuss the possibility of employment with the director of the Office of Optometry Relations to determine if their academic performance would be jeopardized by working full- or part-time jobs. Work-study funds and a limited number of teaching assistantships are available for upper-level students who have excellent academic records. |