New England College of Optometry (2026): OAT Requirements, Admissions, and Tuition | OAT Destroyer | DAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano

New England College of Optometry (NECO), located in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest and most respected independent optometry schools in the United States. Founded in 1894, NECO has a long tradition of training clinically excellent optometrists who serve diverse patient populations across New England and beyond.
About New England College of Optometry
NECO is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. The school is known for its strong clinical network, diverse patient exposure, and urban Boston location.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Accreditation: ACOE-accredited
- Founded: 1894
OAT Requirements
Competitive applicants to NECO typically present:
- Academic Average (AA): approximately 310–340+
- Total Science (TS): approximately 310–340+
- Overall GPA: ~3.0+
- Science GPA: ~3.0+
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum 90 undergraduate credit hours (bachelor’s degree preferred)
- Completion of required science prerequisites (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Math)
- OAT scores (taken within the last 3 years)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Optometry shadowing experience strongly recommended
- Applications submitted through OptomCAS
Tuition and Costs (2026)
As a private independent institution, NECO tuition applies equally to all students:
- Estimated annual tuition: ~$38,000–$46,000 per year
Prospective students should verify current figures directly with NECO.
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