Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry (2026): OAT Requirements, Admissions, and Tuition | OAT Destroyer | DAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano
Northeastern State University (NSU) Oklahoma College of Optometry is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is one of the most affordable accredited optometry programs in the United States. NSU's optometry program has a strong reputation for producing primary care optometrists who serve rural and underserved communities, and it is particularly well regarded for its commitment to Native American health care and community-based clinical training.
About the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry
NSU offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree with a focus on primary care and community health. The program's clinical training emphasizes hands-on patient care in a variety of settings, including on-campus clinics and community health centers throughout Oklahoma.
- Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Approximate Class Size: 50–60 students per year
- Application System: OPTOMCAS
OAT Score Requirements
NSU does not publish a strict minimum OAT score, but competitive applicants typically present scores in the following ranges:
- Academic Average (AA): 310 or higher (competitive range)
- Total Science (TS): 305 or higher
- Individual sections: Scores of 300+ in all sections strengthen your application
The OAT is scored on a scale of 200–400, with 300 representing the national average. Applicants with lower scores may consider strengthening their application before applying.
GPA Expectations
- Overall GPA: 3.0 or higher recommended
- Science GPA: 3.0 or higher recommended
NSU reviews applications holistically — strong clinical experience, community service, and letters of recommendation can strengthen a borderline application.
Prerequisite Coursework
Most applicants to NSU will need the following prerequisite courses completed before matriculation:
- Biology with lab (2 semesters)
- General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (1–2 semesters)
- Physics with lab (2 semesters)
- Mathematics (Calculus or Statistics)
- English/Writing (1–2 semesters)
- Microbiology (recommended)
- Biochemistry (recommended)
Always verify current prerequisites directly with NSU's admissions office, as requirements may be updated.
Application Process
NSU participates in OPTOMCAS, the centralized application service for optometry schools. Key steps include:
- Submit your OPTOMCAS application (opens in July each year)
- Complete the NSU supplemental application
- Submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation (typically 3), and your personal statement
- Optometry observation hours are strongly recommended (100+ hours)
- Competitive applicants are invited for an on-campus interview
The application cycle typically opens in July and the program uses rolling admissions — applying early is strongly advised.
Tuition and Fees
NSU is one of the most affordable optometry programs in the country. Tuition is approximately $20,000–$28,000 per year for in-state students and $30,000–$38,000 per year for out-of-state students (subject to change). Over four years, total tuition costs are significantly lower than most private optometry programs.
Financial aid, scholarships, and federal loan programs are available through NSU's financial aid office.
How to Prepare for the OAT
The OAT tests Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. Strong preparation in all sections is essential for a competitive score.
Dr. Jim Romano's OAT Destroyer series has helped students prepare for the OAT since 2006. The books used in his live and online courses include:
- OAT Destroyer — comprehensive OAT prep covering all science and math sections
- Math Destroyer — targeted quantitative reasoning prep
- General Chemistry Destroyer — deep-dive general chemistry review
- Organic Chemistry Odyssey — focused organic chemistry preparation
- Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book — comprehensive biology review for OAT and DAT
Start Your OAT Preparation
If you are preparing for the OAT, start with free resources from Dr. Jim Romano:
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