The Ohio State University College of Optometry | OAT Destroyer | DAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano

Updated: October 15, 2026

The Ohio State University College of Optometry, located in Columbus, Ohio, offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree with an emphasis on clinical training, research, and patient care.

About The Ohio State University College of Optometry

The Ohio State University College of Optometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Its Doctor of Optometry program combines classroom instruction, clinical training, and research opportunities.

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)
Clinical Training: Patient-care experience through the College of Optometry’s campus and affiliated clinics.

OAT Requirements

Ohio State’s school-maintained ASCO profile reports the following averages for its 2025 entering class: Academic Average OAT, 358; Total Science OAT, 359; and overall GPA, 3.86. These are entering-class averages, not minimum admission requirements. Ohio State evaluates applicants through a holistic admissions process.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must complete at least 90 semester hours, representing three years of undergraduate study. A bachelor’s degree is strongly recommended and preferred.
ASCO’s May 2026 prerequisite chart lists Ohio State’s additional school-specific requirements as one course each in calculus, physiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and psychology, plus one microbiology course with a laboratory. Anatomy and statistics are strongly recommended. Applicants should consult Ohio State’s current requirements for the complete prerequisite sequence, credit totals, and course equivalencies.
Ohio State accepts the OAT and also lists the GRE, MCAT, DAT, and PCAT as accepted alternatives. Applicants should confirm current testing policies directly with the college.
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Complete a minimum of 10 hours of optometry shadowing with two optometrists in at least two settings.
Applications submitted through OptomCAS

For the 2026–2027 application cycle, for entry in 2027, the OptomCAS application deadline and last accepted OAT test date are March 1, 2027. The supplemental application deadline is March 15, 2027. Admission is rolling, and early application is encouraged.

Tuition and Fees (2026–2027)

Ohio State’s school-maintained ASCO profile lists 2026–2027 tuition and fees of $32,940 for Ohio residents and $53,996 for nonresidents. These figures do not represent the full cost of attendance, including living expenses.

The profile states that after successful completion of the first year, out-of-state students pay in-state tuition plus a $5 nonresident fee per semester during years two through four. This tuition arrangement does not mean that students automatically establish Ohio residency.

Prospective students should confirm current charges and their individual cost of attendance directly with the college.

Start Your OAT Preparation

If you plan to submit OAT scores when applying to The Ohio State University College of Optometry, thorough preparation can help you build a strong application. Dr. Jim Romano’s OAT Destroyer series is trusted by thousands of optometry students nationwide:

📺 Watch free OAT prep videos on the Dr. Jim Romano YouTube Channel

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