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

Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) at Marshall B. Ketchum University, located in Fullerton, California, is one of the most respected and competitive optometry programs in the United States. Founded in 1904, SCCO has a long history of training clinically excellent optometrists who serve diverse patient populations across Southern California and beyond. For pre-optometry students seeking a program with strong clinical training and a rigorous academic curriculum, SCCO is a top choice.
SCCO optometry requirements, OAT scores, and admissions details are outlined below for students applying to the program.
About Southern California College of Optometry
Southern California College of Optometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Students gain extensive clinical experience through SCCO's network of clinics serving a broad and diverse patient population throughout Southern California.
- Location: Fullerton, California
- Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)
- Parent Institution: Marshall B. Ketchum University
OAT Requirements
Southern California College of Optometry is a highly competitive program. Competitive applicants typically present:
- Academic Average (AA): approximately 320–340+
- Total Science (TS): approximately 320–340+
- Overall GPA: ~3.3+
- Science GPA: ~3.2+
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
- Completion of required science prerequisites (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Math, Statistics)
- OAT scores (typically taken within the last 2–3 years)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Optometry shadowing experience strongly recommended
- Applications submitted through OptomCAS
Tuition and Costs (2026)
Estimated annual tuition:
- Tuition: ~$42,000–$48,000 per year
Prospective students should verify current figures directly with Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University.
Start Your OAT Preparation
If you’re applying to Southern California College of Optometry, a strong OAT score is essential. Dr. Jim Romano’s OAT Destroyer series is trusted by thousands of optometry students nationwide:
- OAT Destroyer
- Math Destroyer
- General Chemistry Destroyer
- Organic Chemistry Odyssey
- Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
- Classes online and in person
📺 Watch free OAT prep videos on the Dr. Jim Romano YouTube Channel
Join thousands of students in the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group on Facebook.