Southern College of Optometry — Memphis, Tennessee (2026): OAT Requirements, Admissions, and Tuition | OAT Destroyer | DAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano
Southern College of Optometry (SCO), located in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most respected independent optometry schools in the United States. Founded in 1932, SCO has a long history of training clinically excellent optometrists who serve diverse patient populations across the South and beyond. For pre-optometry students seeking a program with strong clinical training and a supportive learning environment, SCO is a top choice.
SCO optometry requirements, OAT scores, and admissions details are outlined below for students applying to the program.
About Southern College of Optometry
Southern College of Optometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Students gain extensive clinical experience through SCO's network of clinics serving a broad and diverse patient population throughout the Memphis area and beyond.
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
- Degree Offered: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)
- Clinical Facility: The Eye Center at SCO, Memphis, Tennessee
OAT Requirements
Southern College of Optometry is a competitive program. Competitive applicants typically present:
- Academic Average (AA): approximately 310–330+
- Total Science (TS): approximately 310–330+
- Overall GPA: ~3.2+
- Science GPA: ~3.0+
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: ~$36,000–$42,000 per year
Prospective students should verify current figures directly with Southern College of Optometry.
Start Your OAT Preparation
If you’re applying to Southern 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
📺 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.