Tuition and Aid
Full program costs
The full estimated, multi-year program costs for the two-year Orthoptic Program are $12,726.50 (50 credits, $254.53/credit). This total includes tuition and program fees. It does not include scholarships or personal costs, such as housing, food, and transportation.
First-year cost of attendance
Estimated first-year student expenses (12 months) for the 2026-2027 academic year of the Orthoptic Program:
*Tuition is billed directly; all other figures are estimates. Amounts subject to change; scholarship values reflect 2026–2027 and are reviewed annually.
Student budget details
Direct expenses (paid to Mayo Clinic)
| Items | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition* (22 credits, $105/credit) | $2,310 |
| Mayo Clinic Scholarship | -$2,310 |
| Total estimated cost for direct expenses | $0 |
*Tuition is billed directly; all other figures are estimates. Amounts subject to change; scholarship values reflect 2026–2027 and are reviewed annually.
Indirect expenses (not paid to Mayo Clinic)
| Items | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment | $800 |
| Housing and food ($2,225/month) | $17,800 |
| Home internet ($85/month, plus $100 one-time install fee) | $780 |
| Personal and miscellaneous ($625/month) | $5,000 |
| Transportation ($400/month) | $3,200 |
| Federal student loan fee (average) | $78 |
| Total estimated cost for indirect expenses | $27,658 |
Total net cost of attendance
| Total estimated single student budget (direct + indirect expenses) | $27,658 |
Financial aid
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences offers financial incentives for students to participate in some of its health sciences education programs. Scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans may be available for those who demonstrate financial need.
The Office of Student Financial Aid and Registrar can provide more details about financial aid or incentives offered for the Orthoptic Program.
Scholarships
Students are eligible for partial scholarships based on need and merit is available for orthoptic training from two sources:
The Foundation for Orthoptic Research and Education in the Americas (FOREA)
For more information, contact:
Jorie Jackson, C.O.
Houston Eye Associates
1699 Research Forest Drive, Suite 150
The Woodlands, TX 77380
joriejackson@yahoo.com
www.forea.net
The Joint Commission on Allied Health in Ophthalmology Education and Research Foundation
For more information on scholarships, contact:
JCAHPO Education and Research Foundation
2025 Woodlane Drive
St. Paul, MN 55125-2995
800-284-3937
www.jcahpo.org
Withdrawal and tuition refund
See the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science withdrawal and tuition refund policy.