Tuition and Aid
Full program costs
The full, multi-year program costs for the two-year Orthoptic Program is $12,416 (50 credits, $248.32/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 2025-2026 academic year of the Orthoptic Program:
Direct expenses (paid to Mayo Clinic)
| Items | Cost |
| Tuition* (30 credits, $248.32/credit) | $7,449.60 |
| Estimated Mayo Clinic Scholarship | -$7,449.60 |
| Total estimated cost for direct expenses | $0 |
Indirect expenses (not paid to Mayo Clinic)
| Items | Cost |
| Housing and food ($2,150/month) | $25,800 |
| Home internet ($85/month, plus $75 one-time install fee) | $1,095 |
| Personal and miscellaneous ($625/month) | $7,500 |
| Transportation ($375/month) | $4,500 |
| Federal student loan fee (average) | $78 |
| Total estimated cost for indirect expenses | $38,973 |
Total net cost of attendance
| Total estimated single student budget (direct + indirect expenses) | $38,973 |
*Note: Tuition, the only budget item directly billed to you, is paid automatically by the Mayo Clinic Scholarship. Adjust remaining budget items accordingly to align with your individual household budget needs. Exact tuition bill amounts are subject to change and are dependent on program curriculum.
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.