Five students have a lively conversation on the NECO outside front steps.

Tuition and Aid

Paying for education can be overwhelming and our experienced staff is here to help you figure it all out: scholarships, loans, financial and student aid requirements, and more. We’ll help you make informed choices so you can focus more on other important steps in selecting the right school.

Cost of Attendance

Program 4-year OD Accelerated OD   (AODP) Advanced Standing International (ASIP) MS in Vision Science (stand alone)
Who this applies to First year, Class of 2028 AODP: Class of 2027
(for 2024-2025)
ASIP: Class of 2026
(for 2024-2025)
MS: Class of 2026
(for 2024-2025)
Tuition $48,168 $65,896 $65,896 $24,084
Fees and Equipment $3,650 $2,075 $785 $675
Health Insurance $2,777 $3,668 $3,668 $2,777
Est. Living Allowance  $24,680 $32,000 $32,000 $24,680

All amounts for tuition and fees above are based on amounts for the 2024-2025 academic year.

*Board exam fees will be included in the cost of attendance.

To register for and attend classes, you must pay all tuition and fees on or before the first day of classes for each term or make arrangements with NECO’s chief financial officer at least two weeks beforehand. Credit cards are not accepted for tuition or fee payments.

Download Tuition and Fees details by year. View Payment and Refund Policy.

Funding Your Degree

Scholarships

NECO annually awards over $250,000 in scholarships to new and current students. The selection criteria: a holistic view of a student’s background and potential for contribution and success. View the scholarships opportunities that reward hard work and potential that can supplement loans and other student aid.

Loans

Financing your optometry education can be complicated. NECO connects you to a full range of loan options, with resources to help you make informed decisions and support throughout the process.

Aid Eligibility & Applying

What options are available for financing your NECO education? Which do you qualify for? Find answers here, and with our helpful financial aid staff.

Stack of diploma in cardboard tubes with NECO academic seal imprinted.

VA Resources and Benefits

The role of the New England College of Optometry Financial Aid Office is to coordinate all veteran benefits with federal and institutional aid to ensure NECO students receive the maximum eligible aid. 

Support for Canadian and Other International Students

While international students do not qualify for U.S. federal student aid, there are other pathways to financing your optometry education. Our Financial Aid staff is well versed in the options for international students.  

Campus Employment

Work Study and campus employment help students supplement their education funding plan.

Noteworthy

  • 85%

    NECO students receive student aid. 

  • $250,000

    Given in scholarships each year.

    Check out our list of diversity scholarships.

  • $125k

    Mean annual wage for optometrists.

    Based on the 2020, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Applying for Financial Aid

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for every year you want loans and/or work study. NECO’s Federal Code is 002164.

Contact Us

Let us answer your questions related to the financing of your education.

Financial Aid Office

Esther Bandoo-Gomes, Director of Financial Aid

Fax 617-587-5553

Brandon Cipoletta

Assistant Director of Financial Aid