“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin
A Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley is an investment in a rewarding career and in yourself. Numerous programs – from fellowships and loans, to fee reductions and loan forgiveness – create paths to finance the cost of your graduate studies.
UC Berkeley Fellowships and Awards
Over $1.6 million in fellowships and awards are made annually by UC Berkeley to our current students.
All OD students in good standing receive these monetary awards.
While the exact annual amount may vary based on available funds, all students receive a multi-year award spread out over the 4-year program. You do not need to apply for Departmental Awards. They are automatically applied to all students in good standing.
A multi-year award designed to help students with the greatest financial need pursue their Doctor of Optometry degree. Once admitted, any incoming student may apply and must submit a required application for committee review.
Four Graduate Opportunity Program (GOP) Awards will be awarded to the incoming class who demonstrate significant financial need and whose backgrounds, interests, or goals serve to enhance the level of diversity within the graduate community.
Subject to funding availability, GOP awards provide a $20,000 stipend ($10,000 per semester), tuition and in-state fees for the first year (only). Non-resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) and Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) are not covered.
Eligible applicants (including US citizens, permanent residents, and AB540 applicants) who wish to be considered for these awards should submit additional documentation and information as described in the application for admission. Selection is made by the Admissions & Student Affairs Office in consultation with the Equity Advisor.
One time award for an incoming student offered during the Fall semester. Selection is made by the Admissions & Student Affairs Office (ASAO) based on a review of academic merit, leadership potential, community involvement, and demonstrated financial need (if applicable). These funds are generously provided through the efforts of the Development and Alumni Relations team from various external donors (individual, company, entity).
Over $175,000 is awarded annually through Professional Student Support Fund (PSSF) scholarships. These awards, available to continuing students, are made possible through the generosity of faculty and alumni of the school. Applications are available each Fall semester and awarded by the Scholarship and Awards Committee.
Native Americans are among the most underrepresented groups within higher education, including at UC Berkeley. As part of our commitment to expand diversity and make graduate education more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds, financial support opportunities will ensure that all newly accepted and current California Native American UC students may attend tuition free. Please contact Admissions & Student Affairs for more information.
Student parents make up about 10% of Berkeley’s graduate population. Visit Berkeley Graduate Division or speak to our AD of Admissions for more information.
A Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) is a subsidized low-interest loan limited to Optometry students on the UC Berkeley campus. Students typically receive around $7,500 of HPSL per academic year. Annual loan amounts can vary and are determined each year based on fund availability.
To be considered for an HPSL, Optometry students need to include parent information on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of their independent status for all other programs.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 (10 years) qualifying payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Loans will only be forgiven if you meet all PSLF Program eligibility conditions.
Extramural Scholarships
OD students also have many additional outside scholarship opportunities throughout their four years in the program. The following list is not exhaustive and students are encouraged to seek out additional opportunities that may be available. Examples include the military based scholarships, such as the Air Force, Army, and Navy Optometric Scholarships, veteran’s educational benefits, and those administered by the American Optometric Association (AOA).
Awards can range between $1,000-$5,000 dollars and are provided by various organizations across the country: including non-profits, health and medical corporations, and optometric associations.
Veteran’s educational benefits for eligible servicemen and women can provide significant financial assistance. UC Berkeley Veteran Services offers information related to the types of benefits, certification of benefits, contact information for dedicated support, and campus resources for students who have served in the military.
Eligibility for veteran’s educational benefits is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not by UC Berkeley. You may apply for veterans’ educational benefits online through Veterans On-Line Application (VONAPP).
Current students, who are eligible, can apply for scholarships funded by branches of the US Military. Some awards can cover 100% of costs including tuition and living expenses. Military service is required after graduation. For more information please see links below.
After the first year of the program, non-resident U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply to become in-state residents. This will reduce your fees by removing the non-resident supplemental tuition in the subsequent semesters.
In absentia registration is available to eligible professional graduate students. Students registered in absentia are assessed full health insurance fees, and 15 percent of the combined University Tuition and Student Services Fees. If applicable, students are also assessed the full non-resident tuition and/or professional school fees. OD students who qualify for in absentia status can reduce their university bill for one semester in the fourth year of the program (Fall/Spring only), if rotations place them outside a certain radius of the East Bay.
Students may be eligible to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provided by UC Berkeley. Students can save about $3,100 per semester. Please visit the SHIP website for more information, see below for the link.
