Scholarships
A growing array of scholarships that reward hard work and potential can supplement loans and other student aid.
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.
NECO Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships are renewable scholarships awarded to applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic performance at the undergraduate level and academic promise for professional education, and exhibit the ability to contribute significantly to the NECO community and the optometric profession.
Dean’s Scholarships are one-time awards given to candidates based on a holistic file review that includes academic history, extracurricular and professional involvement, and demonstrated interest in optometry.
- Eligibility: All NECO applicants are automatically reviewed for eligibility.
- Application Requirements: There is no separate application. Recipients are notified at the time of acceptance to NECO.
- Award Amounts: Awards vary but on average range from $2,500 to $12,500.
Featured Diversity Scholarships
Warby Parker Scholarship
The Warby Parker scholarship program is made possible through a generous donation from Warby Parker. The scholarship was established to increase Black representation in the field of optometry. The Warby Parker Scholarship fund is part of a broader joint diversity and inclusion initiative between the brand and NECO. As part of their broader Racial Equity Strategy, Warby Parker’s efforts aim to promote racial equity at Warby Parker and externally within the optometry industry at large.
Award Amount: For the fall of 2023, The Warby Parker Scholarship will cover half of NECO’s annual tuition (not including fees, equipment, health insurance, or living allowance). Two half-tuition scholarships will be awarded and are renewable for all four years that the recipient attends NECO if they remain in good academic standing. The scholarship takes the place of any prior NECO merit scholarships awarded at the time of admissions.
Eligibility: Accepted for the four-year optometry program and enroll in Fall 2023, Black/African American, U.S. citizen, or permanent resident and exhibit exceptional leadership potential and desire to impact the optometric profession.
National Vision, Inc. Scholarship
National Vision, Inc. has generously established a new scholarship geared towards first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Award Amount: Multiple awards will be given each year, some renewable for all four years and some one-time only. The scholarship takes the place of any prior NECO merit scholarships awarded at the time of admissions.
Eligibility: Accepted to NECO to enroll in Fall 2023, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, first-generation college student and identify as a member of an underrepresented minority group.
Scholarship News
Zenni Access Scholarship
NECO is pleased to announce that Zenni Eyewear will provide three, $25,000 scholarships to NECO students committed to deliver eye care in underserved communities.
Scholarship recipients at NECO
National Vision, Inc., generously donates funds to establish a scholarship geared towards first-generation students from underrepresented communities.
Contact Us
Financial Aid
For continuing students inquiring about scholarships:
Esther Bandoo-Gomes, Director of Financial Aid
Brandon Cipoletta, Assistant Director of Financial Aid