Optometry at Southern College of Optometry
Doctoral Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Southern College of Optometry graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern College of Optometry graduates earn $107k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all optometry doctoral programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Optometry doctoral's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern College of Optometry | $106,728 | $114,757 | — | — |
| National Median | $107,293 | — | — | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.