Southern College of Optometry

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Southern College of Optometry revolves around professional preparation. The intensive curriculum leaves limited time for activities unrelated to optometric education, though students do find opportunities for socializing, exercise, and involvement in student organizations. The Beta Sigma Kappa honor society, American Optometric Student Association chapter, and various specialty interest groups provide structure for student engagement beyond coursework. The student body consists entirely of graduate-level professional students, creating a focused atmosphere different from undergraduate institutions. Most students arrive after completing bachelor's degrees and have made deliberate choices to pursue optometry as a career. This shared commitment creates bonds among classmates who will remain professional colleagues throughout their careers. Housing is not provided on campus, so students find apartments in Memphis neighborhoods accessible to the medical district. Midtown Memphis offers older housing stock at generally affordable prices, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options nearby. The city's cost of living falls well below national averages, making the financial pressures of professional school somewhat more manageable. The clinical training component means students spend substantial time in patient care settings during their third and fourth years. Some rotations may occur in locations away from Memphis, providing exposure to different practice environments but also requiring flexibility in living arrangements.

Location & Surroundings

Memphis occupies the southwestern corner of Tennessee, sitting on bluffs above the Mississippi River that have made it a transportation hub for centuries. The city's history as a cotton trading center, its role in the civil rights movement, and its continuing significance in music and culture give it a character distinct from other Southern cities. Beale Street, where blues music developed, remains the center of the entertainment district. Graceland, Elvis Presley's home, draws visitors from around the world. The medical district where the college sits occupies midtown Memphis, an area characterized by healthcare institutions, older residential neighborhoods, and urban renewal efforts. The neighborhood offers convenient access to downtown attractions while maintaining somewhat lower costs than newer suburban areas. Public transportation exists but most students rely on cars to navigate the spread-out city. Memphis weather runs hot and humid in summer, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August. Winters are mild by northern standards but can bring ice storms that disrupt the city. Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions that locals appreciate after summer's intensity. The city provides affordable living, authentic barbecue, a music scene rooted in blues and soul, and access to outdoor recreation along the river and in nearby parks and wildlife areas. It lacks the polish of larger Southern cities like Atlanta or Nashville but offers its own gritty authenticity that many residents find appealing.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at Southern College of Optometry runs approximately $35,000 to $40,000 per year, with the four-year program thus costing well over $150,000 in direct educational expenses before considering living costs. Most students rely heavily on federal student loans to finance their education, graduating with substantial debt that must be repaid from practice income. The investment makes sense for students confident they want careers in optometry. Optometrists earn median salaries exceeding $120,000 annually, with those owning practices or practicing in high-demand areas potentially earning considerably more. Demand for optometric services has grown as the population ages and as optometry's scope of practice expands. Career paths after graduation vary. Some new optometrists join established practices as associates, building patient relationships before potentially buying into ownership. Others open their own practices, accepting entrepreneurial risk for greater control and potential reward. Retail chains and healthcare systems employ optometrists in salaried positions with less business responsibility but also less upside. The college's career services help students identify opportunities and prepare for job searches. Networking at professional conferences and through alumni connections opens doors. Residency programs in specialties like pediatric optometry or low vision provide additional training for those seeking advanced expertise. Geographic flexibility helps in job searches, as some areas have more optometrists than patients need while others face shortages.

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