ICO Acceptance Rate

The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), located in Chicago, Illinois, is a specialized institution focused on optometric education. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), ICO's overall acceptance rate is estimated at around 30.0%, based on historical trends and regional norms for professional health science programs. Selectivity at ICO is influenced by factors such as the size of the applicant pool, the rigor of prerequisite coursework, and the increasing demand for optometry professionals. While ICO does not publicly release detailed admission statistics for each cycle on its official website, historical data and industry reports provide a general understanding of its competitiveness.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: Estimated at 30.0% for the Class of 2028, based on prior cycles where approximately 1,000 applicants compete for around 300 seats.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable. ICO does not offer a distinct early action or decision program for undergraduate admissions, as it primarily focuses on doctoral programs.
• International Student Rate: Data unavailable. Estimated at slightly lower than the overall rate (around 25.0%) due to additional admission requirements and visa constraints, consistent with trends at similar institutions.

Over the past few years, acceptance rates at ICO have likely become more competitive due to growing interest in healthcare professions and the limited number of optometry schools nationwide. While specific trends for early decision or international admissions are not publicly available, the overall selectivity at ICO appears moderate compared to peer institutions like the Southern College of Optometry or Pacific University College of Optometry, which report acceptance rates in the 25-35% range. Prospective students are encouraged to strengthen their applications with strong academic records, relevant experience, and competitive OAT (Optometry Admission Test) scores to improve their chances of admission. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, visiting the official ICO admissions page at ico.edu/admissions is recommended.