Arriving from the North (O’Hare airport or Wisconsin)

• Take the I-90 East/I-94 East to 31st Street exit, exit #54
• Turn Left (east) onto 31st Street
• Take 31st Street to Michigan Ave. turn right (south)
• Take Michigan Ave. to 33rd Street, turn left (east)
• Take 33rd Street one block to Indiana Ave., turn left (north)
• Take Indiana Ave. approximately 1/2 block to ICO entrance

Arriving from the South (Indiana)

• Take I-90 West/I-94 West to 31st Street exit, exit #54
• Turn Right (east) onto 31st Street
• Take 31st Street to Michigan Ave., turn right (south)
• Take Michigan Ave. to 33rd Street, turn left (east)
• Take 33rd Street one block to Indiana Ave., turn left (north)
• Take Indiana Ave. approximately 1/2 block to ICO entrance

Arriving from the West or Southwest

• Take I-290 Eisenhower Expressway/East or I-55 Stevenson Expressway/North to I-90/94 Ryan Expressway South toward Indiana
• Exit at 31st Street, exit #54
• Turn Left (east) onto 31st Street
• Take 31st Street to Michigan Ave., turn right (south)
• Take Michigan Ave. to 33rd Street, turn left (east)
• Take 33rd Street one block to Indiana Ave., turn left (north)
• Take Indiana Ave. approximately 1/2 block to ICO entrance

 

One of the great benefits of a world class city like Chicago is access to many different activities from cultures and conventions, to attractions and restaurants, to museums and sports. Below you will find a list of different things to take advantage of while you are in Chicago. We encourage you to enjoy all this fabulous city has to offer!

Entertainment & Attractions	Distance	Phone
Adler Planetarium	2.3	312-922-7827
Art Institute of Chicago	3.1	312-899-5100
Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park	2.8	312-747-2200
Chicago Academy of Science	5.9	773-755-5100
Chicago Children's Museum	4.0	312-527-1000
Chicago Cultural Center	3.3	312-744-2400
Daley Center Plaza, Picasso Sculpture	3.4	312-443-5500
DuSable Museum of African American History	3.1	773-947-0600
Field Museum of Natural History	2.1	312-922-9410
John G. Shedd Aquarium	2.2	312-939-2438
John Hancock Center	4.3	312-751-3681
Lincoln Park Zoo	5.8	312-742-2000
Magnificent Mile	4.0	312-642-3570
Millennium Park	3.2	312-742-5222
Museum of Contemporary Art	4.2	312-280-2660
Museum of Science and Industry	3.7	773-684-1414
Navy Pier	4.0	312-595-7437
Sears Tower	3.0	312-875-9696

 

Sports Venues	Phone
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago White Sox (baseball), Ticketmaster	312-831-1769
Soldier Field, Chicago Bears (football), Ticketmaster	800-745-3000
United Center, Chicago Bulls (basketball) and Chicago Blackhawks (hockey), Ticketmaster	800-745-3000
Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs (baseball), Ticketmaster	733-404-2827

Chicago is also home to some of the world's finest and most innovative architecture. Like most world-class cities, Chicago can be seen many ways.

Sightseeing & Tours	Phone
Chicago Architecture Foundation	312-922-3432

 

Sightseeing by Bus	Phone
American Sightseeing Chicago	312-251-3100
Chicago Charter Express(double decker busses)	888-332-8737
Chicago Trolley Company	773-648-5000

 

Sightseeing Boats	Phone
Anita Dee Yacht Charters (year round)	773-281-1300
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruises (May-October)	312-922-8687
Chicago from the Lake(April-October)	312-527-2002
Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruise line (May-September)	312-332-1368
Odyssey Cruises (year round)	888-957-2325
Shoreline Sightseeing Company (May-September)	312-222-9328
Spirit of Chicago (year round)	312-836-7888
Wendella Sightseeing Boats (late April-early October)	312-337-1446

 

Visitors Information	Phone
Chicago Convention &Tourism Bureau:	312-567-8500
Chicago Office of Tourism	312-744-2400
Illinois Bureau of Tourism	800-226-6632
Mayor's Office of Special Events	312-744-3315

The ICO Fitness and Wellness Center features a full-size gymnasium, racquetball court, locker rooms and a multipurpose fitness center. The fitness center features stairmills, treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bicycles, a rowing machine and a variety of strength training and stretching equipment.

To help achieve and maintain your best health, ICO retains a full-time Fitness Coordinator who provides one-on-one training services such as equipment orientation, workout programs, sports-specific training counseling, and more, free of charge. The Fitness Coordinator also oversees a variety of weekly group exercise classes from indoor cycling to belly dancing. The center also offers special programs on topics such as nutrition and breast cancer awareness throughout the year.

 

ICO offers a rich experience beyond the classroom and clinic by supporting a variety of organizations, clubs and activities.  Naturally, extracurricular life extends into Chicago, a city renowned for its museums, music, theater, restaurants, sport teams, parks and night life.

Student Association (SA)
All students who are enrolled are members of the SA.  Functioning in cooperation with the college administration, SA considers matters concerning student welfare and monitors a wide variety of student activities and publications.

The SA president and Board of Directors are elected by schoolwide balloting and serve as the official representatives of the student body on all matters. The Board of Directors includes representatives from every class as well as officers elected to perform specific functions.

Tomb and Key Honor Society
Tomb and Key Honor Fraternity is the highest academic honor organization at the Illinois College of Optometry. It was formed in 1934 to recognize academic excellence and to promote ethics within the field of optometry.

The Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society
This honorary society enlists students who have excellent academic records and who wish to serve the college and community.

Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society
The purpose of this honorary society is to recognize upperclassmen who have demonstrated outstanding professional and ethical attitudes through leadership in their class, college and profession.  Membership consists of five percent of the third professional year class and ten percent of the fourth professional year class.  All of these candidates are chosen for a life-time membership.

ICO Omega Leo Club
The ICO Omega Leo Club is a service organization with a focus on enhancing the community at and surrounding the school, promoting the widespread community service through the International Lions Club Organization.

Council on Ethics and Advancement of Professionalism
Council on Ethics at ICO is dedicated to the principle that the public derives the greatest benefit from ethical, professional optometric care.  To further this idea, the Council invites eminent guest speakers who can offer information and guidance in the attainment of a professional optometric future.  Membership is open to all students.

American Optometric Student Association (AOSA)
AOSA includes students representing all of the schools of optometry in the U.S. and Canada.  Each optometric institution elects a student trustee to represent its students at all AOSA functions.  This organization represents student concerns to all other optometric groups including the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).  AOSA dues for ICO students are paid each year by the Student Association from student activity fees.

Private Practice Club
The Private Practice Club was established to help prepare ICO students to enter private practice by making students more knowledgeable of the business aspects of the profession.  The club offers presentations, lectures and panel discussions on a monthly basis concerning all facets of practice management.  The presenters include a variety of nationally known speakers, optometrists, and other professionals to share their knowledge with students.  Topics often include associating with a doctor, practice acquisition, practice management, finance and marketing.

Student Volunteers in Optometric Service to Humanity (SVOSH)
SVOSH is an independent, non-profit, charitable organization whose objective is to provide vision care to foreign and domestic people who do not have access to professional vision care.  Student volunteers for this independent organization accompany a practicing Doctor of Optometry and other health care professionals on a mission trip to examine local residents and distribute needed eyeglasses free of charge.  Medical referrals are made when needed.  During recent years missions have been made to Indian reservations in several states, and to countries in Central America and Southeast Asia.

Contact Lens Society
The Contact Lens Society serves to expand the knowledge of contact lens care and management of anterior segment disease among students, while also familiarizing students with advances in optometric health and the availability of products available to assist in improving patient care.

College of Vision Development Optometric Extension Program (COVD)
COVD is an organization devoted to the enhancement and rehabilitation of vision and vision development. In addition, COVD works towards educating the public on the benefits of vision therapy and this unique mode of optometric practice.

Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO)
The Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO) seeks to help optometrists become established in the type of mission work which combines eye care and the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ both in the workplace and on the mission field around the world. FCO meets weekly for fellowship, prayer, snacks, and Bible study. Additionally, FCO gets together for scheduled social, service, fundraising, and mission opportunities.

Canadian Students Association
Through their experiences and efforts, the Canadian Students Association strives to maintain an awareness of optometry in Canada by examining changes in each of the individual provinces.  Their goal is to provide an opportunity for Canadian students to meet and discuss topics ranging from financial aid to life in Chicago.

Multicultural Association
The cultural diversity at ICO has been increasing in recent years. As a result, the Multicultural Association is organized to promote the understanding of the diverse cultures within the ICO and IEI communities.

State and International Clubs
The ICO student body is truly international in scope.  Student body members come from all states and many foreign countries.  When there is sufficient interest, students from various states often organize informal groups, naming the clubs after their home states.  These active clubs have programs and often sponsor visits and presentations by optometrists from their home states to discuss current issues in their individual state practice.

National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) is affiliated with the National Optometric Association, an organization which was founded for the purpose of increasing the number of optometrists from minority groups. NOSA's mission is also to advance the visual health of minority populations. The ICO chapter of NOSA is involved in a variety of activities oriented towards educating youth about optometry, increasing interest in and awareness of the profession, and helping those underserved populations who are in need of the proper eyecare.

Collegiate and Educational Society of the Illinois Optometric Association (CESIOA)
CESIOA is an official state society.  This group functions as a direct liaison between its members and the Illinois Optometric Association (IOA) members.  Its members are eligible to join any of the 45 state committees and may participate in all civic, legal and professional aspects of Illinois optometry. One of the significant functions of the CSIOA is to help students secure part-time employment with professional optometrists in Illinois and to assist in locating solo and associate practice opportunities upon graduation.  The CSIOA welcomes residents of all states to join its ranks and participate in Illinois events.

The Residential Complex, located directly across the street from the Illinois College of Optometry, is a great student housing option that is unlike anything available at other optometry schools. The modern RC provides a convenient and serious learning environment for students who wish to take advantage of the outstanding amenities available.

The RC is open to all students and consists of one and two bedroom suites, as well as one, two and three bedroom apartments.  The apartments are fully furnished and include a bed, couch, chairs, desk, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and more.

The complex also includes a recreation area with Ping-Pong, billiards and foosball, a sun deck, a patio complete with a gas barbecue, computer center, study and social lounges with flat-screen TVs, meeting rooms, and a laundry facility. All accommodations include wireless Internet access; comprehensive meal plans are also available.

Advantages of RC Living:

• Opportunity to meet and interact with 200 student residents
• Convenient access to the Eyepod, library and other ICO facilities
• Safe, secure environment with full-time security staff
• Eases the transition from undergraduate studies to graduate studies
• Great way to get to know Chicago
• Study and social lounges
• Laundry facilities
• Recreation area
• Excellent Events! The RC offers organized trips to Chicago museums, sporting events, theaters and outdoor concerts throughout the year.
• Overall, a unique housing opportunity and facility that is not offered by any other optometry school

 

 

Education happens both in and out of the classroom, and a successful experience at the Illinois College of Optometry includes involvement in campus life. ICO provides students with a selection of more than 20 diverse clubs and organizations, leadership development opportunities, community service projects, and special activities such as the Eyeball and International Night. By offering students rich experiences beyond the intensive and rigorous academic program, ICO provides a balanced approach to enhance the capacity of its students and ultimately make them better optometrists.

ICO also provides students with unique housing opportunities and an onsite Fitness and Wellness Center to enhance overall performance, as well as the academic
and clinical experience.

 

ICO Tuition Rates, 2013-14	First Year		Second Year	Third Year	Fourth Year
Educational Expenses
-Tuition/Fees	$35,086		$35,086	$46,336	$35,893
-Books/Instruments	$3,001		$4,731	$73	0
-National Board and Prep Fees*	0		0	$1,126	$680
-Average Loan Fees	$534		$534	$712	$680
Total Educational Expenses	$38,621		$40,351	$48,247	$38,073
Living Expenses	$16,096		$16,096	$21,318	$21,318
(estimated monthly budget ≈ $1,788)				$267	$267
Estimated Total Budget	$54,717		$56,447	$69,565	$59,391
Federal Assistance**	First Year		Second Year	Third Year	Fourth Year
Campus Employment	$2,700		$2,700	$2,700	$900
Perkins or HPSL Loan	$3,000		$3,000	$2,000	$6,000
Federal Direct Loan	$40,500		$40,500	$40,500	$20,500
Additional Direct Loan (BBAY)	0		0	$13,500	$27,000
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS	$8,517		$10,247	$10,865	$4,991
Total	$54,717		$56,447	$69,565	$59,391

*Applies to those planning to license in the U.S.

**Personal resources or scholarships will usually reduce the amount of the Direct Graduate PLUS and then the Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.

For more information on Federal Loans, repayment plans, eligibility, etc., visit www.studentaid.gov. 

If you have any questions regarding financial assistance, feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office. 

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. It receives data from schools, agencies that guaranty loans, the Direct Loan program, the Pell Grant program, and other U.S. Department of Education programs. NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of federal student aid loans and Pell grants that are tracked through their entire cycle, from aid approval through closure.

The NSLDS Student Access website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Note: maintenance of the NSLDS database can occur on the weekends or late hours. This may cause the site to be unavailable for a brief period while the maintenance is performed.

All of the following information, and much more, can be accessed through the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid site:

• FAFSA application
  
  
• Federal grants and scholarships
  
  
• Repayment options

Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study. Students may work up to 15 hours per week during the school year and rates of pay are based on the type of position and the skill level required.

Stafford Loans
Stafford Loans are unsubsidized and the interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent. There is a six-month grace period upon graduation (or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time). You will have between 10-30 years to repay your loan depending on which payment plan you establish.

• An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You'll be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized - that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount. Note: If your interest is capitalized, it will increase the amount you have to repay. If you choose to pay the interest as it accumulates, you'll repay less in the long run.  In addition, the amount of interest you pay may be tax deductible.
  
  

Stafford Loan Limits – Health Professions Students
Generally, as a graduate student, you can borrow up to $40,500 each nine month academic period. 

The actual amount of loan you receive is based on your need and any other forms of assistance you may be receiving. Generally, the total lifetime debt you can have outstanding from all Stafford Loans combined is $224,000 as a professional student. The graduate debt limit includes any Stafford Loans received for undergraduate or prior graduate study.

The Federal Perkins Loan Program
A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan for graduate students with exceptional financial need.  The loan is made with government funds with a share contributed by the school. You must repay this loan to your lender.  Perkins loans have a 9 month grace period upon graduation (or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time).

Federal Perkins Loan Limits
Depending on the year in school, your level of need, and the funding level of the school, you can borrow up to
$8,000 for each year of professional study (the total amount you can borrow as a graduate/professional student is $60,000, including any Federal Perkins Loans you borrowed as an undergraduate).  (As of August 14, 2008)

The Health Professions Student Loan Program
This program is part of the Health and Human Services funding programs. It is a federal loan program available to full-time students attending participating schools who demonstrate family financial need. The HPSL loan is a fixed interest (5%) subsidized loan where the government pays the interest during periods of eligible enrollment, grace or eligible deferment.

In addition to completing the FAFSA, the Health Professions student loan program requires institutions to take parental information into consideration when selecting recipients.  It is recommended that students who are interested in applying for the HPSL loan complete the parent section of the FAFSA each year. Note: the parent information is only used to determine eligibility for the HPSL program - it does not influence a student’s eligibility for any of the other financial aid programs offered by the College.

Students generally have a 12-month grace period available upon graduation and up to 10 years to repay the loan if it is not included in consolidation loan.

All incoming student applications are automatically evaluated during the admissions process for scholarship consideration. Note: There is not a separate scholarship application for incoming first-year students.

While scholarship opportunities for incoming students are limited, enrolled ICO students have exclusive access to nearly a half-million dollars in scholarships and awards that the College distributes each year. In addition, ICO tracks more than 100 public scholarships and awards. These additional opportunities are always shared first with students and can be pursued further with the Offices of Student Development and Student Financial Services.

The following scholarships are offered exclusively by the Illinois College of Optometry to incoming students:

Presidential Scholarships
A limited number of Presidential Scholarships, which are in the amount of one-half of the yearly tuition, are awarded annually. Presidential Scholarships are competitive and are typically awarded early in the application cycle. Applicants should have demonstrated outstanding academic performance at the undergraduate level, possess a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, an OAT score of 350 or higher, and exhibit outstanding academic promise for a professional education and ability for making a contribution to the ICO community and the profession. Please note, applicants are automatically considered for this prestigious award during the admissions process and early applicants receive greater consideration.

Trustees Scholarships
This scholarship fund was established to encourage outstanding students to select ICO as their school of choice for professional education. The amounts of the awards vary based upon the available funds in a given year. Please note, applicants are automatically considered for this award during the admissions process and early applicants receive greater consideration.

Illinois College of Optometry Scholarships for Underrepresented Populations
The Scholarships for Underrepresented Populations were established to encourage students from underrepresented minority populations (African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American) to pursue a career in Optometry and to select ICO as their school of choice. The recipient should have demonstrated outstanding academic performance at the undergraduate level, possess a professional demeanor, demonstrate high ethical standards and integrity, and exhibit outstanding academic promise for a professional education and ability for making a contribution to the ICO community and the profession. Upon being selected to interview, eligible candidates should notify the Office of Admissions of their interest in being considered for this scholarship. A limited number of scholarships, which are in the amount of $5,000, are awarded annually.