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Private nonprofit, 4-year

New England College of Optometry

Boston, Massachusetts · www.neco.edu

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About

New England College of Optometry (NECO) is a prestigious institution located in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to the field of optometry and vision sciences. Founded in 1894, NECO stands out for its rich history and commitment to excellence in education and clinical training. The college is renowned for its strong emphasis on practical experience, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning through various clinical settings. This approach not only enhances the students' theoretical knowledge but also equips them with the necessary skills to excel in their future careers as optometrists.

The college's mission is to prepare competent and compassionate optometrists who are committed to serving their communities. NECO's core values reflect a dedication to quality education, innovation in research, and community service. The faculty at NECO are highly qualified and experienced professionals who are deeply invested in student success. With a diverse range of programs, including a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and various residency options, NECO provides students with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving field of optometry. In addition to its academic offerings, NECO promotes a vibrant campus culture that emphasizes student engagement, collaboration, and professional development, making it an exceptional place for aspiring optometrists to learn and grow.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Gender Ratios at New England College of Optometry

The data from the New England College of Optometry reveals significant trends in tuition and gender ratios over recent years. Firstly, the tuition for graduate programs has steadily increased from $19,124 in 2014 to $23,833 in 2024, marking a notable rise of approximately 24.5% over the decade. This trend is consistent with the broader national pattern of rising tuition fees in higher education, which often outpaces inflation. Such increases can impact accessibility for potential students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, thereby affecting enrollment rates and diversity within the institution.

In terms of student demographics, the gender ratio for graduate students shows a strong female majority, with women constituting approximately 76.1% in 2023. This trend is consistent with observations across many graduate programs, particularly in health-related fields, where female enrollment often exceeds that of males. The persistence of a high female-to-male ratio may reflect broader societal trends towards increased female participation in healthcare professions, which is encouraging for the future of the field.

Additionally, the total number of graduate students has remained relatively stable, fluctuating around 525 to 538 over the years. This stability, despite rising tuition, suggests that the college has maintained a dedicated student base, potentially reflecting the institution's reputation and the demand for optometry professionals. However, the lack of undergraduate enrollment data indicates a gap that could warrant further investigation, as this may reveal insights into the institution's appeal to prospective undergraduate students.

Overall, the combination of rising tuition and a stable yet gender-skewed student body presents both challenges and opportunities for the New England College of Optometry as it navigates an evolving educational landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In Boston
Nearest international airport
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), about 4 mi
Boston, Massachusetts
Also known as
New England College of Optometry/NECO Center for Eye Care
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Howard Purcell, OD (President)
Phone
6172662030
City
Boston, Massachusetts
Address
424 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02115

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's10 international (0.0%)
Master's73 international (42.9%)
Doctoral11827 international (22.9%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions, Other
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Optometry · Doctoral118 (23% international)
  • Vision Science/Physiological Optics · Master's7 (43% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from New England College of Optometry

The graduation data from the New England College of Optometry for 2023 reveals some interesting insights into the distribution of degrees awarded, particularly at the doctoral level. The most notable observation is the significant number of doctoral graduates, with 136 students earning their doctorate in Optometry. This reflects a strong emphasis on advanced education within the field, positioning graduates to meet the demands of a growing healthcare sector.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that 45 of these doctoral graduates are international students. This indicates a global interest in optometry education at a doctoral level, suggesting that the college is becoming an attractive destination for aspiring optometrists worldwide. The presence of international students can enrich the academic environment and promote a diverse perspective in the field of optometry.

In contrast, there were no graduates at the associate or bachelor levels in the optometry program, which may indicate a specialized focus on higher education, particularly the doctorate program. The absence of bachelor's degree graduates in Vision Science and the other related fields further emphasizes this trend, as it suggests that students are opting for advanced degrees right from the beginning of their studies.

Overall, the data highlights the New England College of Optometry's commitment to producing highly qualified professionals in the field, with a clear trend toward doctoral-level education, which is crucial for meeting the complexities of modern eye care and vision science.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 119 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Optometry.-
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions, Other.-
Biologyhas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Vision Science/Physiological Optics.-

Students

515 students in 2025

Age distribution

Graduate students

Under 22
3.3%
22–24
44.7%
25–29
43.5%
30–34
5.0%
35 and over
3.5%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at New England College of Optometry

The demographic composition of students at the New England College of Optometry for the year 2023 showcases an interesting landscape. The total number of graduate students stands at 536, with a notable gender distribution where 23.9% are male and a significant 76.1% are female. This indicates a strong representation of women in the graduate programs, which aligns with broader trends in healthcare and optometry education, where female enrollment has been increasing over recent years.

Examining the racial composition of the graduate students reveals that among the various ethnic groups, White students constitute the majority, with 171 individuals. This reflects a common trend observed in many educational institutions where diversity continues to be an evolving aspect. While the presence of Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students is not detailed in this data, it is crucial for institutions like New England College of Optometry to actively foster an inclusive environment that values diversity in all its forms.

As the field of optometry progresses, it is essential for educational institutions to adapt and respond to these demographic shifts. The increasing number of female students may indicate a changing perception of the profession, and fostering this trend could contribute to richer, more diverse perspectives in healthcare. Moreover, as schools strive for inclusivity, targeted outreach to underrepresented groups will be vital for enriching the educational experience and better serving diverse communities in the future.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at New England College of Optometry

The age composition of students at the New England College of Optometry reveals significant trends in the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate programs. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 22-24 and 25-29 age categories, which is consistent with national trends in higher education where younger adults increasingly pursue advanced degrees earlier in their professional careers.

In the 22-24 age bracket, there are 39 male and 173 female graduate students, highlighting a strong female presence in graduate-level optometry education, which mirrors the broader trend of increasing female enrollment in health-related fields. This could reflect a growing shift towards gender balance in professions that have historically been male-dominated, such as optometry.

The 25-29 age group also shows a substantial number of graduate students, with 67 males and 191 females. This suggests that many students are opting to continue their education immediately after their undergraduate studies, possibly seeking to enhance their career prospects in a competitive job market.

Interestingly, older age groups (30-34 and above) show significantly lower enrollment numbers, indicating that the majority of students in this field are younger. This may also reflect the increasing emphasis on early career preparation and the importance of advanced education in securing employment in the optometry field.

Overall, the data illustrates a demographic shift within the New England College of Optometry, with a clear trend of younger, predominantly female students pursuing graduate studies, which is likely to influence the future landscape of the profession.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Graduate students31.3%

161 in 2025 · 25.6% in 2016

0% 20% 40% 2016: 25.6%2017: 25.9%2018: 25.8%2019: 25.7%2020: 29.0%2021: 28.6%2022: 28.0%2023: 32.1%2024: 31.8%2025: 31.3%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

International Students at New England College of Optometry

The data surrounding international students at the New England College of Optometry reveals a significant trend in the graduate student population over the years, particularly from 2009 onwards. In 2009, the percentage of international graduate students was already notable at 23.43%. This figure experienced a consistent upward trajectory, reaching 32.09% by 2023. Such a growth indicates the institution's increasing appeal to international scholars, likely motivated by its reputation in the field of optometry as well as the quality of education provided.

The steady rise in the proportion of international students could also reflect broader trends in higher education, where institutions across the United States are actively seeking to diversify their student populations. This shift is vital as it enriches the educational environment and prepares all students for a globalized workforce.

Interestingly, while the number of international graduate students has been growing, the data for undergraduate students remains absent. This absence makes it difficult to evaluate the overall international student dynamics at the college. However, the graduate school figures suggest that the institution is becoming a preferred choice for international students pursuing advanced studies in optometry.

As global mobility continues to evolve and barriers for international education diminish, colleges like the New England College of Optometry may find themselves at the forefront of attracting a diverse student body, which is crucial for fostering innovation and cross-cultural exchanges in healthcare education.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$37.5M

Tuition and fees
$23.2M61.8%
Investment return
$6.3M16.8%
Hospitals
$4.9M13.2%
Gifts and private grants
$1.6M4.3%
Government grants and contracts
$1.2M3.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$157K0.4%

Expenses$28.4M

Instruction
$14.3M50.5%
Institutional support
$7.2M25.4%
Academic support
$2.4M8.6%
Student services
$2.2M7.6%
Research
$1.9M6.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$328K1.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$99,702peers $67,788
Professor
$117,516peers $85,183
Associate professor
$99,783peers $76,269
Assistant professor
$90,109peers $67,938

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near the New England College of Optometry:

  1. Harvard University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its rigorous academic programs and influential research.

  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT, ranked 2nd, is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation in technology and science, making it a leader in engineering and computer science.

  3. Boston University - With a rank of 43, Boston University offers a diverse range of programs and is recognized for its research contributions and vibrant campus life.

  4. Tufts University - Ranked 40th, Tufts is known for its international relations and strong emphasis on active citizenship and community service.

  5. Wellesley College - This women's liberal arts college is ranked 4th and is recognized for its commitment to empowering women through education and leadership opportunities.

  6. Brown University - Ranked 9th, Brown is famous for its flexible curriculum and emphasis on student-led learning, making it a unique environment for academic exploration.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students, contributing to a vibrant educational landscape in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Aggravated assault
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Rates at New England College of Optometry: A Recent Overview

The crime statistics from New England College of Optometry over the past decade reveal an intriguing trend in campus safety. In 2014, the college experienced a significant spike in criminal activity, recording a total of ten incidents, with an alarming rate of 19.92 per 1000 students. This peak appears to be an outlier, as subsequent years show a dramatic decline in reported crimes.

From 2015 to 2022, the college maintained a remarkable record of minimal criminal activity, with many years reflecting no incidents at all. This consistent drop in crime rates suggests effective measures in campus safety and a positive environment for students. In fact, the only recorded incidents since 2014 have been primarily related to firearm arrests, with the most recent data from 2023 indicating just one incident, resulting in an average of 1.87 per 1000 students.

Such data is vital for prospective students and their families, as campus safety is often a top priority in selecting educational institutions. The absence of violent crimes such as murder or sexual assault over these years further enhances the college's reputation as a safe learning environment. Overall, the New England College of Optometry appears to have successfully fostered a secure atmosphere for its students, a trend that is encouraging for current and future members of the campus community.

For further insights on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.