Scholarships
The Department of Graduate Studies, Institute for the Visually Impaired of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry often has scholarships and student stipends available to support study of matriculating by U.S. citizens. Matriculating students are those who apply for specific programs and intend to earn their degree or certificate.
These scholarships are most often funded through the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and either Rehabilitation Services Administration or Office of Special Education Programs.
Scholarships average between 50 to 100 percent tuition coverage for study in one of the four areas of study available through the department.
Students studying in one of the department’s off-campus programs may have additional tuition support made available through contributions from the resident’s state department of education.
Students who are U.S. citizens and plan to be either full or part-time students are encouraged to inquire as to availability of scholarships at the time of their application for study. At this time, there are no scholarship funds available for students who wish to register for just one or a few courses; although individuals are encouraged to take courses for continuing professional development or to refresh or update knowledge and skills. Scholarships are not available to non-matriculating students.
Scholarships Available to study Low Vision Rehabilitation
Graduate Studies Awarded $500,000. for 5 Year Training Grant for Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialists - FOR MORE DETAILS >>>>
Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarships*
The Rehabilitation Services Administration, historically, have provided scholarships for matriculated students in the (1) Master of Science Program in Orientation & Mobility Therapy, (2) Master of Science or Certificate Programs in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching), and (3) Master of Science or Certificate Programs in Low Vision Rehabilitation. Scholarships are currently available in all Master of Science Programs.
Office of Special Education Programs Scholarships*
Scholarships from the Office of Special Education Programs are available for matriculating students in the (1) Master of Education/Certificate Programs in Education of Children and Youth with Visual or Multiple Impairments and the (2) Certificate Program in Orientation and Mobility Therapy.
*Scholarships from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and Office of Special Education Programs have a work payback requirement. If you are enrolled in a one year full-time program, your work payback requirement would be two years of service "in a non-profit rehabilitation agency or related agency, including a professional corporation or professional practice group through which the agency has a service arrangement with the designated State agency", or two years of services in special education teaching children with visual impairments.
Scholarships range from 75% to 100% tuition assistance. In addition students receive a small quarterly stipend to assist with educational expenses such as fees, books, supplies, or living expenses.