Scholarships and Grants
The Pennsylvania College of Optometry offers students a number of grants and scholarships annually which provide incentive for learning and research. These are monetary gifts which do not require repayment.
All scholarships are based on academic performance and financial need unless otherwise indicated below. Applications for all scholarships are made through the College's Institutional Financial Aid Application. Among these awards are:
Descriptions
Unless otherwise noted, application for the following scholarships is made via the College’s Institutional Financial Aid Application.
Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Scholarship
Established by Leonard and Madlyn Abramson, the scholarship provides awards of $1,000 or more. Preference is afforded students residing in states having managed care organizations operated by Aetna/US Healthcare (currently Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas).
Administrative/Professional Staff Scholarship
Established by the College's Administrative/Professional Council, the scholarship is to be awarded to a worthy student.
Alcon Scholarship
American Optometric Foundation Corning Scholarship
Awarded to a student demonstrating academic excellence and financial need, who submits an application and essay. Applications are available from the Financial Aid Office upon notification posted on the main bulletin board in the lobby of the Cafe.
American Optometric Foundation Optimum Optics Scholarship
An award of $1,000 to a New Jersey student. The College scholarship committee nominates one candidate from the College per year.
Joseph F. Bacon Memorial Scholarship
An annual award to a first-year optometry student whose undergraduate education was obtained at the University of Delaware.
Allison Barinas Memorial Scholarship
Board of Trustees Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to selected first year optometry students from non-contract states on the basis of high academic record and demonstrated financial need. The scholarships are valued up to $6,500 per year, renewable for four years.
Alma L. Boben Memorial Scholarship
Established by the estate of Alma L. Boben, O.D. in loving memory of her father, optometrist H.J. Leuze. This award of $500 or more is awarded to worthy female optometry students on the basis of academic standing and financial need.
Chilton Company Scholarships
Ciba Vision Scholarship
Established by Ciba Vision Corporation, a major international pharmaceutical corporation with strong ties to the ophthalmic market.
Jeffrey Cohen Memorial Scholarship
Established by friends and colleagues in memory of Jeffrey Cohen, O.D. '69, through the Federal Credit Union.
George Comstock Scholarship
The Connecticut Optometric Society administers a scholarship for Connecticut residents demonstrating financial need, academic excellence, and high moral character. Application is made directly to the Connecticut Optometric Society.
William J. Condon Memorial Scholarship
Established through the estate of Mary H. Condon in memory of her optometrist husband.
George H. Crozier Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and family of Dr. Crozier, former Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
William Decter Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of PCO alumnus William Decter by Rodenstock USA, Inc. and friends and family members.
Sol Deglin Memorial Scholarship
Established by Edward A. Deglin, M.D. in memory of his father.
Vivian M. Descant Scholarship
Established by Dr. Descant, an alumnus of the College.
Milton J. Eger Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and family of Dr. Eger, former member of the College Board of Trustees.
Faculty Scholarship
Established by the College's Faculty Council.
Barry Farkas Scholarship
Established in recognition of Dr. Farkas, member of the College Board of Trustees.
H. L. Goldberger Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and professional colleagues of Herbert L. Goldberger, O.D., a 1954 alumnus of the College.
Florence and Martin Hafter Scholarship
Established by Martin Hafter, O.D., '49.
A. Michael Iatesta Scholarship
Established by A. Michael Iatesta, O.D., '52, member of the College Board of Trustees.
J. Donald Kratz Memorial Scholarship
Established by family and friends in memory of Dr. Kratz, '37, former member of the College faculty and Board of Trustees.
Paul G. Matthews Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mr. and Mrs. George Matthews in memory of their son, Paul G. Matthews, O.D. '81, the Matthews Scholarship is awarded to a first-year optometry student selected on the basis of under-graduate academic performance, community service and financial need. The award level is $1,000 per year for four years.
Military Scholarships
The Army, Navy and Air Force provide Health Profession Scholarships (HPSP) to optometry students which cover complete tuition payment, required books and fees plus a monthly living stipend. HPSP scholarship recipients are commissioned as officers and required to serve in the military for a specific period of time, depending upon the number of years the recipient received the HPSP scholarship. Applications and additional information are available directly from local Army, Navy and Air Force recruitment offices, which are located throughout the United States.
Leslie Mintz Foundation Scholarship
Administered by the New Jersey Optometric Association, optometry students with New Jersey residence may apply for these annual scholarships. In the past awards have ranged from $500 to $1,000. Students are generally notified of awards during second semester. Applications are available from the College's Financial Aid Office upon notification posted on the main bulletin board in the lobby of the Cafe.
Frank J. Montemuro, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Established by Albert Tordella, Emeritus Trustee of the College's Board of Trustees, in memory of his life long friend, Frank J. Montemuro, Sr.
National Eye Research Foundation Fellowship Award
The Foundation offers a $500 award to an optometry student enrolled in a school or college of optometry. Application information will be posted on the main bulletin board in the lobby of the Cafe.
Harold Simmerman Clinical Excellence Scholarship
Administered by the New Jersey Academy of Optometry, the scholarship is awarded to a deserving fourth year New Jersey resident on the basis of academic and clinical excellence and financial need.
Nikon Scholar Awards
An annual competition open to first-year students of optometry. Awards range from $100 honorariums to a $2,000 scholarship. Application information will be posted on the main bulletin board in the lobby of the Cafe.
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Scholarship
Established by a member of the Board of Trustees.
Petry-Lomb Scholarship
An annual award ($1,000) to a New York resident enrolled in an optometry college who exhibits financial need and good scholastic achievement. Applications are available from the Financial Aid Office.
PHEAA Grants
A student who matriculates without receiving a baccalaureate degree, who has been a domiciliary of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to the date of application and who demonstrates financial need in accordance with PHEAA requirements is eligible for a PHEAA grant. There are other requirements as well. For further information and application materials, contact the Financial Aid Office.
A. Phillips - SOSH Scholarship
The scholarship was established and funded by Algernon A. Phillips,'69, a graduate of the College who founded the Student Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH). The $1000 scholarship is awarded to an optometry student from either the former British West Indies or a non-US citizen from the Caribbean.
Philips Endowed Scholarship
Established by Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Philips ‘38 in memory of Dr. Phillips' uncle Harry G. Philips, O.D. Preference is afforded first-year students and Pennsylvania residents.
Presidential Scholarships
Review of Optometry Scholarship
An annual scholarship funded by Cahners, publisher of the Review of Optometry.
Serafina Rosa Memorial Scholarship
Established by colleagues and classmates in memory of Dr. Rosa, a 1987 graduate of the College.
Onofrey G. Rybachok Memorial Scholarship
Established by family and friends in memory of Dr. Rybachok, former member of the College faculty.
Maria T. Rynkiewicz Memorial Scholarship
Established by the College Alumni Association in memory of Dr. Rynkiewicz '79.
Second Career Scholarship
Established by an anonymous alumnus, the Second Career Scholarship is awarded to a deserving first year optometry student who was gainfully employed in another career for at least five to ten years before matriculating at the College. The recipient will receive $2000 per year for four years, contingent upon maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship is awarded once every four years.
Boris I. and Bessie S. Sinoway Memorial Scholarship
Established by the estate of Bessie S. Sinoway in memory of her husband, Boris I. Sinoway, O.D.
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS)
Granted on the basis of exceptional financial need, with preference afforded students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
State Grants and Scholarships
Typically for undergraduate students, several states have programs that award grant monies to needy students. If you have entered or will enter the College before receiving a baccalaureate degree, contact your state higher education agency directly for more information.
State Optometric Auxiliary Scholarships
Many state auxiliary organizations offer scholarships to optometry students. Application is generally made directly to the state auxiliary and selection is generally made on the basis of state of residence and other criteria. Contact state optometric organizations directly for further information.
Joseph C. Toland Scholarship
Established by Dr. Toland, a member of the College faculty.
Katherine Tordella-Richards Memorial Scholarship
Established by Albert Tordella, Emeritus Trustee of the College's Board of Trustees of the College, in memory of his sister, Katherine Tordella Richards.
Vision Service Plan Scholarship
Established in 1998-99 by Vision Service Plan, this scholarship recognizes proficiency in the area of primary care and promotes independent private practice. Two scholarships, valued at $2000, are awarded to fourth year students.
Clifford C. Wagner Scholarship
Established by the family of Clifford C. Wagner, O.D., a 1951 alumnus of the College.
Doris A. Wagner Scholarship
Established by Clifford C. Wagner, O.D., ‘51, in honor of his wife’s dedication to optometry and service to the visual welfare of the public.
Wal-Mart Scholarship
Established and administered by the Wal-Mart Corporation.
William G. Walton, Jr. Scholarship
Established by the College's President's Council, in recognition of Dr. Walton, '40, a former College faculty member.
Harold and Ginny Wiener Scholarship
Established by the family of Dr. and Mrs. Wiener, a 1950 alumnus of the College. Preference is afforded New Jersey residents.
E. F. Wildermuth Foundation Scholarship
Established by the E.F. Wildermuth Foundation, the largest private contributor to student financial assistance at the College.
Elsie Wright Billmeier Memorial Scholarship
Established by Alton G. Billmeier, O.D., F.A.A.O, '38, in memory of his late wife, Elsie Wright Billmeier, O.D., '38. Preference given to students from Maryland.
Melvin D. Wolfberg Scholarship
Established by former President Melvin D. Wolfberg, O.D., '51.
NOTE: Additional grant and scholarship information is available by contacting the College Financial Aid Office:
Voice 215/780-1330, toll free 800/824-6262 or email snoce@pco.edu