Marshall B. Ketchum University is a private, non-profit, independent, educational institution.
The Office of Financial Aid provides financial services and advice that will help our students best meet the educational expenses necessary to achieve their career goal of becoming outstanding Optometrists.
How does Financial Aid Work?
Financial Aid is awarded by the US government. The MBKU Financial Aid Office acts as the liaison between the government and the student to make sure that the funds awarded are available to the student to pay for the cost of attending optometry school. Below you’ll find the step-by-step process, including deadlines, for how the borrowing process works for students who have been admitted to our program.
Step 1: Submit a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov (School Code: 001230)
Step 2: View your program's Standard Student Budget (see below) to decide how much student loan funding you may need to borrow to meet your expenses. This budget includes tuition, fees, books, and supplies, plus an allowance for nominal living expenses.
Step 3: In the Spring the MBKU Financial Aid Office will send an email notification once your Financial Aid Package is ready. This email will list the amount of aid you qualify for and the instructions on how to accept the aid.
Step 4: Once you are officially enrolled in your program, you will have access to your online MBKU Student Account. Most transactions are automatically processed without action required on the student’s part. Your Student Account serves as a record of all student charges such as tuition, fees, equipment, manuals and other items associated with a student's education as well as corresponding payments and credits. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your account, our student accounts representatives are happy to take your emails, calls, or walk-in questions.
Still have questions about how Financial Aid works? We're here to help! Email us at FinancialAid@ketchum.edu.
Sources of Financial Aid
Most available Financial Aid comes in the form of loans, and often students borrow from more than one source to cover their needs. The following chart shows a typical financial aid package for a first-year optometry student borrowing the maximum amount.
| Loan Program | Percent Receiving | Average Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Unsubsidized | 77% | $40,500 |
| Graduate PLUS | 20% | $34,182 |
Cost of Attending SCCO
| Fee | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | $45,940 | |
| Annual Student Association Fee | $165 | |
| Parking Fee (optional) | $225/ 9 months or $300/ 12 months | |
For a detailed breakdown of the estimated Cost of Attendance for each year, see the SCCO Standard Student Budget.
Other Costs by Year
Estimate cost for books, instruments, equipment, supplies, and clinic uniforms for each of the four professional years include:
| Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| First Year | $2,766 |
| Second Year | $2,667 |
| Third Year | $3,425 |
Additional Fees
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Secondary Application Fee1 | $75 |
| Matriculation Fee2 | $1,500 |
| Graduation Fee | $175 |
| Late Payment of Tuition Fee | $50 |
| Audit Per Unit | $100 |
1 Payable with the application
2 Paid upon acceptance and credited to Fall Quarter tuition upon enrollment
While the occasion has not previously presented itself, the Board of Trustees of Marshall B. Ketchum University does reserve the right to change the tuition and fees or to establish additional fees for special features or services if deemed necessary.
WICHE and Contract Students
The University is a participant in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Student Exchange Program. Applicants from the participating states (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming) are encouraged to contact the Certifying Officer in their home state for information on applying for certification. In most cases, the deadline for certification application is October 15, of the year preceding admission; however, some state deadlines and requirements may vary.
Canadian and International Students
Canadian and International students are not eligible for US federal financial aid programs. As a condition for matriculation, Canadian or International students must show proof of earmarked educational funds sufficient to cover the costs of a four year professional graduate school education. Proof of these funds can be in the form of a line of credit or bank records. For more information on studying in the states, visit our Resource Guide for Canadian Applicants.
Additional Resources
We encourage our students to become informed borrowers. Once you’re admitted to the program, you will have access to your student Portal with tips, Q&A, and resources specifically for SCCO students. For additional information, you can read our Financial 101 blog article regarding how to make sense of the cost of an optometric education.
Contact the Financial Aid Office
For further assistance, please email FinancialAid@ketchum.edu or call us at 714.449.7448.
Mailing address:
Marshall B. Ketchum University
Attn: SCCO Financial Aid Office
2575 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831-1615