Student Population Changes
The average student population over the last 11 years is 532 where 530 students are attending the school for the academic year 2024-2025.
Total enrollment fluctuated between 2016 and 2025, with 5 year-over-year increases and 4 decreases. It peaked at 538 students in 2021 and was lowest at 525 in 2024. Overall, enrollment rose from 528 to 530 students, a net gain of 2 (0.4%).
The following table and chart illustrate the changes in student population by gender at Southern College of Optometry since 2015.
Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity Changes
The percentage of white students is 71.89%. The percentage was 81.82% 10 years ago and Southern College of Optometry still has a high percentage of white students. 14.15% of enrolled students is Asian and 3.21% is black students. Hispanic students comprise 2.64% of the student body.
Over the past 10 years, the racial composition has shifted. The percentage of white students decreased from 81.82% to 71.89%. Asian enrollment grew from 8.90% to 14.15%. Black student enrollment increased from 2.84% to 3.21%. Hispanic student representation expanded from 0.95% to 2.64%.
The overall racial diversity, measured by the Census Bureau Diversity Index, is 0.4581 which indicates that somewhat diverse. This increased from 0.3202 a decade ago, suggesting that racial diversity has improved.
The following table and chart illustrate the student population trends by race/ethnicity at Southern College of Optometry over the past 11 years (2015-2025).
Distance Learning (Online Courses) Enrollment Changes
Southern College of Optometry does not offer online degree/certificate programs. All Students have enrolled in on-campus programs.