Northeastern State University
Cost of Attendance Breakdown
| Annual Cost of Attendance | $72,421 |
| Tuition & Fees | $42,475 |
| Living Expenses | $29,946 |
| Books, Supplies & Other | $0 |
| Federal Loan Cap (Professional) | −$50,000 |
| Annual Funding Gap | $22,421 |
Cover Your $22,421/yr Gap
Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) students typically need $89,682 in private loans over 4 years to bridge the gap between federal aid and cost of attendance.
We research and compare lenders so you don’t have to. Rates verified as of January 2026.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to lender products. Rates shown are not guaranteed and depend on creditworthiness, cosigner status, and loan terms. Check with individual lenders for current rates.
What This Means for You
Large gap — private loans likely required
At $22,421/year ($89,682 total), the funding gap for Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) is substantial. Most students in this situation use a combination of private loans, institutional aid, and personal resources.
- Shop private loans carefully — a cosigner can significantly reduce your rate
- Ask Northeastern State University about institutional scholarships, especially merit-based awards
- Evaluate expected starting salary against total debt load — use the 1x salary guideline
- File FAFSA early to maximize eligibility for any need-based institutional aid
Need help navigating financial aid? Start with FAFSA
In-State vs. Out-of-State
In-State (Resident)
Out-of-State (Non-Resident)
Out-of-state students face a $20,351 larger gap per year due to non-resident tuition surcharges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal loan limit for Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) students?
Under the OBBBA (effective July 1, 2026), Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) students can borrow up to $50,000 per year in federal Direct Loans. This is the professional annual cap. The aggregate lifetime limit is $200,000 for professional students.
Can I still get a Grad PLUS loan for Northeastern State University?
No. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is eliminated under the OBBBA. All graduate and professional students are subject to fixed annual borrowing caps ($50,000/year for professional programs). Students who need additional funding beyond the cap must use private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
How much does Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) cost per year?
The total cost of attendance for Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) is $72,421 per year. Over the full 4-year program, the total cost is $289,682.
What is the funding gap for Northeastern State University Optometry (OD)?
The annual funding gap is $22,421, calculated as the difference between the total cost of attendance ($72,421) and the federal loan cap ($50,000). Over the full 4-year program, the total gap is $89,682. This is below the national median of $30,850 for Optometry (OD) programs.
Is Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) classified as graduate or professional?
Northeastern State University Optometry (OD) (OD) is classified as professional under 34 CFR § 668.2, the federal definition of professional programs frozen as of the OBBBA enactment date. This means the annual federal loan cap is $50,000/year, with an aggregate limit of $200,000.
Related Articles
What the OBBBA Means for Professional Students
Medical, law, dental, and other professional students face a $50,000/year cap. Here's the full breakdown.
Read more →How to Fund the Gap Without Grad PLUS
Scholarships, institutional aid, private loans, and service programs — options for professional students.
Read more →Debt-to-Income Planning for Professional Degrees
How to evaluate whether your expected salary justifies the total debt load.
Read more →Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- Cost of attendance: Sourced from Northeastern State University’s official tuition and fees page for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Federal loan caps: Defined by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21, Title VIII, Subtitle B, Section 81001, amending 20 U.S.C. § 1087e(a), paragraph 4(A)(ii).
- IPEDS data: Institutional characteristics from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (NCES), Unit ID: 207263.
- Program classification: OD is classified as professional per 34 CFR § 668.2, with an annual federal loan cap of $50,000.
Methodology
- Funding gap = Cost of Attendance − Federal Loan Cap. Negative values are reported as $0.
- Cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and estimated living expenses (housing, food, books, transportation, personal).
- Rankings compare programs within the same degree type nationally, sorted by annual funding gap from lowest to highest.
- Default COA assumes full-time enrollment, out-of-state residency (where applicable), no scholarships or grants, and no prior federal debt.
Data last updated: January 2026. Effective date for OBBBA loan caps: July 1, 2026.