“A specialized graduate health sciences university for vision, hearing, and rehabilitation professions.”
Salus University, founded in 1919 as the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, is one of the nation's premier institutions for graduate health professions education. Located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania — a suburban community ten miles north of Philadelphia — Salus offers graduate and professional doctoral programs in optometry, audiology, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physician assistant studies, public health, and blindness and low vision rehabilitation. With approximately 1,148 students, the institution operates as a focused, mission-driven health sciences university with a deep commitment to clinical training and community eye care and hearing services. In July 2025, Salus University officially merged with Drexel University, becoming the Drexel University Elkins Park Campus. All programs continue under Drexel accreditation, and students enrolled after the merger are Drexel University students. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry — one of the oldest in the U.S. — offers the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and a Master of Science in Clinical Optometry designed specifically for internationally trained optometrists seeking to enter U.S. practice with an F-1 visa. The Osborne College of Audiology, the first and only standalone college of audiology in the nation, offers a competitive four-year residential AuD program and online bridge options for international audiologists. Salus graduates enter well-compensated, licensed health professions with strong national demand. Optometrists earn a national median salary of $131,860 per year and audiologists earn $87,740, both ranked among the top 40 best jobs in the U.S. Clinical training is conducted at The Eye Institute — Philadelphia's largest eye care provider — as well as community-based sites across the greater Philadelphia region. Recent incoming classes have included international students from China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Syria, Mexico, and Thailand, reflecting Salus's international reach in health sciences education.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceMS Clinical Optometry (F-1 full-time track)
Deadline for international applicants on F-1 visa seeking full-time on-campus enrollment
Most Programs (Rolling)
Most programs use rolling admissions; early application strongly advised
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$35,366 – $48,600
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Founded 1919, one of the oldest optometry schools in the U.S. Offers the OD degree, MS in Clinical Optometry for international applicants, and post-graduate residency programs.
The first and only standalone college of audiology in the nation, offering the residential AuD degree and online bridge programs for international audiologists.
Graduate programs in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physician assistant studies, public health, and blindness and low vision studies.
4 years
One of the most respected OD programs in the U.S., integrating comprehensive clinical training at The Eye Institute with advanced optometric science and primary eye care.
4 years
Offered through the nation's only standalone College of Audiology; a competitive residential program emphasizing diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology.
2 years
Designed for internationally trained optometrists seeking U.S. licensure, with a specific F-1 full-time on-campus track for international applicants.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
