Skip to main content

Student Life FAQ

General Questions
  • OD – Doctor of Optometry
  • MS – Masters of Science in Vision Science
  • MMS – Masters of Medical Science (PA program)
  • PharmD - Doctor of Pharmacy

Yes, please contact the admissions office to schedule a camp tour.

Contact information, as well as upcoming events, may be found on our website.

SCCO Events: https://www.ketchum.edu/optometry/admissions/events

SPAS Events: https://www.ketchum.edu/pa-studies/connect-us

COP Events: https://www.ketchum.edu/pharmacy-admissions/connect-us

Yes. MBKU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

MBKU has a full-time library staff that’s ready to assist you. The library hours are typically Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 11:00pm and Saturday through Sunday 9:00am-11:00pm. Those hours may change depending on the time of year. 

Visit the Ketchum Library website for complete information: https://ketchum.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/

Yes. The Fitness Center is located on the main campus next to the parking structure. It features locker rooms, showers, cardio equipment, free weights, weight machines and flat-screen TVs. Use of all fitness center amenities is free for all enrolled MBKU students. Prefer to exercise outdoors? You can take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as several beautiful regional parks nearby.

There is also a Recreation Center on campus in the Low Student Union. This space is open for all students to use and houses a pool table, ping pong tables, foosball table, TV with cable channels, board games, and other activities!

In 2020, California became one of 5 states (plus Washington, D.C.) to implement its own healthcare individual mandate.

The individual mandate means that Californians must either have qualifying health insurance or pay a penalty when filing their state tax return unless they qualify for an exemption.

Staying covered encourages wellness, helps you identify any health issues early on, and protects you and your family from unexpected medical costs. There are many reasons to have health insurance. The individual mandate is just one of them.

Use Covered California’s Shop and Compare Tool to see what health plan options are available to you: https://apply.coveredca.com/lw-shopandcompare/

University Eye Center

The University Eye Center at Ketchum Health is the patient care and clinical teaching facility of the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. Visit the University Eye Center website to learn more: https://ketchumhealth.org/anaheim

Optometry services are available to all MBKU students.

To make an appointment with the University Eye Center, please contact the Patient Relations Supervisor at the University Eye Center at 714.463.7500 ext. 7849 or 7507.


Family Medicine

The Ketchum Health Medical Clinic is the primary health care center for internal and family medicine services, including, but not limited to, routine check-ups, immunizations, and more. Visit the Medical Clinic website to learn more: https://ketchumhealth.org/medicalclinic

Urgent care and consultation services are available to MBKU students. Students will be informed of all charges prior to treatment/billing.

To make an appointment with the Medical Clinic, call 714.463.7505.


For more information about student health services at the University Eye Center and Medical Clinic at Ketchum Health, please refer to the University Student Handbook.

Fullerton is known as a college town with many amenities for its many students, including student-friendly housing that’s close to the campus. Currently, more than half of those who attend MBKU live within a mile of the main campus. There are many housing options and costs vary.

Student Options

Most MBKU students live in nearby apartments and condos. Since the city of Fullerton is a college community, there are many nearby apartments, rental houses and mobile home sites for affordable housing. The Students tab on the Portal (access provided upon admittance to MBKU) contains local housing lists and can help to connect students looking for a roommate: https://my.ketchum.edu/ICS/Students/Student_Housing.jnz

A local college, Hope International University, has dorm-style housing available for MBKU students. This housing is within walking distance to MBKU and they offer meal plans.

Las Palmas Apartment Homes are located up the road from campus at 2598 Associated road. A select number of units are available to MKBU students at a discount off the market lease rate. To learn more about the complex and to get on the waitlist, contact Las Palmas by visiting their website (https://www.lyonliving.com/fullerton-california/las-palmas) or calling 714.455.1822.

University-Owned Housing

MBKU owns some neighboring condominiums for housing with limited availability. Campus operations staff can provide more information. Please reference the Portal (https://my.ketchum.edu/ICS/Students/Student_Housing.jnz) or call 714.449.7430 for more information.

Subsidized Housing

Married students – with or without children – may qualify for a subsidized housing program located near the university. Contact apartment complexes directly to find out more.

Our main campus is located in a suburban neighborhood. Our seven-acre campus borders Cal State Fullerton, residential communities, and a greenbelt with a stream. It is common to see MBKU and Cal State students walking or riding their bikes home from campus in the evening. Campus security guards monitor the grounds 24/7 to provide an extra measure of safety.

While MBKU is in a residential area where pedestrian traffic is common, most students prefer to have a car. Within a mile or two of the main campus there are grocery stores, pharmacies, department stores, and countless places to eat. Most everything you need to be comfortable is within walking distance, and there is some public transportation. However, most students will need a car to drive to their clinical rotations.

Of course, it’s Southern California! Living in or around Fullerton gives you access to all the attractions that draw people to this part of the country, including:

  • Beaches
  • Amusement and Theme Parks
  • Sporting Events
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Nightlife
  • Mountains

There is no limit to the amount of things to do in the area and we encourage everyone to get out and explore Southern California!