Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession. Treatment typically involves manual therapy, often including spinal manipulation, and may also include exercise and nutritional counseling. The word “chiropractic” comes from the Greek words “cheir,” meaning “hand,” and “praktos,” meaning “done.” D.D. Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment in Davenport, Iowa, in 1895 and started the school that became Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1897.
Chiropractors typically interview patients, obtain a detailed health history, conduct an examination, perform tests, develop a working diagnosis, and create a management plan. Manual treatments may include stretching, sustained pressure, and joint manipulation, most commonly involving the spine. Research suggests that spinal manipulation may be helpful for some types of low-back pain, but its suitability depends on the patient and the condition. Patients should discuss treatment decisions with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly when considering neck manipulation.
If you are interested in becoming a chiropractor, the schools below are established U.S. institutions with Doctor of Chiropractic programs. Let’s take a look at the best chiropractic schools in the world. Compare each school’s curriculum, admissions requirements, tuition, delivery format, and licensure considerations before applying.
Top Chiropractic Schools in the World
1. Sherman Chiropractic College
Sherman College of Chiropractic is located in South Carolina. Its Doctor of Chiropractic program lasts 14 quarters, or 3.5 years of continuous study. The college lists tuition at $10,480 per quarter, or $41,920 per year. Sherman also states that nearly 98% of its students receive some form of financial aid, including loans, scholarships, family discounts, and work-study.
2. Life University
Life University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program in Marietta, Georgia, is a full-time, 14-quarter program. The curriculum introduces foundational sciences and early hands-on training, develops technique skills in the middle quarters, and moves into clinical practice in quarters 9 through 14. For Summer 2026 through Spring 2027, Life lists a chiropractic block tuition rate of $11,031 per quarter for students taking 18 to 25 credits and annual tuition of $33,093. Life’s cost page uses a 4.5-year standard program length for tuition estimates, so students should review the current curriculum and cost pages for their intended entry term.
3. Logan University
Logan University’s standard Doctor of Chiropractic academic plan is divided into 10 trimesters. The university states that 40% of the first year is spent in hands-on clinical skills courses. Logan also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Life Science pathway designed to allow students to complete the bachelor’s degree and D.C. in about six years.
Current dual-degree opportunities listed for future D.C. students include master’s programs in Nutrition and Human Performance and Sport Science and Rehabilitation.
4. University of Western States
The University of Western States states that it is home to the second-oldest chiropractic degree program in the world, dating to 1904. Its on-campus Doctor of Chiropractic program in Portland, Oregon, is designed for completion in three years. The program comprises 238.5 quarter credits, and the university currently lists tuition of $12,632 per term.
UWS also offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology completion program for eligible current D.C. students and alumni. The university states that eligible students enrolled in the D.C. program may complete the bachelor’s degree with potentially no additional classes and no additional tuition for credits applied to that degree.
5. University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport states that its School of Chiropractic was the first university-based Doctor of Chiropractic program in the United States. The program has operated since 1991, received initial Council on Chiropractic Education accreditation in 1994. Students may begin the D.C. program with 90 credits. Its normal program length is eight semesters, and eligible applicants may receive tuition scholarships of up to $25,000 per year.
FAQs about Studying Chiropractic
Are Chiropractors in High Demand?
Yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of chiropractors to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The agency projects about 2,800 chiropractor openings per year, on average, during that period.
Chiropractors typically need a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a state license. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, completing a D.C. program typically takes about four years in addition to at least three years of undergraduate study, although individual programs and pathways vary. Review each school’s current admissions and tuition pages before applying. You can also check out the currently open scholarships and the fully funded scholarships listed on our page.
We hope that this article on the Best Chiropractic Schools in the World was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad!
