How to choose a chiropractic school: Your complete 2025 guide

Choosing your chiropractic school is one of the most important business decisions you’ll ever make.

Becoming a doctor of chiropractic (DC) is a high-stakes career move. Not just because it sets you on a path to help others, but because where you go to school will shape your network, your clinical mindset, your income and your long-term professional growth.

This guide gives you everything you need to choose a chiropractic school like the future DC—and future business owner—you are. Tuition information, admissions requirements, school-by-school comparisons and real-world insights from students and practicing DCs who’ve been where you are now.

Does the chiropractic school I go to really make a difference?

In one word: Yes. School name still carries weight. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll make more money than someone who went to a less well-known school; some studies have shown this to be the case while others have not, so there’s no consistent correlation between school reputation and future income. But in some fields, the school you choose is very important to future employers. In chiropractic, the name on your degree can open doors—or at least get your foot in them.

But even more important than choosing a school with a solid reputation is choosing one that fits you. You need to like, even love, your school in order to get the most out of your time there.

“I chose my school because the vibe fit me,” said one DC. “I’m not going to lie—clinics were brutal. But I had professors who had my back, and I made connections that still matter to my business today.”

If, like many DCs-to-be, you’re planning to run your own practice, choose the program that aligns not just with your philosophy—but your future.

In an editorial published by The New York Times, author Jacques Steinberg wrote about other, non-monetary factors associated with earning a degree. Many readers responded, sharing how school of choice has an impact apart from future salary.

“The people I met at those places were amazing-talented, driven, high-achievers,” wrote one commenter from a well-known, prestigious school. “It pushed me to do my best.”

What’s the best chiropractic school for you? How to compare them like a pro

Break your decision down into these business-critical categories:

School accreditation

Before spending your hard-earned cash on a chiropractic degree, make sure the school you pick is accredited, meaning it is recognized officially within the profession. The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) has a list of CCE accredited programs and institutions on their website. Check it out before narrowing your choices, because your school must be accredited if you want to be licensed to practice.

Graduation rate

A school’s graduation rate indicates the DC program’s effectiveness and the strength of its faculty, according to the Open Education Database. An 80%+ graduation rate indicates strong student support. Lower rates? Ask questions.

Location and logistics

Are you established in your current geographical area or can you relocate? A realistic answer to this question can narrow your choices significantly. Remember you’ll spend a lot of time onsite, so make sure the location fits your life—and your cost-of-living budget.

Cost and financial aid structure

Some schools offer scholarships or better financial coaching than others. Compare tuition, fees and living expenses. Most schools’ websites have a detailed page showing the cost breakdown per year, quarter or trimester along with the list of fees for labs and other requirements. (These pages are linked to the tuition figures in the table below; click them to get more information about the total cost of each institution.)

Student opinions

You can easily ask AI to generate pros and cons for any chiropractic school, but sometimes it’s better to get real input from current and former students. One way to do this is to contact DCs in your area and ask about the schools they went to. You can also search online college review sites such as StudentsReview to read what real students think.

Will I get accepted to chiropractic school?

While individual schools have variations and additional requirements, these are pretty standard:

Chiropractic school or chiropractic college: What’s the difference?

Though chiropractic school and chiropractic college sound like the same thing, they are different.

A chiropractic school offers a DC degree as well as additional, non-chiropractic degree programs, whereas a chiropractic college specializes in chiropractic education, only offering degrees related to the chiropractic profession.

If you go to a chiropractic school, you’ll likely spend four years earning a bachelor of science degree and an additional four years earning your DC degree. However, if you go to a chiropractic college, you can potentially cut one full year off your educational requirements, which means graduating in seven years instead of eight, saving both time and money.

How long does chiropractic school take?

Whether you choose a chiropractic school or a chiropractic college, DC degree programs typically take three to four years to complete. However, if you choose to get a bachelor of science (BS) degree before entering a chiropractic program, that time can increase to seven years or more.

How much does chiropractic school cost?

A chiropractic school or chiropractic college costs anywhere from about $11,000 to more than $40,000 per year, according to the latest figures from the institutions’ websites and Niche.com, which collects information on colleges.

In addition to tuition, textbooks and labs often involve additional fees, as well as room and board if you choose to live on-campus.

Ways to reduce the cost of chiropractic education

Apply for grants and scholarships

Grants and scholarships = funds you typically don’t have to repay, though some exceptions apply. Always read the fine print.

Individual chiropractic schools can help you find grants and scholarships or you can search for them online. For instance, the US Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website contains a scholarship finder that enables you to search more than 7,500 scholarships, fellowships, grants and other award opportunities.

Various national and state chiropractic associations, organizations and business offer scholarships as well. Click here to view some of the most recent.

Student loans

A large percentage of DC students take out student loans to handle their educational expenses.

According to Forbes, the average college student in 2025 graduated with about $29,000 in student loan debt, and NerdWallet reports this year’s high school graduates can expect that number to rise to $40,000 by the time they finish college. However, graduates of chiropractic programs typically owe much more than the US national average.

The American Chiropractic Association has reported that DCs graduate with an average of $251,000 in student loan debt, though this is not a very recent statistic. However, Student Loan Planner anecdotally confirms its accuracy, reporting routinely working with DC clients owing $250,000 or more, and further points out that repayment options for DCs are somewhat limited. Since very few nonprofit positions for DCs exist, it is difficult to qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

If you opt for student loans to cover your costs, keep in mind you’ll likely be paying these back for several years, typically during your first years in practice, so you’ll need an aggressive plan to repay or achieve student loan deferment or forgiveness via a federal program.

It may also be worthwhile to investigate companies that manage student loans for you, as the student loan industry is complex and constantly changing, and they know about all the government programs and other options for which you may be eligible.

Get business savvy

Another way to offset schooling costs is to take business classes to learn how to run your post-graduation chiropractic practice more lucratively. Mastering concepts like patient retention and marketing can help you maximize your profits.You can also learn about high-volume, cash-based services you can incorporate, such as occupational health screenings, that will generate consistent funds you can use to pay back your loans more rapidly.

Chiropractic schools: Location, program length and cost

Chiropractic colleges: Location, program length and cost

Student involvement and activism

Check out whether the schools you’re interested in have chapters of these national and international student groups. (Or, you might be able to start one yourself.)

• Student American Black Chiropractic Association
• Student American Chiropractic Association
• Student Canadian Chiropractic Association
• Student International Chiropractors Association
• World Congress of Chiropractic Students

Now, consider your feelings about each chiropractic school

At this point, you’ve considered geography, program length, tuition, expenses and how you are going to pay for all this. Just for a little while, set all that practical stuff aside and look at your list of potential schools, which at this point you have likely narrowed down.

Which schools stand out? Which just appeal to you, even if you’re not sure exactly why? Now’s the time to take to the web and read some blog posts from each school, see what’s in progress on campus and what is coming up in the near future. Head to their Instagrams to view pictures and videos. Read comments from students and faculty, and pay attention to how the school responds to prospective students who post. Really try to get a feel for the vibe, for what being a student there might be like. Then, based on your research, plan a real-life visit to your one, or two, even three top choices if you can.

Once you’ve visited in-person, review your notes and get started on those applications!

Does chiropractic have advanced degrees and specialties?

Yes, several. For many DCs, pursuing additional credentials is about passion, impact and niche expertise. Specialized training can help you serve specific populations or expand your services.

Chiropractic specialties recognized by the Board of American Chiropractic specialties include:

• Chiropractic Pediatrics (DABCP)
• Sports Chiropractic (DACBSP)
• Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology (DACBR)
• Orthopedics (DABCO)
• Clinical Nutrition (DACN)
• Clinical Nutrition (DACBN)
• Neurology (DACNB)
• Rehabilitation (DACRB)
• Acupuncture (DABCA)
• Forensic Sciences (DABFP)
• Internal Disorders (DABCI)
• Functional Medicine (certifications)
• Clinical Research and Academic Sciences (MS programs)
• Occupational Health (COH)

Many of these programs require 1–2 additional years of study and significant clinical experience.

Final thoughts on choosing the right chiropractic school for you

Choosing your chiropractic school is a first step in defining your professional identity. Make the choice with strategy. Make it with passion. And make it with the understanding that the foundation you build now will shape your career—and the life you lead.

EXTRA CREDIT: Think past the DC degree

Extra Credit: How do I get a license to practice chiropractic?

In order to practice, after you graduate from a CCE-accredited program you must get a license from your state. This typically requires you to pass a national board exam, followed by a state-specific exam testing your knowledge of state chiropractic regulations, as well as undergo a criminal background check and, yes, pay a fee. Each state’s board determines its exact requirements; some may require references or proof of malpractice insurance.

You can find your state’s licensing board via this interactive map at the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners website.

Extra Credit: Do doctors of chiropractic have to take continuing education?

Yes, keeping your license current requires continuing education, with the number of credits and frequency determined by your state’s licensing board.

Click here to review requirements by state on an interactive map.