Choosing the right chiropractic college is one of the most important decisions for anyone entering the profession. Each institution offers its own blend of history, clinical training, educational philosophy, research strength, and student support. This ranking highlights the top programs in the United States based on reputation, board outcomes, curriculum quality, and graduate success. The goal is to provide a clear, reliable overview to help prospective students make an informed and confident choice.

Top 20 Chiropractic Schools In The US

1. Palmer College of Chiropractic – Davenport, IA

Palmer Davenport is the original chiropractic school and remains the most influential in the profession. Its long history, massive alumni network, and leadership in technique development give it unmatched prestige. Students receive extensive hands-on training, exposure to diverse adjusting methods, and access to well-established clinics. Palmer’s curriculum blends foundational chiropractic philosophy with modern evidence-based coursework, making it a strong option for students seeking both tradition and comprehensive clinical preparation.

2. Logan University – Chesterfield, MO

Logan University is recognized for its rigorous, science-based chiropractic curriculum and strong emphasis on biomechanics, rehabilitation, and evidence-informed care. Known for excellent board pass rates, it provides one of the most comprehensive clinical education programs in the country. Logan’s campus offers advanced imaging, sports science facilities, and numerous clinical rotation opportunities. Graduates are respected for being well-rounded, clinically competent practitioners with strong diagnostic skills and a modern approach to chiropractic health care.

3. National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) – Lombard, IL

NUHS is known for its integrative, medically oriented chiropractic program that emphasizes evidence-based practice and strong diagnostic training. Students study alongside naturopathic, acupuncture, and medical students, creating a truly interdisciplinary environment. NUHS places heavy emphasis on basic sciences, pathology, and clinical reasoning, preparing graduates for collaborative roles in modern healthcare. Its approach attracts students seeking a broad, science-intensive curriculum with strong clinical depth, especially those interested in working in integrated or multidisciplinary settings.

4. Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) – Bloomington, MN

NWHSU has a strong reputation for evidence-informed chiropractic education and a patient-centered approach. The university hosts a large natural health campus offering multiple health programs, promoting collaborative learning. Known for its extensive research contributions, NWHSU provides students with excellent clinical exposure through community clinics and sports partnerships. Its program balances technique diversity, strong diagnostic training, and modern rehabilitation methods, producing graduates who are adaptable and ready for real-world clinical practice across various healthcare settings.

5. University of Western States (UWS) – Portland, OR

UWS is a leader in evidence-based chiropractic and sports medicine, offering a curriculum grounded in research, biomechanics, and clinical reasoning. Students receive advanced training in rehabilitation, soft-tissue techniques, and functional movement assessment. UWS is also known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary health education. Its Portland location provides access to diverse patient populations and extensive clinical externships. Graduates are well-equipped for integrative practice, athletic performance work, or modern, research-driven chiropractic care.

6. Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) / LACC – Whittier, CA

SCU’s Los Angeles College of Chiropractic is one of the oldest chiropractic programs and has a reputation for high academic standards and strong clinical diversity. Students train in a dense metropolitan area with access to varied patient populations and real-world pathology. The program emphasizes integrative care, often working alongside students in acupuncture and other disciplines. Its evidence-informed approach, modern facilities, and Southern California healthcare partnerships make it a strong choice for clinically focused students.

7. Cleveland University–Kansas City (CUKC) – Overland Park, KS

CUKC is known for combining long-standing chiropractic traditions with modern academic rigor. It provides strong technique diversity, including hands-on adjustment training beginning early in the program. The school has historically reported strong first-time board pass rates and is respected for producing competent, practice-ready chiropractors. CUKC focuses on masterful adjusting skills, solid diagnostic foundations, and patient communication. Its Kansas City location offers affordable living and a steady stream of clinical experience within a major metro area.

8. Palmer College of Chiropractic – Florida (Port Orange, FL)

Palmer Florida offers the prestige and curriculum strength of the Palmer system in a modern, spacious campus environment. Known for strong technique training and access to a diverse patient population in the Southeast, the program attracts students seeking warm climates and ample clinical opportunities. It emphasizes hands-on skill development, chiropractic philosophy, and evidence-informed coursework. Palmer Florida benefits from the brand’s strong reputation, extensive alumni network, and high expectations for clinical competency and professional success.

9. Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) – Pasadena, TX

TCC is one of the oldest chiropractic institutions and is well-regarded for its balanced curriculum that blends chiropractic philosophy with medical-based sciences. The school offers robust clinical rotations through its outpatient clinic and partnerships with Houston-area medical providers. This gives students exposure to real-world multidisciplinary care. TCC emphasizes strong adjusting skills, soft-tissue methods, and diagnostic training. Its long history, clinical connections, and regional reputation make it a respected choice for future chiropractors.

10. Life University – Marietta, GA

Life University is the largest chiropractic college and is particularly known for its strong emphasis on vitalistic chiropractic philosophy. Students learn a wide range of chiropractic techniques with an especially large focus on upper-cervical and full-spine adjusting approaches. The school has a passionate student and alumni community, advanced technique clubs, and high-volume clinics. Life University attracts students who resonate with traditional chiropractic principles and want extensive hands-on training supporting a philosophically driven style of practice.

	School Name	Location	Description (≤10 words)
1	Palmer College of Chiropractic	Davenport, IA	Original, largest, influential chiropractic college worldwide.
2	Logan University	Chesterfield, MO	Evidence-based, science-focused, high board pass rates.
3	National University of Health Sciences	Lombard, IL	Integrative, medical model, rigorous basic sciences curriculum.
4	Northwestern Health Sciences University	Bloomington, MN	Patient-centered, research-focused, diverse technique training.
5	University of Western States	Portland, OR	Evidence-based, sports medicine focus, strong rehabilitation program.
6	Southern California University of Health Sciences (LACC)	Whittier, CA	Integrative, urban clinical exposure, diverse patient population.
7	Cleveland University–Kansas City	Overland Park, KS	Technique-diverse, strong clinical training, high board pass rates.
8	Palmer College of Chiropractic – Florida	Port Orange, FL	Palmer curriculum, warm climate, extensive clinical opportunities.
9	Texas Chiropractic College	Pasadena, TX	Balanced curriculum, strong clinical exposure, long-standing reputation.
10	Life University	Marietta, GA	Vitalistic focus, large alumni network, hands-on training.
11	New York Chiropractic College	Levittown, NY	Strong Northeast presence, multiple outpatient clinics, clinical focus.
12	University of Bridgeport – College of Chiropractic	Bridgeport, CT	Integrative, evidence-based, diverse student body.
13	Sherman College of Chiropractic	Spartanburg, SC	Philosophy-centered, subluxation-focused, strict curriculum.
14	D’Youville University – School of Chiropractic	Buffalo, NY	Evidence-informed, interprofessional approach, newer program.
15	Palmer College of Chiropractic – West	San Jose, CA	West Coast Palmer branch, core curriculum access.
16	Keiser University – College of Chiropractic Medicine	West Palm Beach, FL	New, evidence-based, primary care focus.
17	Parker University	Dallas, TX	Large enrollment, strong technique focus, accredited.
18	Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College	Toronto, Ontario	Top Canadian school, research-focused, competitive program.
19	Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières	Trois-Rivières, Québec	French-language, scientifically rigorous, Canadian chiropractic leader.
20	Life University – Online Programs	Marietta, GA	Virtual courses complement hands-on chiropractic training.

Closing

Selecting a chiropractic school ultimately depends on your goals, values, and preferred clinical approach. While the top-ranked institutions consistently demonstrate excellence, every accredited program offers unique strengths worth considering. Take time to compare curricula, visit campuses, and speak with current students to find the best fit. With the right preparation and environment, any dedicated student can build a successful, fulfilling career in chiropractic care.