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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Palmer College of Chiropractic

Davenport, Iowa · www.palmer.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$11,760

2025

Peer median $18,677

Undergraduates

47

Student-faculty ratio 9:1

Peer median 11 : 1

“Peers” are all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Palmer College of Chiropractic, founded in 1897 by Dr. D.D. Palmer, is renowned as the first institution dedicated to chiropractic education. Located in Davenport, Iowa, Palmer College has established itself as a cornerstone of chiropractic training, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and wellness. The college's mission is to prepare students to become skilled and compassionate chiropractors who are leaders in the healthcare community. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a well-equipped chiropractic clinic where students can apply their skills under the supervision of experienced faculty. The college is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging collaboration and personal growth among students. Palmer College also has a vibrant campus culture, with various student organizations and extracurricular activities that promote community engagement and wellness. With a strong network of alumni and a focus on professional development, graduates of Palmer College are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a significant impact in the field of chiropractic care.

Key Observations on Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

Palmer College of Chiropractic has shown notable trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $8,388 in 2014 to $11,400 in 2024, reflecting a significant rise of approximately 36% over the decade. This upward trend in tuition can be a concern for prospective students, especially considering the financial burden of student loans and the overall rising costs of higher education in the United States.

In terms of student enrollment, there has been a fluctuating trend in the number of undergraduate students, dropping from 48 in 2013 to 24 in 2019, before slightly recovering to 32 in 2023. These fluctuations may suggest varying levels of interest in chiropractic education or changes in the college’s recruitment strategies. It is important for the college to maintain a steady enrollment to ensure financial stability and a vibrant campus environment.

Graduation rates have also varied significantly. While the rate for 150% graduation time was as high as 100% in 2020, it is concerning that the on-time graduation rate for some years dropped to 0%. This inconsistency raises questions about the academic support provided to students and the effectiveness of the curriculum. High graduation rates are critical not only for institutional reputation but also for student satisfaction and employability post-graduation.

Overall, while Palmer College of Chiropractic continues to evolve, addressing the challenges in tuition management, student retention, and graduation rates will be vital for sustaining its future success and ensuring it remains an attractive option for students pursuing chiropractic education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Madison, about 120 mi
Nearest international airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), about 140 mi
Davenport, Iowa
Academic calendar
Trimester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dennis Marchiori (Chancellor)
Phone
5638845000
City
Davenport, Iowa
Address
1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52803-5287

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's560 international (0.0%)
Doctoral6260 international (0.0%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Biological and Physical Sciences
56

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Chiropractic · Doctoral626 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Palmer College of Chiropractic

The graduation data from Palmer College of Chiropractic for 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the academic landscape of chiropractic studies. Notably, there is a significant emphasis on doctoral degrees, with a total of 558 graduates receiving their doctorate in chiropractic. This reflects the institution's commitment to producing highly trained professionals in the field, essential for maintaining high standards of care in chiropractic practice.

Interestingly, there are no graduates at the associate or master level in chiropractic or biological and physical sciences, indicating a potential gap in the educational pathway for those interested in entering the field at lower levels. This could also suggest that Palmer College focuses primarily on advanced training, encouraging students to pursue doctoral studies directly, which aligns with the increasing complexity of healthcare needs in society today.

Another key observation is the absence of international students graduating with bachelor's, master's, or associate degrees. This raises questions about the college's appeal to an international student body, particularly in a globalized education market where many institutions actively recruit international talent. The lack of diversity in the student body may impact the overall learning environment and limit the exchange of ideas and practices from different healthcare systems around the world.

As chiropractic practices continue to evolve, the data suggests that Palmer College is positioned as a leading institution for doctoral training, yet it may benefit from evaluating its offerings at the associate and master levels to attract a broader range of students and enhance its global presence in chiropractic education.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 626 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderDoctor
Chiropractic.$62,668
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 56 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderDoctor
Biological and Physical Sciences.-

Students

2,161 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 70:30

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (47)

White
37 · 78.7%
Hispanic
6 · 12.8%
Black
2 · 4.3%
Two or more races
1 · 2.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.0%
18–19
8.5%
20–21
53.2%
22–24
19.1%
25 and over
19.1%

Graduate students

Under 22
27.0%
22–24
39.5%
25–29
25.8%
30–34
4.9%
35 and over
2.8%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2023

The student demographic data from Palmer College of Chiropractic for the year 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of the student body. Among the undergraduate and graduate students, a total of 2,178 students are accounted for. The graduate program stands out with a significantly larger enrollment of 2,146 students, comprising approximately 56.7% male and 43.3% female students. This reflects a trend often seen in health-related fields, where male students tend to dominate, although the female presence is notably substantial.

Undergraduate students are divided into continuing and transfer students, with 13 continuing students and 16 transfer students reported. The male to female ratios in these groups appear to be relatively balanced, with slightly more males than females in both categories. For instance, among continuing students, males make up about 53.8% while females account for 46.2%. This trend suggests a gradual shift towards a more inclusive environment in chiropractic education, aligning with broader societal movements toward gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Furthermore, the ethnic breakdown of the student body highlights a predominance of white students among the graduate and undergraduate populations, but specific statistics on other ethnic groups remain unreported. This emphasizes the need for continued efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within chiropractic programs. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, fostering a diverse student body will be crucial in addressing the varied needs of the communities served by future chiropractic professionals.

Demographic Insights of Palmer College of Chiropractic Students

The age distribution of students at Palmer College of Chiropractic presents an intriguing snapshot of the demographic landscape within the institution. A significant portion of the student body falls within the 22 to 29 age range, highlighting the college's appeal to young adults seeking advanced education in chiropractic care. Specifically, students aged 22 to 24 account for approximately 52% of male students and 99% of female students. This trend suggests that the college is attracting a predominantly younger audience, likely due to the growing interest in holistic health and wellness professions.

In contrast, the presence of students aged 30 and above is markedly lower, particularly in the 35-39 age group, where only about 10% of the total male and female population is represented. This may indicate that chiropractic education is primarily pursued by individuals transitioning directly from undergraduate education or those in their mid-20s rather than career changers or mature students seeking new paths.

Moreover, the gender distribution shows a remarkable balance, particularly in the under-21 age group, where female students outnumber their male counterparts. As the institution continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these trends shift over time, especially in light of the increasing recognition of mental and physical health fields amid a post-pandemic society. The growing emphasis on holistic health could further drive interest in chiropractic studies, potentially leading to an influx of diverse age groups in the coming years.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025
Graduate students0.0%

1 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.1%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Palmer College of Chiropractic

The data on international students at Palmer College of Chiropractic reveals a significant trend in enrollment figures over the years. Notably, the undergraduate student population appears to have varied, with no recorded international students from 2005 through 2023. This could suggest a potential area for growth, as the lack of diversity among undergraduate students may limit the institution's global outreach and cultural exchange opportunities.

Conversely, the graduate student enrollment data indicates a different narrative. Starting from a modest 7.69% of international students in 2005, the percentage experienced fluctuations over the years. However, by 2023, only 0.09% of graduate students were international. This decline in the percentage of international graduate students may raise concerns about the college's competitiveness in attracting a global student body.

The low representation of international students, particularly in graduate programs, calls for a strategic review of recruitment practices. As global education becomes increasingly interconnected, institutions must adapt to these changes to remain relevant and appealing.

Moreover, the overall trend aligns with broader challenges in higher education, where many institutions face declining international enrollment due to factors such as visa restrictions, rising tuition costs, and changing perceptions of studying abroad. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for Palmer College of Chiropractic to enhance its appeal to potential international students and foster a more diverse academic environment.

Cost

2025 tuition

$11,760

Undergraduate tuition
$11,760
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $30,010 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 34% from 2016 to 2025.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$101M

Tuition and fees
$77.4M76.6%
Investment return
$12.6M12.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$6.0M6.0%
Government grants and contracts
$2.1M2.1%
Sales and services of educational activities
$1.8M1.8%
Gifts and private grants
$880K0.9%

Expenses$80.4M

Instruction
$29.2M36.3%
Institutional support
$21.8M27.1%
Student services
$10.0M12.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$9.1M11.3%
Academic support
$5.4M6.7%
Research
$2.8M3.5%
Scholarships
$866K1.1%
Other
$1.2M1.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$58,428peers $67,788
Professor
$74,418peers $85,183
Associate professor
$61,041peers $76,269
Assistant professor
$51,052peers $67,938
Instructor
$43,566peers $60,861

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Palmer College of Chiropractic:

  1. Northwestern University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its strong programs across various fields, including law, business, and medicine.

  2. University of Chicago - With a rank of 12, this university is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty, particularly in the areas of economics, law, and social sciences.

  3. University of Wisconsin-Madison - This comprehensive university ranks 35th and is recognized for its research initiatives and wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  4. Grinnell College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, it ranks 11th and is known for its strong emphasis on critical thinking and social responsibility.

  5. Loyola University Chicago - Ranked 142, this university offers a diverse range of programs and is particularly recognized for its commitment to community service and social justice.

These institutions provide a wealth of educational opportunities and contribute to a vibrant academic community in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 221 private health professions schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
4
Burglary
3
Stalking
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Palmer College of Chiropractic

The crime statistics at Palmer College of Chiropractic over the past decade present a mixed picture of campus safety. In the years from 2013 to 2015, the average crime rate per 1,000 students showed a gradual increase, peaking at 2.75 in 2015. This spike was concerning, as it indicated a rise in criminal activities during that period. However, the subsequent years saw a significant decline, with the lowest rate recorded in 2016 at 0.45.

Interestingly, from 2019 to 2020, the college reported no incidents, which raises questions about either a substantial improvement in safety measures or an underreporting of incidents during that time. The return of reported crimes in 2021 and 2022, albeit at low rates of 0.46 and 0.92 respectively, suggests that the college continues to grapple with maintaining a safe environment for its students. The most recent data from 2023 indicates a slight increase to 1.84, which may signal ongoing challenges.

Furthermore, the diversity of offenses, particularly the arrests related to gun possession and drug-related issues, reflects broader societal trends in crime. Colleges and universities across the U.S. are consistently working to improve campus safety through various initiatives and stricter enforcement of laws. The fluctuation in crime rates at Palmer College ultimately underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety. For those interested in understanding the calculation of crime rates, more information can be found here.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Palmer College of Chiropractic include Clinton Clauson (66th Governor of Maine), Edward Reed Fields (White supremacist activist and newspaper publisher) and Frank Farkas (Former Florida state representative).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.