HEALTH Specialization

Chiropractic

Chiropractic graduates pursue 2 occupations, with top roles paying $107,310/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

About Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a focused area of study within Health. The program is available at 18 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,698 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.


Colleges Offering
18
Graduates / Year
2,698
Avg Net Price / yr
$24,719

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,698 students who complete Chiropractic programs each year, the majority (98%) earn a certificate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Certificate 98%
Doctorate 2%

What Can You Do With a Chiropractic Degree?

Chiropractic connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Health Specialties Teachers leads at $107,310/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +17.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$107,310
$76K $210K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 27,400 openings/yr 221K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Instructing Speaking Critical Thinking Active Learning
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
↗ +9.5% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$79,200
$60K $105K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 2,800 openings/yr 40K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Speaking Critical Thinking Social Perceptiveness
Day-to-day responsibilities

Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

  • Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
  • Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
  • Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.

Top Colleges for Chiropractic

Only 7 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Chiropractic graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Life University Marietta, GA · Nonprofit 423 93% $29,791 $47,397
2 Logan University Chesterfield, MO · Nonprofit 227 64.3% $20,218 $55,838
3 Cleveland University-Kansas City Overland Park, KS · Nonprofit 110 69.2% $35,764 $52,304
4 Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL · Nonprofit 48 97% $30,498 $39,696
5 University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT · Nonprofit 33 83% $27,807 $50,323
6 D'Youville University Buffalo, NY · Nonprofit 25 81.4% $20,433 $66,942
7 Universidad Central Del Caribe Bayamon, PR · Nonprofit 17 60% $8,524 $31,468

Ranked by Chiropractic graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Chiropractic program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Chiropractic Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Chiropractic shows 2 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 30,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Limited program availability Only 18 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Chiropractic Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Chiropractic degree?
Chiropractic degree holders pursue careers including Health Specialties Teachers, which pays a median of $107,310/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Chiropractic program take?
Most Chiropractic certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.
How many colleges offer Chiropractic?
18 colleges and universities in the United States offer Chiropractic programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
What is the difference between Chiropractic and Health?
Chiropractic is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Chiropractic-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Chiropractic graduates?
Employers hiring Chiropractic graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Chiropractic graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Chiropractic graduates?
The job outlook for Chiropractic graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +13.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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