Palmer College of Chiropractic: 41 Students

41Students

$59,483Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Palmer College of Chiropractic

Palmer College of Chiropractic trains the next generation of chiropractors at the birthplace of the profession. D.D. Palmer founded chiropractic medicine here in 1895, making this the original chiropractic school in the world. With just 41 students enrolled, you'll get highly personalized attention in an intimate learning environment. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. The college operates on a trimester system, allowing students to complete their doctorate faster than traditional semester programs.

Three out of four students take federal loans to fund their education, which reflects the significant investment required for chiropractic training. Graduates earn a median of $59,483 ten years after graduation, though early career earnings average $43,800 after six years. The loan repayment rate sits at just over 40%, indicating many graduates struggle with debt payments relative to their income. Only 37.5% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most come from families able to pay substantial tuition costs.

The student body skews male at nearly 54%, unusual for many health professions today. Students live in dorms that house 412 people, creating a tight-knit campus community in this midsize Iowa city. The college's legacy attracts students worldwide who want to learn chiropractic medicine where it all began.

Academics & Faculty

Palmer College of Chiropractic is the birthplace of chiropractic medicine, founded by D.D. Palmer in 1897. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive hands-on training in spinal manipulation and diagnostic techniques. Students work exclusively toward Doctor of Chiropractic degrees through rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice. The trimester calendar accelerates learning with year-round instruction. Palmer's reputation draws future chiropractors who want training at the profession's founding institution. Three-quarters of students rely on federal loans given the specialized nature of the program. The college operates its own health clinics where students gain real patient experience under supervision. Palmer graduates practice worldwide, carrying forward the school's century-plus legacy in alternative healthcare.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 81.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,483
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Chiropractic.	Doctoral	$39,801

View all 4 programs →

Campus Life

Palmer's tiny enrollment of 41 students creates an intimate academic environment where everyone knows each other. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely. Davenport sits along the Mississippi River about 160 miles west of Chicago, giving students access to a mid-sized city without the overwhelming pace of a major metro.

Iowa winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February. The campus houses 412 students, though with such small enrollment, most rooms likely go to students from Palmer's larger Doctor of Chiropractic program. The trimester calendar keeps academic intensity high year-round. Students often spend weekends studying in small groups or exploring the historic downtown district along the riverfront. Palmer's reputation as the birthplace of chiropractic medicine creates a focused, profession-oriented atmosphere. The 53.66% male enrollment reflects chiropractic medicine's traditional gender demographics, though the field continues evolving toward greater balance.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 412 beds
Calendar System: Trimester

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–31°F
July Avg: 67°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Palmer College attracts students from across the country who are committed to chiropractic medicine, with three-quarters requiring federal loans to finance their specialized education. The student body leans slightly male, reflecting traditional gender patterns in chiropractic practice. More than one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school draws from diverse economic backgrounds. The small enrollment of just 41 students creates an intimate learning environment with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Most students are white, though Hispanic students make up a notable portion of the diverse professional cohort preparing for healthcare careers.

Men: 53.7%
Women: 46.3%
White: 82.9%
Black: 2.4%
Hispanic: 14.6%
Asian: 0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.5%

Location

Palmer College sits in Davenport, Iowa, roughly 160 miles west of Chicago along the Mississippi River. The Quad Cities region spans both Iowa and Illinois, creating a metropolitan area of around 380,000 people. Davenport itself has about 100,000 residents and maintains a midwestern industrial character with riverfront parks and historic districts. The college's housing capacity of 412 students suggests most live on campus in this mid-sized city setting. The Mississippi River provides recreational opportunities, while the broader Quad Cities area offers urban amenities without big-city costs. The trimester calendar system allows students to complete their chiropractic education efficiently. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Palmer College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Davenport, Iowa 52803-5287

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,483
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $43,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palmer College of Chiropractic known for academically?

Palmer College founded chiropractic education and claims to be the birthplace of the chiropractic profession. With only 41 students enrolled, the college maintains an intimate 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The trimester calendar system allows students to accelerate through their doctoral program at this specialized institution.

How much do Palmer College of Chiropractic graduates earn after graduation?

Palmer graduates earn a median of $59,483 ten years after graduation, reflecting the earning potential in chiropractic practice. However, only 40.37% of graduates are successfully repaying their federal loans. The mean earnings six years post-graduation are $43,800, showing gradual income growth as chiropractors establish their practices.

What financial aid options are available at Palmer College of Chiropractic?

Exactly 37.50% of Palmer students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying as Pell Grant recipients. Three-quarters of students take out federal loans to finance their chiropractic education. The college serves students who need significant financial support to pursue this specialized healthcare career.

Where is Palmer College of Chiropractic located and what is campus life like?

Palmer sits in Davenport, Iowa, a midsize city along the Mississippi River. The campus houses up to 412 students, providing ample residential options for the small student body of 41. This creates an unusually spacious living environment where students can focus intensively on their chiropractic studies.

What is the student body composition at Palmer College of Chiropractic?

Men make up 53.66% of Palmer's student body while women comprise 46.34%, showing relatively balanced gender representation. The college is 82.93% white with 14.63% Hispanic students and 2.44% Black students. No Asian students were enrolled in the 2023 data year, reflecting the college's primarily regional draw.

How competitive is admission to Palmer College of Chiropractic?

Palmer operates as the founding institution of chiropractic education, giving it unique prestige in the field. The extremely small enrollment of just 41 students suggests either highly selective admissions or specialized program offerings. As a trimester-based doctoral program, Palmer attracts students specifically committed to chiropractic medicine as their career path.