Parker University: $17,457 Tuition

$17,457Tuition

494Students

72%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,091Earnings

#12 in TexasPrivate nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Parker University

Parker University has built its reputation as a health sciences powerhouse since 1982, particularly known for training the next generation of chiropractors and wellness professionals. The small Dallas campus enrolls just 494 students, creating an intimate learning environment in the heart of Texas's largest metropolitan area. Students benefit from strong access to faculty with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for hands-on training essential in health sciences programs.

The financial picture tells a mixed story for prospective students. After aid, families typically pay around $25,491 annually, which represents a significant investment for a specialized education. Graduates earn a median of $42,091 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $12,288. The monthly loan payment of $130 makes the debt manageable for most health professionals entering practice.

The student body reflects Parker's focus on accessible healthcare education, with nearly 48% receiving Pell Grants and women comprising over 70% of enrollment. The diverse student population is 35% White and 31% Black, with 93% coming from Texas. However, the 25% retention rate suggests the rigorous health sciences curriculum isn't for everyone, though those who stay find strong career prospects with a 95% employment rate after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Parker University operates as a specialized health sciences institution with chiropractic medicine as its flagship program. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in hands-on clinical training. Students work closely with faculty who are practicing chiropractors and wellness professionals. The 77% four-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous but supportive nature of health science programs that prepare students for licensing exams. Beyond chiropractic studies, the university offers complementary wellness programs in areas like nutrition and exercise science. This focused approach means students dive deep into anatomy, physiology, and patient care from day one rather than spending years on general education requirements.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 57.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 76.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 71.8%
Retention Rate: 25.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,091
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$52,107
Chiropractic.	Doctoral	$42,682

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Parker University sits in the heart of Dallas, where 494 students pursue health sciences degrees in a tight-knit community. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know every student's name. Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong nursing and wellness programs alongside its flagship chiropractic medicine track.

Dallas summers demand serious air conditioning and sunscreen, while winters rarely require more than a light jacket. The trimester calendar keeps students busy year-round with intensive coursework. With 93% of students coming from Texas, many commute from around the Dallas-Fort Worth area rather than living on campus. The diverse student population includes 31% Black students and 35% White students, creating a multicultural learning environment. Weekends often center around clinical practice sessions and study groups, as health sciences programs require hands-on preparation. The 95% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, and graduates typically earn $44,000 within their first year after graduation.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Trimester
Founded: 1982

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Robbery	0	2
Burglary	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0
Murder	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–57°F
July Avg: 77°–96°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.3"
Annual Snowfall: 1.7"

Student Demographics

Parker University draws students serious about health sciences careers, with women making up about 70% of the student body. The gender split reflects the university's focus on chiropractic medicine and wellness programs, fields that traditionally attract more women. Nearly all students come from Texas, showing Parker's strong regional reputation in health education. About half receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves students from modest economic backgrounds who see health sciences as a path to stable careers. The diverse student mix includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities seeking healthcare professions.

Men: 29.8%
Women: 70.2%
White: 34.6%
Black: 31.4%
Hispanic: 9.9%
Asian: 5.1%
In-State Students: 92.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.0%

Location

Parker University sits in Dallas, a sprawling metropolis of 1.3 million people in North Texas. The campus operates within one of America's fastest-growing urban centers, where students have access to major medical facilities and healthcare networks. Dallas anchors a metropolitan area of over 7 million residents, creating abundant internship and career opportunities in health sciences. The city's business-friendly environment has attracted numerous healthcare companies and medical device manufacturers. Over 92% of Parker's students come from Texas, reflecting strong regional ties to the state's healthcare industry. The urban setting provides clinical experience opportunities that smaller college towns cannot match. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Parker University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dallas, Texas 75229-5668

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,091
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,538
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 43.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $130/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,288

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at Parker University?

Parker University enrolls just 494 students, making it one of the smallest health sciences universities in Texas. The intimate size allows for highly personalized attention in specialized programs like chiropractic medicine and wellness studies.

How much does Parker University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,491 annually, with tuition set at $17,457 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Nearly 48% of students receive financial aid, though the university offers limited institutional grants averaging just $7,322.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Parker University?

Parker University maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive mentorship in hands-on health sciences training. The university operates on a trimester calendar system, allowing for accelerated progression through specialized healthcare programs.

What are the graduation rates at Parker University?

The university achieves a 77% four-year graduation rate and 72% six-year completion rate, reflecting strong outcomes for students in demanding health sciences curricula. However, the retention rate stands at only 25%, indicating significant first-year attrition in rigorous professional programs.

Where do Parker University graduates typically find employment?

Graduates achieve a 95% employment rate with median earnings of $42,091 ten years after graduation. The university's focus on chiropractic medicine and wellness programs prepares students for specialized healthcare careers primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Is Parker University diverse in terms of student demographics?

The student body is 70% female and diverse, with 35% White students, 31% Black students, and 10% Hispanic students. Over 92% of students come from Texas, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation in health sciences education.