Southern California University of Health Sciences

$10,769Tuition

132Students

$70,649Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Southern California University of Health Sciences

Southern California University of Health Sciences trains the next generation of alternative medicine practitioners. This specialized institution focuses entirely on chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, and Oriental medicine programs. With just 132 students enrolled, the university maintains an intimate learning environment in suburban Whittier. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention as students master complex healing arts that blend traditional Eastern practices with modern healthcare approaches.

The financial picture presents a challenging reality for students. The average net price reaches $45,633 annually, higher than the listed tuition of $10,769. Recent graduates earn a median of $21,572 in their first year after graduation, climbing to $32,024 after five years and eventually $70,649 after a decade. The typical monthly loan payment of $121 reflects the relatively low median debt of $11,400. However, only 44.83% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, suggesting financial struggles for many graduates.

Women dominate the student body at 82.58%, reflecting broader trends in alternative healthcare fields. The diverse enrollment includes 34.85% Hispanic students and 20.45% Asian students. All students come from California, creating a tight-knit community focused on serving the state's growing demand for integrative medicine practitioners.

Academics & Faculty

Southern California University of Health Sciences specializes entirely in alternative and complementary medicine programs. The school trains future chiropractors, acupuncturists, and practitioners of Oriental medicine through hands-on clinical education. With just 132 students total, the 10:1 student-faculty ratio means intensive mentorship and personalized attention in every class. Women make up 82.58% of the student body, reflecting the demographics often drawn to well-rounded health careers. The trimester calendar system allows for accelerated learning and multiple clinical rotations throughout the year. Students dive deep into anatomy, diagnostic techniques, and patient care from day one. The focused curriculum prepares graduates for immediate entry into growing alternative healthcare fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 29.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $70,649
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems.	Master	$37,208
Chiropractic.	Doctoral	$29,250

View all 18 programs →

Campus Life

Women make up 83% of the student body at this specialized health sciences university, reflecting the demographics of complementary medicine fields. The 132-student enrollment creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. Students spend most of their time in clinical training facilities and anatomy labs rather than traditional lecture halls.

Whittier sits about 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, putting students within driving distance of beaches, mountains, and the entertainment industry. You'll need sunscreen year-round as Southern California temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees. The trimester calendar system means students are in class or clinical rotations almost continuously throughout the year. With 100% in-state enrollment, most students commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus. Weekends often involve study groups preparing for board exams or practicing techniques like spinal adjustments and acupuncture point location. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and provide hands-on mentorship during clinical training rotations.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Trimester
Founded: 1911

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–68°F
July Avg: 66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.9"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This small health sciences university draws aspiring healthcare professionals from across California, with women making up over 80% of the student body. The gender split reflects the school's focus on fields like acupuncture and Oriental medicine that traditionally attract more women. Hispanic students represent about one-third of enrollment, while Asian students comprise roughly 20%, both above national averages for higher education. With only 132 total students, the intimate setting creates tight-knit cohorts training for alternative and complementary medicine careers. The diverse student body mirrors California's demographics and the growing interest in well-rounded healthcare approaches.

Men: 17.4%
Women: 82.6%
White: 19.7%
Black: 11.4%
Hispanic: 34.9%
Asian: 20.5%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 9.2%

Location

Southern California University of Health Sciences sits in Whittier, California, about 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The university draws 100% of its students from within California, keeping tuition consistent at $10,769 for all attendees. Whittier offers a suburban setting in Los Angeles County with easy access to beaches, mountains, and the entertainment industry. The area provides clinical opportunities across diverse communities, reflected in the school's student body that is 34.85% Hispanic and 20.45% Asian. The trimester calendar system allows for intensive health sciences training year-round. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Southern California University of Health Sciences with similar schools in the region.

Address: Whittier, California 90604

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $70,649
Median Earnings (5 years): $32,024
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $121/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,400

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Southern California University of Health Sciences?

The university enrolls just 132 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused on health sciences education. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, prospective students can expect personalized attention in specialized programs like chiropractic medicine and acupuncture.

How much does Southern California University of Health Sciences cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $45,633 despite the relatively low published tuition of $10,769. Only 9.22% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most students pay close to full price for their specialized health sciences education.

What academic programs is Southern California University of Health Sciences known for?

The university specializes in alternative and complementary health sciences with programs in chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, and Oriental medicine. Operating on a trimester system since its founding in 1911, the school has built a reputation for training practitioners in integrative healthcare approaches.

What are the career outcomes for Southern California University of Health Sciences graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $70,649 ten years after graduation, reflecting the specialized nature of health sciences careers. With an employment rate of 77.8% and median debt of just $11,400, students typically enter the workforce with manageable loan burdens.

Where is Southern California University of Health Sciences located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Whittier, a large suburban area in California, and draws 100% of its students from in-state. With women making up 82.58% of the student body, the university reflects the gender demographics common in many health sciences programs.

How diverse is the student body at Southern California University of Health Sciences?

The student population is diverse with 34.85% Hispanic students, 20.45% Asian students, and 19.70% White students. This diversity reflects California's multicultural population and the growing demand for culturally competent healthcare practitioners.