Palmer College: Understanding the Cost of Attendance for Chiropractic Education
Choosing a chiropractic college is a major investment, and understanding the true cost of attendance goes far beyond tuition alone. At Palmer College, we help you look at the full financial picture—including scholarships, living expenses, and long-term value—so you can plan with confidence.
Scholarships That Reduce the Cost of Attendance
Affordability is a priority for our students. Palmer awards more than 1,600 grants and scholarships each year, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance for many new and continuing students.
Scholarships for incoming students include:
- Fountainhead Award for Academic Achievement
Renewable: $15,000 ($1,500 per trimester) for Main Campus;
$10,000 ($1,000 per trimester) for Palmer Florida.
- Merit Scholarships
First-term awards based on GPA.
- Legacy Scholarship
$1,000 award for family of Palmer alumni.
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
$1,000 award for honor society members.
- Palmer, Everywhere Scholarship
$15,000 total ($1,500 per trimester) for students from California, Canada or Puerto Rico.
These funding opportunities can substantially lower your tuition cost and overall cost of attendance.
Tip: Apply early and explore all eligibility criteria. Many students qualify for multiple scholarships, which can meaningfully reduce expenses.
Plan Confidently with Our Cost Calculator
When budgeting for chiropractic school, clarity matters. Palmer’s Cost Comparison Calculator lets you estimate not just tuition and fees, but your total cost of attendance, including:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Food and groceries
- Personal expenses
This tool also allows you to compare Palmer’s costs with other chiropractic colleges to see the full value we offer.
Lower Living Costs = Lower Cost of Attendance
Both of Palmer’s campus locations — Davenport, Iowa, and Port Orange, Florida — offer a cost of living that’s significantly lower than many major metropolitan cities. Housing, groceries, and transportation are all more affordable compared to cities like Dallas, Atlanta, or Portland. Lower living expenses mean your total cost of attendance is more manageable, and your financial aid goes further.
Tip: Use the calculator to create a realistic monthly budget. Our financial aid team can help you plan for everything from rent to textbooks.
Palmer vs. Competitors: A Better Value for Your Investment
When comparing chiropractic programs, the cost of attendance is a critical factor. Palmer consistently ranks as one of the most affordable choices, thanks to:
- Competitive tuition rates
- Low cost-of-living locations
- Generous financial aid and scholarships
- Transparent tools like the Palmer Cost Calculator
The result? A high-quality chiropractic education with an accessible COA—making Palmer a smart financial choice for future chiropractors.
Graduate Outcomes That Enhance Your Long-Term Return on Investment
The value of your education is measured not just in cost, but in results. Palmer graduates consistently achieve strong outcomes that justify their investment:
- 91% of Palmer students pass all parts of their licensing exams within six months of graduation.
- 93% of students who start at Palmer finish with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
- 3,600+ job postings appear annually on the Palmer CareerNetwork—more positions than graduates.
- 90% of alumni and students would recommend Palmer.
When you invest in Palmer, you join a community of more than 30,000 alumni worldwide who are leaders in clinical practice, research, and chiropractic advocacy.
Start Understanding Your Cost of Attendance Today
The chiropractic profession is growing, with projected job growth of 10% from 2024–2034 — much faster than the national average. Now is the perfect time to explore:
Get a complete picture of your cost of attendance and feel confident investing in your future as a chiropractor.
