The Results of a Palmer Education
As the founding institution of the chiropractic profession, Palmer has spent more than a century building a program that produces confident, board-ready, employable graduates, and it publishes its results because trust has to be earned with evidence, not just claimed.
Palmer Outcomes By the Number:
- 94% of Palmer students pass all parts of the NBCE licensure exams within six months of graduation.*
- 93% of students who start at Palmer graduate with their Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
- 3,600 jobs are posted annually to the Palmer Plexus Job Board, more jobs than graduates in a given year.
- Palmer graduates rank in the top 1% of all U.S. higher education institutions for student loan repayment.
- 90% of Palmer alumni and current students say they’d recommend Palmer College of Chiropractic.
- Most Doctors of Chiropractic go on to own or co-own their practice, a path few doctoral-level health care careers offer so directly.
Licensure & Board Exam Success
Every Doctor of Chiropractic must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams and meet individual state licensure requirements before practicing. Palmer builds board preparation directly into the D.C. curriculum, and 94% of Palmer students pass all parts of the NBCE licensure exams within six months of graduation.
Palmer’s academic curriculum, coupled with its 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and student academic support services prepare students for academic and practice success.
Employment & Practice Outcomes
Palmer graduates go on to build careers across nearly every corner of the profession, from private practice to institutional and academic settings, and demand for Palmer-trained doctors regularly outpaces supply: 3,600 jobs are posted annually to the Palmer Plexus Job Board, more than the number of Palmer graduates in a given year. Most build toward practice ownership, and many begin as an associate before opening their own practice or joining a group. For a closer look at where a D.C. degree can lead, explore our guide to Career Paths.
Return on Investment
Palmer graduates rank in the top 1% of all U.S. higher education institutions for student loan repayment, meaning Palmer graduates are paying down their loans faster than the vast majority of college graduates nationwide, a strong signal that a Palmer degree translates into real earning power. It’s also a big part of why 90% of Palmer alumni and current students say they’d recommend the College.
Where Palmer Graduates Go
Palmer’s more than 30,000 alumni lead the chiropractic profession around the world, and 1 in every 5 chiropractic students currently enrolled anywhere in the world is enrolled at Palmer, a reach built through more than a century of graduates who have carried the Palmer name into their communities.
In Their Own Words
Numbers tell part of the story. The graduates living those outcomes tell the rest.
“The training and expertise I gained [at Palmer] prepared me not just to be a chiropractor, but to be a resource for families looking to improve their health.”
“Being the person they turn to for pain relief and injury recovery, and seeing them come out the other side feeling better, is incredibly gratifying.”
“Health care in Ghana has always been very focused on treating disease once it shows up. But we don’t put enough attention into prevention. Wellness is not a luxury. It is a must.” Dr. Ashietey’s clinic offers integrated care that includes chiropractic, rehabilitation, regenerative therapies and structured wellness education.
Graduate Outcomes FAQ
How many job opportunities are available to Palmer graduates?
3,600 jobs are posted annually to the Palmer Plexus Job Board, which means there are more jobs available than there are new graduates.
What is Palmer's NBCE board exam pass rate?
94*% of Palmer students pass all parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) licensure exams within six months of graduation.
Do most Palmer graduates own their own practice?
About half of all graduates go on to own or co-own a practice. Chiropractic is one of the few health care careers that offer a direct path to business ownership. Others work in integrated health care settings such as hospitals, choose to work as an associate for a practice, or pursue research or teaching.
Is a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer worth the investment?
Outcomes data points to yes: Palmer graduates rank in the top 1% of U.S. institutions for student loan repayment, 94*% pass all parts of their NBCE licensure exams within six months of graduation, and most go on to lead their own practice. It’s also why 90% of Palmer alumni and current students say they’d recommend the College.
Where do Palmer graduates practice after graduation?
Palmer’s more than 30,000 alumni practice, teach, research and lead around the world. In fact, 1 in every 5 chiropractic students currently enrolled anywhere in the world is enrolled at Palmer.
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