Northwestern Health Sciences University vs Palmer College of Chiropractic

Northwestern Health Sciences University and Palmer College of Chiropractic stand out as two prominent institutions dedicated to chiropractic education. While sharing a common focus on chiropractic, these universities exhibit distinct characteristics that shape the experiences of their students. Northwestern boasts a higher acceptance rate, allowing more students to pursue their chiropractic aspirations. Palmer, on the other hand, offers a broader range of undergraduate programs, catering to diverse academic interests. Both universities welcome a diverse student body, creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. When it comes to graduation rates, Palmer holds a slight edge, indicating its commitment to student success. To help you make an informed decision about your chiropractic education, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two esteemed institutions. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Northwestern Health Sciences University	Palmer College of Chiropractic
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Minnesota	Davenport, Iowa
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Trimester	Trimester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	100.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	$50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants		1
Total number of admissions given out		1
Admitted students who chose to enroll		1
Yield rate		100.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$35,532
Average net price	$23,003
Tuition	$10,800
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	90.0% Average amount $2,860
Students receiving federal student loan	60.0% Average amount $6,710
Students taking out private loans	20.0% Average amount $6,039

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	387 Men 28.7% Women 71.3%	43 Men 46.5% Women 53.5%
Graduate students	739 Men 45.3% Women 54.7%	2,139 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	7.2%	0.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	N/A	256
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences Science Technologies	Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	4:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	100.0%	100.0%
Dropout rate	N/A	N/A
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Chiropractic (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $42,172 Year 2: $38,721 Year 3: $45,594 Chiropractic (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $40,211 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $26,627 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Chiropractic (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $40,914 Year 2: $39,801 Year 3: $46,869

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Northwestern Health Sciences University and Palmer College of Chiropractic?

Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) offers a broader range of health science programs, including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and medical assisting. Palmer College of Chiropractic, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on chiropractic education and is considered the founding college of chiropractic. This means Palmer has a longer history and a more singular focus on the chiropractic profession.
Which college is considered the 'founding college' of chiropractic?

Palmer College of Chiropractic is widely recognized as the 'founding college' of chiropractic. It was established in 1897 by Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic.
What types of programs does Northwestern Health Sciences University offer?

Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a variety of programs in the health sciences, including Doctor of Chiropractic, Master of Acupuncture, Master of Oriental Medicine, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, and Human Biology. This allows students to explore different healthcare modalities and potentially integrate them into their practice.
What is the primary focus of Palmer College of Chiropractic's curriculum?

Palmer College of Chiropractic's curriculum is heavily focused on the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic. It emphasizes hands-on training, clinical experience, and a deep understanding of the body's biomechanics and nervous system. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers as chiropractic physicians.
Which college offers a more diverse range of healthcare programs?

Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a more diverse range of healthcare programs compared to Palmer College of Chiropractic. If you're interested in exploring multiple healthcare disciplines, NWHSU might be a better fit.
How does the clinical experience differ between Northwestern and Palmer?

Both Northwestern and Palmer offer extensive clinical experience. Palmer emphasizes its on-campus clinics and community outreach programs, providing students with a high volume of patient interactions. Northwestern also provides clinical opportunities through its clinics and affiliations with various healthcare facilities, potentially exposing students to a wider range of patient populations and integrated healthcare settings.
What are the potential benefits of attending a college with a singular focus on chiropractic, like Palmer?

Attending a college with a singular focus on chiropractic, like Palmer, allows for a deeply immersive and specialized learning experience. The faculty, resources, and overall environment are entirely dedicated to chiropractic education, fostering a strong sense of community and professional identity.
What are the advantages of attending a university with multiple health science programs, like Northwestern?

Attending a university like Northwestern, with multiple health science programs, provides opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and a broader understanding of healthcare. You can learn from and work alongside students in other disciplines, which can enhance your communication skills and prepare you for integrated healthcare settings.
How do the philosophies of chiropractic education differ between the two colleges?

While both colleges teach the core principles of chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic often emphasizes a more traditional and vitalistic approach, focusing on the body's innate healing ability. Northwestern Health Sciences University tends to integrate a more evidence-based and scientific approach, incorporating the latest research and clinical guidelines into its curriculum. However, both institutions value the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and the holistic approach to healthcare.
Where are Northwestern Health Sciences University and Palmer College of Chiropractic located?

Northwestern Health Sciences University is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. Palmer College of Chiropractic has three campuses: Davenport, Iowa (the original campus); San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida.
Do both colleges offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities?

Yes, both Northwestern Health Sciences University and Palmer College of Chiropractic offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to eligible students. It's recommended to visit their respective financial aid offices or websites for detailed information on available programs and application requirements.
How can I decide which college is the best fit for me?

To decide which college is the best fit for you, consider your personal learning style, career goals, and philosophical alignment. Visit both campuses if possible, talk to current students and faculty, and carefully review the curriculum and clinical opportunities offered by each institution. Reflect on whether you prefer a specialized chiropractic education or a broader health science perspective.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Northwestern Health Sciences University

Southern California University of Health Sciences