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Top 10 Yellow Ribbon Chiropractor Schools

If you want to know how to become a chiropractor, you’ll first learn that this profession requires an advanced degree.

A chiropractic degree, known as a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), is a doctoral degree that prepares students to become licensed chiropractors. Their focus is on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, possibly relating to the spine through its manual adjustment and manipulation.

Pursuing a chiropractic career is challenging, involving significant commitment and financial resources. However, for veterans, programs like the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program can help reduce the financial burden, making this career path more accessible. Some chiropractic schools and universities with chiropractic programs participate in the Yellow Program.

There are other ways to help pay for a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. When still in the undergraduate phase, it’s a good idea to explore options such as military tuition assistance, MyCAA, and other options to pay for chiropractor schooling.

What Is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover additional tuition and fees at out-of-state, private, foreign, or graduate schools that aren’t fully covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. To be eligible, both you and your school must meet specific requirements.

You must qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level, and one of the following must apply to you as reported on VA.gov:

• You served on active duty for at least 36 months (either continuously or with breaks) and were honorably discharged or
• You were awarded a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any period of service or
• You served for at least 30 uninterrupted days on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged due to a service-connected disability, or
• You’re currently on active duty with at least 36 months of service (whether consecutively or with breaks) or
• You’re a spouse using the transferred benefits from an active-duty service member who has served for at least 36 months or
• You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a veteran or
• You’re a Fry Scholar (a person who receives education benefits through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. It provides education benefits to surviving spouses and children of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.)

Schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program must:

• Be a recognized institution of higher education.
• Not exceed the maximum number of students eligible for the Yellow Ribbon benefit as outlined in its agreement with the V.A.
• Certify your enrollment with the VA.

What Benefits Can You Get Through the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, you can receive assistance with tuition and fees at private institutions, foreign schools, or public schools (if you attend as a nonresident student.) If eligible, your school will provide a portion of the additional tuition and fees through a grant, scholarship, or similar aid, and the VA will match that contribution.

The amount of funding students receive through the Yellow Ribbon Program varies by school, as each can choose to offer different amounts based on the student’s status (i.e., undergraduate, graduate, doctoral) and the type of institution it is (i.e., a college or professional school).

How Do I Apply?

Start by submitting your application for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if you qualify.

Next, deliver your COE to your school’s certifying official or the appropriate office, such as financial aid or military liaison, and request to apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which will then determine if it has reached its maximum enrollment for the program period, as spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The school will also calculate the amount of funding you can receive by adding up your tuition and mandatory fees, subtracting any other aid you have received (including Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits), and applying the Yellow Ribbon benefit to the remaining amount.

Finally, you will receive a notice from your school regarding your acceptance into the chiropractor training program and the financial support you will receive.

>> Find scholarships for military, veterans, spouses, and dependents with the CollegeRecon Scholarship Finder.

Yellow Ribbon Chiropractor Schools

One of the first questions many ask about this field is, “How long does it take to become a chiropractor?” The answer depends on the school, which is why it’s a good idea to compare them and shop around for the best program for you. Some schools may have pre-chiropractic programs, others may simply require an undergraduate degree of any kind. You can look up other schools in addition to the ones below by using our school search tool.

Keiser University: Keiser University College of Chiropractic Medicine, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, offers a rigorous ten-semester chiropractic curriculum spanning 40 months. It includes small group learning, weekly conferences, seminars, lab work, and hands-on clinical training.

Parker University: Parker University, located in Dallas, Texas, has one of the largest CCE-accredited chiropractic programs in the world. It serves over 2000 students and offers a diverse range of academic programs, including doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees. Additionally, Parker provides a certificate in massage therapy, with the option to complete the program in Spanish.

Logan University: Chesterfield, Missouri’s Logan University provides two bachelor’s degrees, three master’s degrees, and doctoral programs in chiropractic and health professions education. Degrees at Logan are awarded through the Logan College of Chiropractic and the Logan College of Health Sciences.

Life Chiropractic College West: Life Chiropractic’s curriculum integrates courses in basic sciences, clinical sciences, technique, and philosophy while providing ample hands-on training at the Life West Health Center in Hayward, California.

D’Youville College: Buffalo, New York’s D’Youville College has a CCE-accredited program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or are transferring from another D.C. program. Depending on their prior coursework, they can complete the program in 3.5 years or less.

Sherman College:  Sherman College, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, emphasizes a “straight” approach in chiropractic medicine (a small range of treatments, mostly spinal adjustments) instead of the diagnostic and symptomatic treatment focus of “mixed” (traditional spine fixes in addition to acupuncture, massage therapy, or physical therapy) Sherman’s program spans 14 quarters; it features classroom and hands-on instruction, internships, research opportunities, and community service.

Cleveland University Kansas City: Located in Overland Park, Kansas, CUKC students can pursue a D.C. degree and a Bachelor of Human Biology through a combined program. Additionally, it provides students with business training through its Success Strategies seminars and club.

Texas Chiropractic College: Located in Pasadena, Texas, the school’s D.C. program features an evidence-informed curriculum that integrates chiropractic principles within a broad scientific context, equipping students with theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.

National University of Health Sciences: The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) provides professional degrees in chiropractic and naturopathic medicine. Chiropractic students are trained in over 100 evidence-based adjustments and gain extensive hands-on experience. Within six months of beginning the program, students start practicing adjustments under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Palmer College of Chiropractic: Palmer students start hands-on training early and can further hone their clinical skills through student clubs or extra lab sessions, all under the mentorship of faculty. By their seventh trimester, they begin gaining practical experience in the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. The DC program involves year-round, in-person classes over approximately 3 1/3 years. All Palmer students master the “Palmer Package” technique and are introduced to both instrument-assisted and table-assisted techniques.

>> Find scholarships for military, veterans, spouses, and dependents with the CollegeRecon Scholarship Finder.