Anytime you pursue a degree in the field of medicine in the United States, there will be substantial cost involved. Even in schools where costs are comparatively low, the expense of covering the many requirements of school beyond the price of tuition can quickly add up to a large sum. This is certainly true for those looking into a career in the fast-growing field of chiropractic care. Let’s examine the average costs of schools for doctors of chiropractic care, and just how much it takes to get from the first day of classes to that final graduation.
Tuition Expenses
Schools offering degrees in chiropractic care are graduate schools. This is to say that costs for the first four years – or undergraduate – part of a student’s education are not included. These costs can vary greatly, depending on a variety of factors. These include geographic area, a student’s awards, grants and scholarships, family’s economic standing and more. However, the estimated average cost for a four-year degree in the United States is $24,600 for public schools and $49,300 for private universities and colleges.
The real expense in regard to tuition begins in the graduate phase of schooling. For doctor of chiropractic schools, students can expect to pay $70,000 to over $100,000 to obtain their doctorate degree. This is merely the cost of tuition and related fees, and may or may not include such expenses as:
-Room and board
-Meals
-Textbooks and supplies
-Lab supplies, attire and specialty supplies
Graduate schools offering chiropractic degrees vary almost as much as undergraduate universities in cost, but are nearly always more expensive. Once schooling is well under way, students will encounter additional costs as well, from licensing and exam fees to daily incidentals.
Non-Tuition Expenses
The host of non-tuition expenses that a student will contend with during their schooling may include but are certainly not limited to:
-Living expenses if not provided by the school.
-Textbooks, if not included in the price of tuition.
-Dining, if not accommodated in tuition costs.
-Gas, for commuting to and from school if necessary.
-Supplies such as stationary, calculators, electronics, etc.
-Apparel for labs and clinicals.
-Exam fees.
-Licensing and re-licensing fees, as necessary. (This may depend on the state the student resides in or is being educated/plans to practice in.)
-Any tools or supplies used that are not otherwise provided by the facility.
As mentioned before, these costs can quickly add up to be very high. Even for students who receive grants, scholarships and other assistance, discounts are helpful in affording their education, as most college budgets leave little room for unforeseen expenses.
So, Is It Really Worth It?
With all of these expenses to consider, a prospective student of chiropractic may begin to wonder if the career path is even worth the investment of money and time it requires? However, most professionals in the field will say that it certainly is; chiropractic care is one of the fastest-growing and most popular medical practices in the United States today, offering new practitioners the job security they need to make their education a sound investment. Don’t let the upfront cost intimidate you; being a chiropractor is a rewarding career that can bring you financial stability and the joy of knowing you’re helping others live better, healthier and happier lives.
For more details on College of Chiropractic in Los Angels- scuhs.edu/academics/los-ang...
