
Overland Park, KSprivate nonprofitwww.cleveland.edu/
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a specialized health sciences institution with a laser focus on chiropractic education and allied health fields. Known for its high NBCE board pass rates and intimate, career-driven environment, it attracts students who want hands-on training in Overland Park—not a traditional liberal arts experience.
CUKC operates with an acceptance rate between 69-80%, making it accessible but selective for its niche programs. The Doctor of Chiropractic program requires either 90 semester hours with a 3.0 GPA or a completed bachelor’s degree with the same GPA threshold. Typical admitted students have ACT scores of 17-21 or SAT scores of 930-1080, though the university emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. for its health sciences tracks. Notably, enrollment numbers are small—one source cites just 102 enrolled students—reflecting its specialized focus.
CUKC’s academic offerings are hyper-specialized, with only two undergraduate majors: Biology/Biological Sciences and Kinesiology/Exercise Science. The crown jewel is its Doctor of Chiropractic program, which emphasizes personalized pathways and boasts a 96% NBCE board pass rate within six months of graduation. The College of Health Sciences offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, including online options like a Certificate in Strength and Conditioning. Small class sizes and faculty mentorship are hallmarks, with curricula tightly aligned to clinical practice.
The campus vibe is tight-knit and professionally oriented, with facilities geared toward health sciences training. Described as 'welcoming and home-like' (Niche), CUKC fosters a community where students bond over shared career goals. Campus tours highlight interactions with current students and faculty, and events like the 'Day of Welcome' reinforce camaraderie. There’s little mention of Greek life or Division sports—this is a place for future chiropractors and health professionals to hunker down.
Graduation rates are a mixed bag: 33% four-year rate (lower than national averages), but the chiropractic program’s outcomes shine. Alumni median earnings 10 years post-graduation hover around $52k, with the university ranking in the 100th percentile for graduation rates among peers (per Ibex Insights). The standout stat? CUKC leads the nation in NBCE board completion rates (96% within six months of graduation), a major selling point for chiropractic students.
Tuition runs approximately $14,400 annually, with 100% of students receiving grant aid averaging $5k. Scholarships range from $5k to $25k, often tied to maintaining a 3.3 GPA. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps estimate costs after aid, though the university’s financial aid resources emphasize private loans as a common supplement. For chiropractic students, the ROI hinges on the program’s strong licensure outcomes.
CUKC is the antithesis of a cookie-cutter university—it’s for students who know exactly what they want: a direct path into chiropractic or health sciences. The 96% NBCE pass rate is unparalleled, and the intimate scale means no getting lost in lecture halls. If you’re seeking broad liberal arts exploration or big-time sports, look elsewhere. But for hands-on, career-focused training with stellar licensure results, CUKC delivers.



