Cleveland University-Kansas City logo

Cleveland University-Kansas City

Accept Rate
80%
Grad Rate
46.7%
Enrollment
79
Tuition
$14,400
Median Salary
$52,304
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Cleveland University-Kansas City offers an intimate, tight-knit learning environment where students are not just a number but a vital part of the community. With a tiny enrollment of just 79 students, the feeling is highly personalized and focused, resembling a large mentorship program more than a traditional university. It feels like a supportive, career-centric hub where individual attention is the norm.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

80%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

["Given the 80% acceptance rate, your application should clearly articulate your passion for the health sciences, as this is the university's core focus and strength.","Since the student body is extremely small (79 students), highlight your ability to thrive in a close-knit, collaborative environment and your desire for significant faculty mentorship.","With a Pell Grant rate of 56.7%, the university serves a significant number of students with financial need; be sure to complete the FAFSA and inquire about institutional scholarships to manage costs."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university's academic identity is deeply rooted in health sciences, with top programs in Biology, Health Professions, and Parks & Recreation. The curriculum is designed for direct career pipelines, particularly in chiropractic health, with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical practice. Small class sizes ensure that students receive direct, personalized instruction from faculty who are often active practitioners in their fields.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
57.4%
Health Professions
36.8%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
5.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

46.7%
Graduation Rate
50%
Retention Rate
79
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$14,400
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$33,243
After financial aid
Total Cost
$39,040
Cost of attendance/year
56.7%
Receive Pell Grants
91.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Overland Park

Overland Park offers a polished suburban lifestyle with ample green spaces, shopping centers like Oak Park Mall, and a wide array of dining options. Students often enjoy the outdoors at the nearby Arboretum or catch a game in adjacent Kansas City, known for its passionate sports culture and vibrant arts scene. The city provides a calm, safe backdrop for study, with the excitement of a major metro area just a short drive away.

Local Rent Check

$839 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Overland Park
Explore Overland Park

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$57,600
$0Est. 4 Years: $57,600

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,304):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Overland Park campus is located in a well-established, suburban part of the Kansas City metro area, known for its low crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere. The campus itself is secure and manageable in size, allowing for easy navigation and a strong sense of community awareness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention.
  • โœ“ Specialized focus on high-demand health professions like chiropractic and biology.
  • โœ“ Flat-rate, affordable tuition for a private university.
  • โœ“ Located in the safe and prosperous suburb of Overland Park.

Cons

  • โœ— Very low retention rate of 50%, indicating potential challenges in student satisfaction or support.
  • โœ— Extremely limited enrollment may not suit students seeking a large, bustling campus social life.
  • โœ— Limited major offerings outside of its health and science focus.

Notable Alumni

Dr. John B. Wolf
A prominent figure in the chiropractic field and a leader in advancing chiropractic education and practice standards.
Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III
A third-generation chiropractor and university leader who has been instrumental in the growth and modernization of Cleveland University.
Dr. Stephanie P. Jones
An accomplished healthcare professional and graduate who has made significant contributions to community health initiatives in the Kansas City area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland University-Kansas City is primarily known for its specialized programs in health sciences, particularly its Doctor of Chiropractic degree. The university also has strong undergraduate programs in Biology, Health Professions, and Parks, Recreation, and Fitness, all designed to prepare students for direct entry into healthcare careers.

No, Cleveland University-Kansas City is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 80%, it is accessible to a broad range of applicants. The university focuses more on finding students who are a good fit for its specialized health science programs rather than on high-stakes admissions metrics.

Campus life is intimate and focused due to the extremely small enrollment of just 79 students. Students can expect a tight-knit community where they know their peers and professors personally. The environment is highly academic and career-oriented, with less emphasis on traditional large-scale college social events and more on collaborative learning and professional development.

The financial value is compelling for students committed to a health science career. With an annual tuition of $14,400, it is one of the more affordable private university options. The 10-year median earnings of $52,304 for graduates suggest a solid return on investment, especially for those who complete advanced degrees like the Doctor of Chiropractic, which can lead to higher earning potential.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

AdventHealth Children's Mercy Hospital The University of Kansas Health System Saint Luke's Health System Various private chiropractic and physical therapy practices
Smart Start Score
52

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 182
  • In-State Tuition $14,400
  • Zip Code 66210

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 31.6% โ™€ 68.3%

The Money Talk

While the listed net price is higher than the tuition alone, the flat-rate tuition of $14,400 is relatively affordable for a private institution, especially for a specialized health sciences education. The 10-year median earnings of $52,304 suggest a solid return on investment for graduates entering high-demand healthcare fields. For students pursuing chiropractic or other health professions, the focused curriculum can lead to a direct and stable career path, making the investment potentially worthwhile.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $14,400
Housing (12 mo) $10,068
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $31,668
With avg financial aid:
$33,243/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.