About University of Western States
The University of Western States is a private chiropractic college located on a 22-acre urban campus in Portland, Oregon. UWS was founded in 1904 and was formerly known as Western States Chiropractic College. UWS provides a superior education to its students and offers a natural, integrative approach to wellness. The educational programs at UWS combine the curriculum that has been offered throughout the school’s history with modern healthcare practices and research. UWS honors its chiropractic roots and offers other study areas that focus on a whole-body, balanced approach to health care.
The University of Western States offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the colleges of Chiropractic, Graduate Studies, and Undergraduate Studies. UWS’s mission for continuing education is to provide high-quality postgraduate and/or related professional education to healthcare providers and paraprofessionals. Chiropractic continuing education classes, as well as massage therapy continuing education classes, are offered in person and online. UWS online degrees have the flexibility busy working adults need to further their educations and careers.
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Accreditation & Licensing
University of Western States is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,305Fully Online Graduate Students:
Not applicableAverage Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
0%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$0Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesUniversity of Western States has a fast, demanding path to finish. The full-time accelerated program moves quickly. Classes and comprehensive exams bring steady weekly pressure. This school fits learners who can keep a consistent pace each term.
Tuition rises by about 4% each year, so total cost can grow over time. The training is career-focused and grounded in evidence, with clear value for health-related work. Billing and refund issues can affect a student’s plan, so clear account support matters during the program.
At UWS, support is often strongest in class. Professors are usually fair and flexible. When students need extra time, many instructors allow extensions. That helps people balance work, life, and demanding coursework.
Rules and office processes can feel less consistent. Some courses take off 5 points each day for late work. Grading can also vary from class to class. Billing and refund issues can be harder to resolve, including delays or denied refunds.
Overall, many students may find solid academic support from instructors. The experience can depend on whether the issue is in class or in school administration.
Online classes at UWS are easy to use and simple to access. The format works well for many schedules. Courses keep students involved and focused each week.
The workload is steady and can be challenging. Expect major exams and regular deadlines. Some classes have strict late policies, though some instructors may allow extra time when needed.
UWS is a strong fit for students who manage their time well. It works best for learners who stay on track each week.
Classes at UWS are serious and built for real healthcare work. The workload is heavy, and exams cover a lot of material. Courses go deep and connect lessons to day-to-day practice. The focus is clear.
Students are here to build career-ready skills, not chase easy credits. Professors are often fair about balancing school with work, which helps during busy terms. At the same time, class quality can vary from course to course. Some classes lean too much on slide decks, and grading is not always even. Even with that, UWS offers strong training and practical learning.
University of Western States has a serious academic focus. Classes are challenging and tied to healthcare careers. Exams are thorough and push students to master the material. Lessons connect to real clinical work, and many instructors are fair and supportive.
Some courses also allow deadline extensions when needed. At times, course delivery is uneven across classes. Some instructors reuse slide decks, and grading or late-work rules can differ. Even with that, the online platform is easy to use day to day, which helps students stay on track.
The biggest note is administrative follow-through. Billing and refund issues come up too often, and financial aid can feel hard to navigate. Costs can also rise each year, which adds pressure in a full-time accelerated schedule.
University of Western States has a serious academic focus. Classes are challenging and tied to healthcare careers. Exams are thorough and push students to master the material. Lessons connect to real clinical work, and many instructors are fair and supportive.
Some courses also allow deadline extensions when needed. At times, course delivery is uneven across classes. Some instructors reuse slide decks, and grading or late-work rules can differ. Even with that, the online platform is easy to use day to day, which helps students stay on track.
The biggest note is administrative follow-through. Billing and refund issues come up too often, and financial aid can feel hard to navigate. Costs can also rise each year, which adds pressure in a full-time accelerated schedule.
Online Programs offered by University of Western States
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Western States
Is University of Western States accredited?
Yes. University of Western States is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does University of Western States offer?
University of Western States offers 4 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Western States offer?
University of Western States is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at University of Western States?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Western States expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Western States falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Western States?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Western States first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Western States programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.8.
Is University of Western States military friendly?
University of Western States shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of Western States through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Western States applications?
Most listed programs ask for Interview, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Western States accept life experience credit?
University of Western States does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Western States programs fully online or mixed?
University of Western States programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Western States offer?
University of Western States has online program options in areas such as Healthcare and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Western States?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of Western States programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Western States?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Western States, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Western States programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a University of Western States program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Western States is located in Oregon
Oregon at a Glance:
Top Majors in Oregon:
Top Incentives in Oregon:
- Oregon Opportunity Grant: Up to $3,600 annually
- Oregon Promise: Covers most community college tuition
- OSAC Scholarships: Varies by program
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