FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Requirements

• What prerequisites do I need for chiropractic school?

• What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required?

• Do I need a bachelor's degree to start chiropractic college?

• What is the straight philosophy and how does this make you different from other schools?

• How much is tuition for chiropractic college?

• How long does it take to complete prerequisite classes? How long for the DC program?

• How much math do I need?

• Are you accredited?

• What is your average class size?

• Do you have an accelerated program on your campus?

• Can I send you my transcripts now so that you can tell me which classes I still need?

• Do you have housing on campus?

• What is the cost of living in Spartanburg and how does it compare to other parts of the country?
  
  
  

Financial Aid

• How do I apply for financial aid?

• What is Sherman College's Title IV Code?

• How much money am I eligible for in the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans?

• What is the difference between the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans?

• Where do I borrow money for my Stafford loan?

• How do you apply for the Perkins Loan?

• What other loans are available?

• When do I re-apply?

• How do I get my undergraduate loans deferred?

• How does work-study reduce my loan amount? Do I qualify?

• What kinds of scholarships do you offer?

Admissions Requirements

What prerequisites do I need?

You must have earned a minimum of 90 semester hour credits applicable to the award of a baccalaureate degree at a four-year institution or institutions accredited by a nationally recognized agency. Included in these credits must be a minimum of 48 semester hour credits in the course areas noted below. All required courses must have been completed with a “C” (2.0) or better. Credits must have been earned in an institution that is accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

See list of courses required for undergraduate work.

Pre-chiropractic and pre-licensure requirements vary from state to state. To ensure that you meet the liberal arts requirements of the state(s) in which you wish to practice, we suggest that you contact the state board(s) of chiropractic examiners directly. For general information about state licensure requirements and links to various state boards, click here.

You must have a GPA of 2.7 Fax your transcripts to the Admission office for reivew by our admission counselor, Kristie Shepherd. 864-599-4859.

Do I need a bachelor's degree to start chiropractic college? No, you do not need a degree to begin chiropractic college, although certain states do require a degree to practice in that particular state, and some states require that you receive that degree before you begin chiropractic college. To view a list of state requirements and links to state boards, please click here, or for more details, contact the Admission Office.

What is the straight philosophy and how does this make you different from other schools?
Straight chiropractic is based on the premise that the body's innate recuperative powers are affected by and integrated through the nervous system. Chiropractic is a science and art devoted to the location, analysis and correction of vertebral subluxations, misaligned vertebrae of the spine that interfere with the ability of the nervous system to coordinate and control the organs and systems of the body. Health-conscious people make chiropractic a regular part of their health regimen, along with such sound practices as exercise, good nutrition, stress management and regular health check-ups. Chiropractic is a separate and distinct field that does not compete with the practice of medicine or the use of alternative therapies. Chiropractic colleges that do not identify themselves as teaching "straight chiropractic" generally view chiropractic as a therapeutic approach to improving musculoskeletal and other conditions.

How much is tuition?
2009 Quarterly Tuition: $6,075 - Average Quarterly Books and Supplies: $300*
* First quarter books and supplies for new students will be at least double this amount.

Almost 98 percent of our students receive federally funded loans to cover their tuition and cost of living expenses. Most students can expect to receive approximately $4704 per quarter for living expenses ($1568 per month). See more tuition and expenses information here.

How long does it take to complete prerequisite classes? How long for the DC program?
It generally takes three years to complete 90 semester hours. The Doctor of Chiropractic Program at Sherman College is 14 quarters.  We enroll classes three times a year, in January, July, and October.

How much math do I need?
Sherman does not require certain math courses, but the school where you choose to take your chemistry and physics may require math as a prerequisite.

Are you accredited?
Yes. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education, which accredits all chiropractic colleges in the U.S. We are also accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredits regional institutions such as Duke University and Converse College. Sherman College is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. For accreditation and licensing details, please click here.

What is your average class size?
Average class size is around 25 students, although it does vary depending on when you begin classes in the year. We keep laboratory and technique classes small so that the personal attention you receive from instructors is enhanced. We pride ourselves on offering a highly personal learning environment

Do you have an accelerated program on your campus?
No, we do not, but we do have several agreements arranged with local undergraduate institutions to complete your admission requirements. Click on the links below to find details about the programs listed:

• Three-Plus-One Programs
• Two-Plus-One-Plus-One
• Six local colleges offer acceptable courses for prerequisites. Contact them directly:
  • Converse College
  • Greenville Technical College
  • Spartanburg Community College
  • Spartanburg Methodist College
  • Wofford College
  • USC-Upstate

Can I send you my transcripts now so that you can tell me which classes I still need?
Absolutely! We encourage this. We can start an academic evaluation for you, and tell you exactly which classes you still need to complete. You do not want to find out at the last minute that you are missing some classes, and you don't want to take classes that you do not need. You may send unofficial transcripts or copies for evaluation, but official transcripts will be required for admission.

Email Transcripts to Kristy Shepherd at kshepherd@sherman.edu or
mail your transcripts to

Sherman College Admissions
Attn: Kristy Shepherd
PO Box 1452
Spartanburg, SC 29304

Transcripts can also be faxed to 864-599-4859

Do you have housing on campus?
Several residential neighborhoods are within walking and biking distance from Sherman. The Student Services Office keeps a list of housing available (for rent or to buy) that is updated bi-weekly. Also included are "roommates wanted" listings. The current Housing List is here.

What is the cost of living in Spartanburg and how does it compare to the rest of the country?
Spartanburg is a very affordable place to live at 21% below the National Average. Use the cost of living calculator to compare to your city, or see this cost of living comparison chart

Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for any type of financial aid at Sherman College, you must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form. You may fill it out on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Each student must also submit the following forms to the financial aid office: Statement of Educational Purpose, a Sherman College Financial Aid Application, Certification Form and a Student Status Form. To receive a financial aid package, please contact the Admissions Office.

What is Sherman College's Title IV Code?
The title IV code for Sherman College is 013853.

How much money am I eligible for in the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans?
Most students are eligible for the full amounts in these two loans which are: Subsidized Stafford up to $8,500.00 for 3 quarters and the Unsubsidized Stafford up to $24,500.00 for 3 quarters.

What is the difference between the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans?
The Subsidized is a need-based loan and the interest rate is capped at 8.25% with no interest accruing until six months after you graduate or withdraw from school. The Unsubsidized is not need based, and the interest rate is also capped at 8.25% with interest accruing while you are in school. You have a choice to either pay the interest while in school or defer the interest until your six-month grace period is up after you graduate or withdraw from Sherman College.

Where do I borrow money for my Stafford loan?
This is the student’s choice.  You may use any FFELP approved lender.  The Department of Education has a complete list of all FFELP approved lenders. Check with the financial aid office for information.

How do you apply for the Perkins Loan?
Each year you must submit a new FAFSA form. The Financial Aid Office determines the need for each student and from this needs analysis the office awards this money to the students with exceptional need. Sherman College only awards this money to graduate students (fourth quarter or higher).

What other loans are available?
There are several different loans a student can apply for while in school at Sherman College. Just about all of these loans are based on your credit history. These loans normally have an interest rate of the Prime plus a percentage, such as 2-3% added to the prime. The interest accrues while you are in school. These loans can run with a very high interest rate and should only be taken as a last resort.

When do I re-apply?
A loan will run for three quarters or one academic year. You should begin your loan process in the middle of your third quarter. This really depends on who your lender is and what their process is. Each January you will be required to complete another FAFSA. Your FAFSA is effective for one fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. A loan cannot be processed without a current FAFSA on file.

How do I get my undergraduate loans deferred?
When you matriculate at Sherman College you will need to go to the Registrar’s Office and request that an in-school deferment form or verification of enrollment be completed on your behalf and faxed or mailed to your lender.  Please make sure you have your lender information from undergraduate when you come to the Registrar’s Office.  Financial Aid has in school deferment forms available upon request.  The Registrar will certify the deferment for an academic period of one quarter.  This form may need to be submitted quarterly to your lender.  A copy of the form will be kept in your academic file. 

How does work-study reduce my loan amount? Do I qualify?
College work-study reduces the amount of unsubsidized money that you can borrow. It helps because you get paid at the end of each month and you do not accrue interest. Contact the Financial Aid Office to see if you qualify for college work-study.

What kinds of scholarships do you offer?
There are many different scholarships offered by Sherman College. To see a list of all scholarships offered, click here.

Sherman College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, employment policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other school-administered programs