Cleveland Chiropractic College has a long and rich history in both Kansas City and Los Angeles. The Central Chiropractic College in Kansas City was founded in 1922 by Drs. C.S. Cleveland Sr., Ruth R. Cleveland and Perl B. Griffin, and graduated its first doctor of chiropractic in 1924. The original campus was a converted residence that doubled the college facility and home of Dr. Carl Sr., Dr. Ruth and young son Carl S. Cleveland Jr. Dr. C.S. Cleveland Sr., the first president, was a pioneer in the field of chiropractic and chiropractic education.

In 1911, Dr. Tullius Ratledge established the Los Angeles branch of the Ratledge System of Chiropractic Schools, and became the champion of chiropractic on the West Coast. In 1951 Dr. Ratledge transferred management of his Los Angeles college to colleague and fellow chiropractic activist, Dr. Carl S. Cleveland Sr. Ratledge College was rechartered in 1955 as Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles.

Today, the multicampus system in led by Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, the grandson of the founders. As the chiropractic profession moves into the 21st century, Cleveland Chiropractic College continues to grow and develop in keeping with the vision of its pioneers.