Chapman University
About Chapman University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Chapman University is a private university in Orange, California. It is known for its film school, which is considered one of the best in the country, along with strong programs in business, pharmacy, and the performing arts.
Founded
1861
Location
Orange, California
Students
9,525
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
65.4%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
81.9%
Above national average
Tuition
$64,984
Per year
Avg Net Price
$46,555
After financial aid
SAT Average
1357
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$70,070
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
65.4 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Chapman University accepts 65.4% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1357/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
81.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
91.8%
4-Year Grad
72%
6-Year Grad
80%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$21.6K
Class Size
Medium
72% of students graduate on time, and 100% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$64,984
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,814
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,146
After Financial Aid
$46,555
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$33,559
Receive Grants
19.4%
Take Loans
60.3%
The total cost of attendance runs about $83,146/yr, including $17,814 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $46,555.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Chapman University fund their education.
While in School
19.4%
Get Grants
Free money
60.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$79,694
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $20,500 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Chapman University.
Gender
61.5%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,478
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,047
Graduates
17.9%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
2.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 17.9% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
7,478
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Chapman University fields 14 varsity teams with 714 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
SCIAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
714
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
412
Men
302
Women
11
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Chapman Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$70,070
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$56K
444 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$36K
180 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
171 grads
1yr Earnings
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$25K
105 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Health
$25K
103 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$45K
98 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $58K at six years, $53K at eight, and $70K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chapman University
What is the acceptance rate at Chapman University?▾
How much does Chapman University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Chapman University?▾
How much do Chapman University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.