Chapman University
Chapman University has an acceptance rate of 65.4%, annual tuition of $64,984, average net price of $46,555, and a national rank of #468 (Grade B+), with a 82.0% graduation rate, about 7,478 undergraduates, and median earnings of $73,336 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Chapman University is a private nonprofit university in Orange, CA. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and 91.8% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 37.0%, roughly 12.9 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Chapman University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Chapman University graduates 82.0% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 91.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns an F compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Chapman University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $64,984 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,814 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,332 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $83,146 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 19.4% of Chapman University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $33,559 to $55,066 depending on family income. Use Chapman University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $40,011/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $55,066/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $73,336
- 10-Year Median Earnings $70,070
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $20,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.6%
- Employment Rate 88.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Chapman University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Chapman University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Chapman University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Chapman University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Chapman University graduates earn $73,336 median, the 37.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 630-720
- SAT Math 630-720
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 28-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,478
- Full-Time Students 96.8%
- Part-Time Students 3.2%
- Retention Rate 91.8%
- Graduation Rate 82.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Chapman University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Chapman University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 65.4%, Chapman University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 65.4% acceptance rate, Chapman University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1260 and 1440 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Chapman University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Film/Video and Photographic Arts, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 24.0%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 8.0%
- Psychology, General 6.8%
- Business/Corporate Communications 6.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.0%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 4.3%
See more majors
- Public Health 4.3%
- Political Science and Government 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $107,442
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $98,104
- 3. Business/Managerial Economics $89,309
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business/Corporate Communications $78,721
- 5. Design and Applied Arts $77,615
- 6. Political Science and Government $76,190
- 7. Public Health $76,156
- 8. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $75,336
- 9. Biology, General $70,913
- 10. Sociology $70,118
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $124,016
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $120,720
- 3. Law (Doctoral Degree) $117,900
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $115,598
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $100,597
- 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (First Professional Degree) $95,113
- 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $90,639
- 8. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree) $80,944
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $79,836
- 10. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $78,465
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $107,442—53% more than Sociology ($70,118). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $124,016 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Chapman University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 474 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 158 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 155 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 134 graduates)
- Business/Corporate Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 133 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (48 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Psychology, General
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Communication and Media Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Public Health
- Political Science and Government
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Accounting and Related Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Education, General
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Journalism
- Music
- Dance
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Computer Science
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Design and Applied Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Graphic Communications
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Economics
- Cognitive Science
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Area Studies
Online Master's Degrees (27 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Food Science and Technology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computational Science
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- English Language and Literature, General
- International/Global Studies
- Economics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Real Estate
- Music
- Public Health
Online Doctoral Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Computational Science
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education and Teaching
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Statistics
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,478
- Full-Time Students 96.8%
- Part-Time Students 3.2%
- Male Students 38.5%
- Female Students 61.5%
- Caucasian 46.9%
- Asian 16.3%
- Hispanic 19.9%
- Black 2.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 19.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Chapman University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Chapman University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Chapman University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Chapman University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Chapman University has a diverse student body, with 46.9% identifying as White. Women make up 61.5% of undergraduates. About 19.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Chapman University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Chapman University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Chapman University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 37.0% ROI. Ranked #468 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $46,555 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $73,336 median earnings. With 82.0% earning an award within eight years of entry and 91.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Chapman University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #468 ranking, Chapman University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $46,555 annually, Chapman University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 91.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $32,588 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 37.0% ROI and $73,336 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $36,555+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Chapman University ranks #468 of 1962 institutions, with 1612 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 82.0% graduation rate sits 19.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.8% first-year retention is 15.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 37.0% return on investment is 12.9 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $73,336 run about 21% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $46,555 is roughly $26,476 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.9% employment rate within three years sits 20.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $46,555 is about $26,476 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 19.4% trails the national share by 15.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Chapman University is a private nonprofit university based in Orange, CA and earns a B+ overall grade. It holds a #468 national ranking Completion earns A-, Support A, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability F.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
91.8% of learners come back after year one while 82.0% earn an award within eight years of entry. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 37.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $46,555 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $83,146.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $36,591 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 19.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $73,336 four years after graduation. This is roughly 21% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 88.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 37.0% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
65.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Chapman University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chapman University's acceptance rate?
Chapman University's acceptance rate is 65.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Chapman University cost?
At Chapman University, listed tuition and fees are $64,984 per year, and the average net price after aid is $46,555. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Chapman University's ranking?
Chapman University ranks #468 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Chapman University's graduation rate?
At Chapman University, the graduation rate is 82.0%, and first-year retention is 91.8%.
What are Chapman University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Chapman University report median earnings of $73,336 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Chapman University's student population?
Chapman University enrolls about 7,478 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Orange, CA 92866
- Website www.chapman.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$668.4M