Chamberlain University-California
Chamberlain University-California is a private for-profit institution in Rancho Cordova, CA ranked #88 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 751 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 80.0%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, and 100.0% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $36,559, about $19,561 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -42.2%, roughly 127.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $84,533. That's about $40,845 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Chamberlain University-California has an acceptance rate of 80.0%, annual tuition of $21,271, average net price of $36,559, and a national rank of #88 (Grade A), with about 751 undergraduates, and median earnings of $84,533 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Chamberlain University-California Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Chamberlain University-California does not report a six-year graduation rate and keeps 100.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Chamberlain University-California'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 | $21,271 |
| Books and Supplies | $400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $37,232 |
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 33.4% of Chamberlain University-California students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $84,533
- 10-Year Median Earnings $84,533
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,458
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.5%
- Employment Rate 87.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Chamberlain University-California 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.
Chamberlain University-California vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Chamberlain University-California's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Chamberlain University-California's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Chamberlain University-California graduates earn $84,533 median, the -42.2% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 751
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 100.0%
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Chamberlain University-California
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Chamberlain University-California 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 80.0%, Chamberlain University-California 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 80.0% acceptance rate, Chamberlain University-California is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Chamberlain University-California undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draws the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 100.0%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $92,768
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Chamberlain University-California. 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
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 91 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 (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 751
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 19.8%
- Female Students 80.2%
- Caucasian 30.6%
- Asian 32.6%
- Hispanic 26.1%
- Black 5.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Chamberlain University-California's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Chamberlain University-California's undergraduate population. Women make up 80.2% of the student body, while men represent 19.8%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Chamberlain University-California support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
EDsmart Insight: Chamberlain University-California has a diverse student body, with 30.6% identifying as White. Women make up 80.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Chamberlain University-California support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Our Take
Ranking #88 nationally, Chamberlain University-California combines competitive admissions with -42.2% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $84,533 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 0.0% six-year rates, with 100.0% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $36,559 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 789 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Chamberlain University-California's Market Position
A grade | #88 of 6101 | 95.5/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Chamberlain University-California occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -42.2% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $36,559 annually produces $84,533 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Chamberlain University-California should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Chamberlain University-California's #88 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 789 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 100.0% first-year retention is 23.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -42.2% return on investment is 127.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $84,533 run about 93% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $36,559 is roughly $19,162 higher than the national median of $17,397.
- 87.0% employment rate within three years is 18.8 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 100.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.0% employment rate within three years sits 18.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $36,559 is about $19,162 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.4% trails the national share by 5.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Rancho Cordova, CA, Chamberlain University-California operates as a private for-profit institution and receives a A from EDsmart. It appears at #88 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B+, Support A, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability C-.
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.
Roughly 100.0% of students continue after their first year. The reported ROI is -42.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $36,559 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,232.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $673 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,458 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.4% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $84,533 at the median. This is roughly 93% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 87.0% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -42.2% 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
80.0% 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 Chamberlain University-California 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 Chamberlain University-California's acceptance rate?
Chamberlain University-California's acceptance rate is 80.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Chamberlain University-California cost?
At Chamberlain University-California, listed tuition and fees are $21,271 per year, and the average net price after aid is $36,559. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Chamberlain University-California's ranking?
Chamberlain University-California ranks #88 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Chamberlain University-California's graduation rate?
At Chamberlain University-California, the first-year retention is 100.0%.
What are Chamberlain University-California's job outcomes?
Graduates of Chamberlain University-California report median earnings of $84,533 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Chamberlain University-California's student population?
Chamberlain University-California enrolls about 751 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
- Website www.chamberlain.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)