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Chapman University

Orange, CA·Private nonprofit·7,629 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students considering a private nonprofit institution in California. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $56,600 within 10 years; strong 80% graduation rate.

56%
Accept
7,629
Students
N/A
Net Price
80%
Grad Rate
$56,600
Earnings
10 yr
$20,500
Debt

About This School

Chapman University is a private nonprofit institution located in Orange, California with approximately 7,629 undergraduate students enrolled. Chapman University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 56%. In-state tuition is $62,784 per year. The graduation rate is 80%, and the typical graduate earns $56,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Chapman University is a private research university in Orange, California, United States. Encompassing eleven colleges, the university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". The school maintains its founding affiliations with the Christian Church and the United Church of Christ, but is a secular university.

This is a strong option for students drawn to Southern California who want a mid-sized private university experience — the 90% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll tend to stick around and feel good about their choice. The financial picture is reasonable: median debt of $20,500 is on the lower end for a private school, though median earnings of $56,600 a decade out are solid but not exceptional, so it's worth thinking carefully about your major's career trajectory. Worth considering if you're interested in film, the arts, or business in the Orange County/LA market, where Chapman's location and reputation carry real weight.

Founded
1861

Notable Alumni

Kellan LutzBob EinsteinColin HanksJodie SweetinJelena JensenSabrina BryanLeslie JonesRoger Craig SmithLoretta SanchezJake CherryHannah EinbinderHarshvardhan Kapoor

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1353
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile720

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$62,784
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,784
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants20%
Median debt at graduation$20,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
80%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
90%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$46,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White48%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian16%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (7,629 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Chapman University

Orange, CA

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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