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    Chapman University

    chapman.edu Black Arrow Icon
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    Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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    Overview

    Chapman University, located in Orange, California, offers a blend of liberal arts and professional education. Known for its strong programs in film and television, the university's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Chapman also emphasizes personalized education with small class sizes and a focus on student mentorship.

    There are currently 7,665 undergraduates at Chapman and the school’s acceptance rate is 73%. The tuition at Chapman is $60,672.

    Chapman is a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) school. That means that the administration is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) faith. Classes may be designed with religious principles in mind, or some schools may even incorporate prayer into their schedule. Other schools with a religious affiliation may not be as active in their incorporation of the faith. It's a good idea to ask an admissions officer or current student what role faith has at Chapman to help you make an educated decision.

    Chapman University
    University University
    Universities are larger institutions that typically contain multiple different schools for different subjects. Students at these schools will be connected to a large group of peers and have many resources at their fingertips.
    11 City
    Urban institutions typically offer more options when it comes to internships, jobs, community service, research positions, social lives, and more. However, some may find the city distracting, and the cost of living is typically higher.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $82,546

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $38,204

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $44,342

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition
    $60,672
    Books & Supplies
    $1,600
    Room & Board
    $16,954
    Other
    $3,320

    Estimated Cost:

    $82,546

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    The sticker price at Chapman is $82,546. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Chapman would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Chapman University Financial Aid

    Students who are applying for financial aid at Chapman University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.


    The FAFSA code for Chapman University is 001164.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Using State Grants at Chapman

    If you reside in California and are considering Chapman, be sure to investigate the Cal Grant. You can apply by submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, but you must meet the program's deadline in order to qualify. If you meet financial and other requirements, you may receive over $14,000 per year towards education expenses. The amount received depends on the type of institution you attend and your financial need.

    Pell Grants at Chapman University

    20% of students at Chapman University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Chapman University.


    You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Chapman students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:


    Chapman University Financial Aid Resources

    If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Chapman or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!


    Here’s how you can get in touch:


    Admissions

    73%

    Admission Rate

    29

    Average ACT

    1288 is the median SAT score and 29 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Chapman. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

    Is Chapman test-optional?

    Chapman University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

    What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Chapman University?

    Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Chapman University receive between a 26 and a 31 on their ACT, or a 1180 and a 1380 on their SAT.

    Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Chapman?

    Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Chapman University. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.

    November
    1

    Early Action

    November
    1

    Early Decision

    January
    15

    Regular Decision

    What is the application deadline at Chapman?

    Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at Chapman during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.


    At Chapman students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.


    And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Chapman, remember that the deadline is November 1.

    Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Chapman?

    Applying to Chapman with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.


    Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision

    Should I apply Early Action at Chapman?

    Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.

    Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 12:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 84%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Business, Management, & Marketing

    32%

    32% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    21%

    21% of graduates

    Communications & Journalism

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Psychology

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Social Sciences

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Education

    3%

    3% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Mathematics

    2%

    2% of graduates

    History

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Communications Technologies

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Philosophy & Religious Studies

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Engineering

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 7,665

    Pell Grant 19%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 4%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 3%

    Percent Male / Female 40% / 60%

    Ethnic Diversity at Chapman

    49% White

    18% Hispanic

    16% Asian / Pacific Islander

    9% Multiracial

    3% International / Non-Citizen

    2% Unknown

    2% Black

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $70,070

    Median Debt $20,500

    Debt 10 years after graduation $217

    Graduation Rate 84%

    What is the graduation rate at Chapman University?

    84% of students who start at Chapman University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 26% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Chapman University go on to earn?

    10 years after starting school at Chapman University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $70,070. This is $19,679 more than the national median.


    Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at Chapman take out in loans?

    Graduates of Chapman have to take out a median of $20,500 in federal student loans. This is $7,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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