About Chapman University
The financial picture tells a story of significant investment with solid returns. Students pay an average net price of $47,527 after aid, which represents substantial savings from the $81,762 sticker price. Graduates typically earn $70,070 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $20,500 quite manageable with monthly payments around $217. The 94.2% employment rate suggests Chapman's industry connections translate into real career opportunities.
The student body skews 61% female, reflecting the university's strength in arts and communications programs. With 23 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division III and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, Chapman balances its creative focus with traditional college experiences. The 81.91% four-year graduation rate indicates students stay engaged and finish on time.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.4%
- Retention Rate
- 90.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,070
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $91,744 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $83,177 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,459 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $77,715 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Master | $72,899 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,854 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $68,422 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $65,651 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Doctoral | $61,516 |
Campus Life
The campus buzzes with creative energy, especially around the Dodge College of Film where students constantly work on projects. With 589 athletes competing across 23 varsity sports, Panthers games draw decent crowds despite Division III status. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, which matters when you're pitching film ideas or auditioning for theater productions. Weekends often revolve around student film screenings, trips to nearby beaches, or exploring Orange's charming Old Town. Many students venture to LA for internships or entertainment industry networking events. The Four-One-Four calendar includes a January intersession that lets students dive deep into intensive projects or study abroad programs.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,714 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1861
Campus Safety (2023)
60 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 48°–69°F
- July Avg
- 64°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.1%
- Women
- 60.9%
- White
- 48.2%
- Black
- 2.3%
- Hispanic
- 18.6%
- Asian
- 16.5%
- In-State Students
- 62.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.7%
Location
- Address
- Orange, California 92866
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,070
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,171
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Chapman University?
Chapman University accepts 72.52% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1300. The film school draws many hopefuls to this Orange County campus, but the relatively high acceptance rate reflects the university's growing reputation rather than exclusivity.
How much does Chapman University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $47,527 after aid, with total costs reaching $81,762 annually. Only 19.74% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Chapman primarily serves middle and upper-income families despite offering institutional grants averaging $33,510.
What is Chapman University known for academically?
Chapman built its reputation on Hollywood connections through its strong film school and performing arts programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio supports intensive creative instruction, while the Four-One-Four calendar system allows for immersive January term projects.
How much do Chapman University graduates earn?
Chapman graduates earn a median salary of $70,070 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $217. The 94.2% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, particularly in entertainment where alumni like Aaron Sorkin and Kevin Costner have found success.
Where is Chapman University located and what is campus life like?
Chapman sits in Orange, California, housing 3,714 students on campus out of 7,629 total enrollment. The 89.99% retention rate and 81.91% four-year graduation rate indicate students thrive in this midsize city setting near Los Angeles entertainment industry opportunities.
Does Chapman University have strong athletic programs?
Chapman competes in NCAA Division III with 23 varsity sports and 589 total athletes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Panthers offer no athletic scholarships, emphasizing academic achievement over athletic recruitment in keeping with Division III philosophy.
