Overview
Chapman University is a less selective private four-year institution in Orange, California. The school accepts 72.5% of applicants and enrolls 7,629 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 72.5%
- Average SAT
- 1,300
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,200–1,400
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 29
- Total Enrollment
- 7,629
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Chapman University uses the Common Application with a January 15 deadline for regular decision and November 1 for early action. You'll need to submit your high school transcript, one letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. The school is test-optional, so SAT or ACT scores are not required but can strengthen your application.
Film production programs at Chapman's Dodge College are highly competitive and require supplemental materials including a creative portfolio, additional essays, and sometimes an interview. The nursing program also has limited spots and stricter requirements than general admission. Business and computer science programs fill up quickly but don't have separate admission processes.
Housing applications open in March for admitted students, and freshman residence halls fill fast. You'll want to submit your housing deposit soon after acceptance to secure your preferred dorm. The campus requires all first-year students to live on campus unless they live within 30 miles of the university.
Chapman operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar with a month-long January intersession term. During this period, you can take intensive courses, study abroad, or complete internships. Many students use this time for creative projects or field experiences related to their major.
The Orange, California location puts you 30 minutes from both Los Angeles and the beach. The surrounding area is suburban with limited walkable options, so having a car helps for off-campus activities. The school provides shuttles to nearby shopping centers and the Metrolink station for trips into LA.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $47,527/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $62,784
- Students Receiving Aid
- 20%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $70,070/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 90.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chapman University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Chapman University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for Chapman University?
Chapman's regular decision deadline is January 15. The university also offers Early Action with a November 1 deadline.
Can you apply for early admission to Chapman University?
Yes, Chapman offers Early Action with a November 1 deadline. This is non-binding, so you can still consider other schools if admitted.
How many transfer credits does Chapman University accept?
Chapman accepts up to 64 semester units of transfer credit from community colleges and up to 96 units from four-year institutions.