About

About Chapman University

arts and business focusdoctoral research universityaccessible admissionssmall class sizes

Chapman University is a private research university in Orange, CA, known for its arts and business focus, doctoral research university, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 73%, CU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,076 students each year. CU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1280–1410, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. CU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $34,207 per year; the sticker price of $80,096 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Chapman University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

73%
Overall Accept Rate
1345
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1280 – 1410 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Chapman University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Chapman rates essays as their highest priority factor, so treat your personal statement and any supplemental writing as the centerpiece of your application. Be specific about why Chapman's programs, campus culture in Orange, or particular faculty work appeals to you rather than writing something that could apply to any California school.
Application Strategy
Chapman is known for its Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Fowler School of Engineering, and Wilkinson College, so name the specific school or program you are applying to and explain how its resources fit your goals. Admissions readers respond well to applicants who have clearly researched what makes Chapman distinctive from other Orange County universities.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Chapman University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$80k/yr$33.6k
30k-48k~$80k/yr$34.0k
48k-75k~$80k/yr$33.7k
75k-110k~$80k/yr$40.0k
110k+~$80k/yr$55.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

80%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$58k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
7,389
Undergrad Enrollment
Chapman University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch