Chapman University Overview: Rankings, Programs, Costs & Campus Life (2025)

Chapman University, a private research institution in Orange, California, blends interdisciplinary academics with high research activity across its eleven colleges and schools, including standout programs in business, film, psychology, and the sciences.

Originally founded as Hesperian College in 1861, it became Chapman University in 1991 and now enrolls nearly 10,000 students from 76 countries. Known for its top-ranked Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and the Argyros School of Business, Chapman also offers accelerated “4+1” programs and maintains a strong alumni network, including the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things fame.

With modern facilities, robust student life, a 90% undergraduate retention rate, and financial aid awarded to over half its students, Chapman ranks #133 nationally and maintains global recognition in subject-specific fields. Tuition and living costs range from $77,000 to $94,000 annually, with an average aid package of $48,113.

Chapman University: A Comprehensive Overview

Chapman University, located in Orange, California, is a private research institution known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, integrating knowledge from the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. Established in 1861 as Hesperian College, it has grown significantly, moving to its current Orange campus in 1954 and officially becoming Chapman University in 1991.

Rankings and Reputation

Chapman University consistently appears in various national and international rankings, reflecting its academic standing.

Overall Rankings:

• U.S. News & World Report 2024: Ranked #133 in National Universities. It was ranked #121 in 2023.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024: Ranked #801-1000 globally.
• QS US UNI (universities) 2021: Ranked #171–180.
• QS Sustainability Ranking 2025: Ranked #1501+.
• Shiksha Popularity Ranking: #747 in World, #222 in USA.
• Best Value Schools (U.S. News): #151.

Subject-Specific Rankings (THE 2024):

• Clinical Medicine: #601-800
• Physical Sciences: #801-1000
• Social Sciences: #501-600
• Business and Economics: #601-800
• Education: #301-400
• Psychology: #401-500

The Argyros College of Business and Economics, a prominent school within Chapman, was ranked #60 by U.S. News & World Report in 2023 for its undergraduate business program and #66 for its Graduate Business School in 2024. The university’s UG Business program was also ranked #159 by US News in 2024.

Academic Structure and Popular Programs

Chapman University is classified as “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity” and comprises eleven schools and colleges. Some of the notable colleges and schools include:

1. Argyros College of Business and Economics
2. Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies
3. Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
4. Dale E. Fowler School of Law
5. Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering
6. College of Performing Arts
7. Schmid College of Science and Technology
8. School of Pharmacy
9. School of Communication
10. Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Popular majors and programs at Chapman University include:

1. Business Administration and Management (General)
2. Film/Video Production
3. Psychology
4. Health Services Administration
5. Speech Communication and Rhetoric
6. Business/Corporate Communications
7. Playwriting and Screenwriting
8. Political Science and Government
9. Computer Science

The B.F.A. in Film Production is particularly successful, having trained notable figures such as the Duffer Brothers, creators of “Stranger Things.” Chapman also offers 20 “4+1” and “Bridge” programs, allowing students to earn accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.

Student Body and Demographics

As of the latest available data, Chapman University has a total enrollment of approximately 9,760 students, with 7,713 (79%) undergraduates and 2,047 (21%) graduate students. The student body is diverse, representing 50 U.S. states and 76 nations worldwide.

Key Student Statistics:

• Gender Ratio (overall): 61% Female : 39% Male
• International Student Percentage: Approximately 5-7%
• Students per Staff: 12
• Undergraduate Retention Rate: 90%
• Students Graduating within 5 years: 78.7%
• Students Graduating within 6 years: 80.1%

The average age of students is 20 for undergraduates. The university aims to enroll 1,860 first-year and 300 transfer students for Fall 2025.

Campus Facilities and Resources

Chapman’s campus in Orange, California, features state-of-the-art facilities supporting both academic and extracurricular activities.

• Leatherby Libraries: Provides access to a vast collection of books, academic journals, digital resources, study rooms, and collaborative workstations.
• Musco Center for the Arts: A state-of-the-art venue for performing arts, featuring a 1,044-seat intimate seating chamber and a full-scale stagehouse.
• Sandi Simon Center for Dance: A newly built facility supporting the dance community.
• Oliphant Hall and Bertea Hall: Modern facilities for the Conservatory of Music, housing teaching studios, practice rooms, and performance halls like the John and Donna Crean Orchestral Recital Hall and Salmon Recital Hall.
• Waltmar Theatre: Main performance space for the college’s theatre and dance productions.
• Entertainment Technology Center: Home to the College of Performing Arts’ production group, where students gain hands-on experience in entertainment technology.
• Research Labs: Including the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus (health science) and the Keck Center for Science and Engineering (STEM research).
• Athletic Facilities: The Erin J. Lastinger Athletics Complex and the Julianne Argyros Fitness Center, along with various courts for sports.
• Themed Housing: Offers communities like the Global Citizens Living-Learning Community and Honors Living-Learning Community.
• Social Spots: The Student Union and Rotunda Cafe are popular on-campus gathering places. The local Downtown Orange Historic District is a frequented off-campus area.
• Unique Centers: The Centre for American War Letters (housing unpublished letters from soldiers) and a strong focus on Holocaust education with the Rodgers Centre for Holocaust Education and the Samueli Holocaust Memorial Library.

Tuition and Financial Aid (2024-2025 & 2025-2026)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) at Chapman University includes tuition, general fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and transportation. The exact cost varies based on living arrangements.

Undergraduate Cost of Attendance (2024-2025):

• Tuition: $64,580
• Fees: $404
• Books and Supplies: $1,600
• Housing:
  • With Parents or Relatives: $4,614
  • Off Campus: $11,508
  • On Campus: $14,578
  • On Campus: First-Time Freshman: $11,938
• Food:
  • With Parents or Relatives: $2,606
  • Off Campus: $4,106
  • On Campus: $5,876
  • On Campus: First-Time Freshman: $5,876
• Personal: $2,000
• Transportation: $1,250 – $2,000
• Estimated Loan Fees: $82

Total Estimated COA for 2024-2025: Ranging from approximately $77,886 (with parents) to $90,370 (on campus).

Undergraduate Cost of Attendance (2025-2026):

• Tuition: $67,490
• Wellness Center Fee: $244
• Associated Student Body Fee: $140 – $160
• Books and Supplies: $1,600
• Housing:
  • With Parents or Relatives: $4,776
  • Off Campus: $11,910
  • On Campus: $15,088
  • On Campus: First-Time Freshman: $12,356
• Food:
  • With Parents or Relatives: $2,698
  • Off Campus: $4,250
  • On Campus: $6,082
  • On Campus: First-Time Freshman: $6,082
• Personal: $2,000
• Transportation: $1,250 – $2,000
• Estimated Loan Fees: $82

Total Estimated COA for 2025-2026: Ranging from approximately $81,050 (with parents) to $93,996 (on campus).

Financial Aid: 52% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $48,113. This includes scholarships and grants (which do not need to be paid back), averaging $22,561. Chapman University offers various types of financial aid, including federal and state grants, institutional awards, and scholarships. The university also provides comprehensive placement assistance and career counseling services for students and alumni.

Notable Alumni

Chapman University boasts a distinguished list of alumni across various fields:

Entertainment: Matt and Ross Duffer (Co-creators of “Stranger Things”), Justin Simien (Filmmaker, “Dear White People”), Leslie Jones (Comedian, former SNL cast member), Kellan Lutz (Actor, “Twilight” series), Carlos López Estrada (Filmmaker, “Raya and the Last Dragon”), Samantha Brown (Travel Channel host).

Politics and Public Service: George Argyros (Former U.S. Ambassador to Spain), David E. Bonior (Former U.S. House of Representatives), Loretta Sanchez (Former U.S. House of Representatives), Joanna Rosholm (Press Secretary to Michelle Obama).

Military: Nina Armagno (First Director of Staff, U.S. Space Force), Laura Yeager (First woman to command a U.S. Army infantry division).

Sports: Randy Jones (Former MLB player, Cy Young Award winner), Tim Flannery (Former MLB player and coach).

Chapman University continues to be a vibrant and growing institution, committed to providing a comprehensive education and fostering student success.

FAQs about Chapman University

What is Chapman University known for?
Chapman University is known for its strong programs in film and media arts, business, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies. Its Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is nationally recognized.

Where is Chapman University located?
It is located in Orange, California, in the heart of Southern California near Los Angeles.

Is Chapman University a private or public institution?
Chapman University is a private, nonprofit research university.

What is the student population at Chapman University?
As of the latest data, the university has approximately 9,760 students, with around 7,713 undergraduates and 2,047 graduate students.

What is Chapman University’s national ranking?
In the U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings, Chapman is ranked #133 among National Universities.

What are Chapman’s most popular majors?
Popular majors include Business Administration, Film/Video Production, Psychology, Political Science, Communication, and Computer Science.

Does Chapman University offer graduate programs?
Yes, Chapman offers a wide range of graduate programs, including business, law, pharmacy, education, and more.

What is the average class size and student-faculty ratio?
Chapman has an average student-faculty ratio of 12:1, offering small class sizes and personalized attention.

What is the cost of attendance at Chapman University?
For 2025–2026, the total cost of attendance ranges from approximately $81,050 to $93,996 depending on housing and other factors.

Is financial aid available at Chapman University?
Yes, about 52% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package totaling around $48,113.

What is Chapman University’s retention rate?
The undergraduate retention rate is 90%, indicating strong student satisfaction and engagement.

What is the graduation rate at Chapman University?
About 80.1% of students graduate within six years.

Does Chapman have accelerated or dual degree programs?
Yes, Chapman offers over 20 “4+1” or “bridge” programs that allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

What schools and colleges are part of Chapman University?
Chapman includes 11 academic units, including Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Argyros College of Business, Fowler School of Law, and the Fowler School of Engineering.

What are the campus facilities like at Chapman?
Facilities include the Musco Center for the Arts, Leatherby Libraries, Sandi Simon Center for Dance, Rinker Health Science Campus, and the Keck Center for Science and Engineering.

Does Chapman University offer on-campus housing?
Yes, Chapman provides a range of on-campus housing options, including themed Living-Learning Communities for first-year and returning students.

Are there dining options on campus?
Yes, Chapman offers multiple on-campus dining facilities and cafes, including the Student Union and Rotunda Café.

Is Chapman University diverse?
Yes, students come from all 50 U.S. states and 76 countries. Around 5–7% of students are international.

What is the gender ratio at Chapman?
Approximately 61% of students are female and 39% are male.

What athletic facilities does Chapman offer?
Chapman has the Erin J. Lastinger Athletics Complex, Julianne Argyros Fitness Center, and courts for various sports, supporting both varsity and recreational athletics.

Does Chapman University have notable alumni?
Yes, notable alumni include the Duffer Brothers (creators of Stranger Things), Leslie Jones, Kellan Lutz, and George Argyros.

What is the application process like?
Students apply through the Common Application. Requirements include transcripts, test scores (optional), letters of recommendation, and essays.

Is standardized testing required for admission?
Chapman is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for undergraduate admissions.

What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Chapman typically admits students with strong academic records; while GPA averages vary by program, competitive applicants often have GPAs above 3.5.

Does Chapman offer study abroad programs?
Yes, Chapman offers over 90 semester, academic-year, and summer abroad programs in more than 40 countries.

What kind of career support does Chapman provide?
The university offers career counseling, resume workshops, internship placement assistance, and alumni networking through its Career and Professional Development Center.

Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes, Chapman supports undergraduate research through its Center for Undergraduate Excellence, including grants and conference opportunities.

What are Chapman’s strengths in sustainability or social impact?
Chapman participates in sustainability efforts and is listed in the QS Sustainability Rankings, though it ranks lower at 1501+ globally.

What global rankings does Chapman hold?
Chapman is ranked #801–1000 globally by Times Higher Education and #171–180 in the U.S. by QS.

Does Chapman have programs in health or pharmacy?
Yes, Chapman offers programs in health sciences and has a School of Pharmacy at the Rinker Health Science Campus.

Can students work on campus?
Yes, students can apply for on-campus jobs through Chapman’s work-study and student employment programs.

What are the average living expenses at Chapman?
Housing and food expenses range from approximately $7,400 (with parents) to $21,170 (on campus), depending on living arrangements.

What cultural or academic centers are on campus?
Notable centers include the Center for American War Letters, Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, and the Samueli Holocaust Memorial Library.

Is there transportation available around campus?
Yes, Chapman students often use shuttles, bikes, and public transit; parking is also available for students.

What’s the surrounding area like?
The campus is located in the walkable and vibrant Downtown Orange Historic District, offering restaurants, shops, and entertainment.