HomeUniversitiesChapman University
Chapman University
Private UniversityUnited StatesWorld #110

Chapman University

United States

Apply Now University Website

39,420/yr

Avg. tuition

86,267/yr

Living (Bachelors)

95,855/yr

Living (Masters)

15+programs

Courses

About

Chapman University is a private university in Orange, California. It was founded in 1861 as Hesperian College and became Chapman University in 1961. The university has a student body of 10,000+ students and offers 190+ undergraduate and degree programs.

What is the Acceptance rate at Chapman University?

Chapman University has an acceptance rate of 73%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, making it easier for students to connect personally with their professors and classmates. The average annual tuition fee for international students seeking an undergraduate degree at Chapman University is $86,267, and $43,070 for international graduate degree seekers.

The university is home to the Schmid College of Science, the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the College of Liberal Arts, the Fowler School of Law, the Argyros School of Business and Economics, and the Rinker School of Nursing. Chapman University has been ranked #66 (tied) for best undergraduate in teaching – U.S. News & World Report.

Top Reasons to Study in the Chapman University

  • LOCATION: Chapman University is located in a beautiful and diverse region, close to the beaches, mountains, and major cities in Southern California. This allows students to explore a variety of cultures and environments.
  • CREATIVE PROGRAMS: Chapman University is known for its innovative programs, such as film, animation, and music. The university has state-of-the-art facilities and resources, offering students the opportunity to work with world-renowned artists and professionals.
  • PERSONALISED ATTENTION: Chapman has a small student-to-faculty ratio, meaning that students and their professors evolve together as with current research and trends. This is especially important in the liberal arts, where students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop their unique ideas.
  • HANDS-ON LEARNING: Chapman University not only provides bookish knowledge but also encourages its students to dive into real-world experiences via research opportunities and internships, right from day one. Chapman also has many global programs, allowing students to experience life from varied perspectives.
  • SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID: Undeniably, tuition is one of the most important and restricting factors to pursue studies anywhere. However, at Chapman University, almost 85% of students seeking an education there receive scholarships and financial aid to support their education.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

73%

Application Fee

$15 - $60

How to Apply at Chapman University

UNDERGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to Chapman University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Complete the Common Application: Create an account and complete the application form. Be sure to answer all of the questions, including the Chapman University-specific questions.
  • Submit your application fee: The application fee for international applicants is $70.
  • Submit your official transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all of the schools you have attended, translated into English.
  • Submit your English proficiency test scores: You can take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.
  • Submit your letters of recommendation: Submit two letters of recommendation from teachers or other academic references.
  • Submit your statement: Be sure to write a thoughtful and well-written statement that highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
  • Submit your financial documentation: This documentation will show Chapman University how much money you and your family can contribute to your education.

POSTGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to Chapman University for postgraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Visit the Chapman University Graduate Admissions website and learn more about the programs offered, admission requirements, and the application process.
  • Create an account and start your application: You will need to provide your personal information, academic transcripts translated into English, English proficiency test scores, and letters of recommendation.
  • Submit your application fee: The application fee for international applicants is $60.
  • Complete the International Supplement Form: This form provides Chapman University with information about your country of citizenship, current visa status, passport and, for students who intend to hold an F-1 student visa, funding for your education.
  • Request an interview: If you are invited to interview, you will need to schedule an appointment with an admissions officer.
  • Submit your application: Once you have completed all of the required steps, you can submit your application.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Here are the steps on how to apply to Chapman University for a master's or PhD program as an international applicant:

  • Visit the Chapman University website and select the "Graduate Admission" tab.
  • Choose the program you are interested in and click on the "Apply Now" button.
  • Complete the online application and submit your application fee.
  • Submit your official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended.
  • Submit your official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores.
  • Write a personal statement that explains your interest in the program and why you are a good fit for Chapman University.
  • Write two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
  • Submit a financial statement that shows you have enough funds to support yourself during your studies.
  • Submit your resume or CV.

Documents Required to Apply to Chapman University

UNDERGRADUATE

Here are the documents you need to apply to Chapman University for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Common Application.
  • Chapman International Supplement Form.
  • Official Academic Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency test scores.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Personal Statement.
  • Financial Documentation.

POSTGRADUATE

Here are the documents you need to apply to Chapman University for postgraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Common Application.
  • Chapman International Supplement Form.
  • Official Academic Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency test scores.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Personal Statement.
  • Financial Documentation.
  • Resume or CV.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Here are the documents you need to apply to Chapman University for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:

  • Common Application.
  • Chapman International Supplement Form.
  • Official Academic Transcripts.
  • English Proficiency test scores.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Personal Statement.
  • Financial Documentation.
  • Resume or CV.

Exams Accepted By Chapman University

Chapman University accepts the following minimum scores from English Proficiency tests for international applicants:

Undergraduate:

  • TOEFL iBT: 80 with balanced subscores.
  • IELTS: 6.5 with balanced subscores.
  • DET: 120

Graduate:

  • PhD programs and Dodge College programs: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.0, PTE Academic 68, or C1 Advanced Level C1.
  • MBA and MS in Accounting: TOEFL iBT 87, IELTS 7.0, PTE Academic 59, or C1 Advanced Level C1.
  • All other graduate programs: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 53, or C1 Advanced Level C1.

Note: Chapman University does not accept Duolingo scores or TOEFL Essentials Test scores for graduate programs and it does not offer an ESL program for international students.

Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
California

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

Orange County, California offers several modes of transportation, including:

  • Public transportation: The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) operates a bus system, a light rail system, and a streetcar system. OCTA also offers paratransit services for people with disabilities.
  • Commuter rail: Metrolink operates two commuter rail lines that serve Orange County: the Orange County Line and the Inland Empire-Orange County Line.
  • Amtrak: Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner train runs through Orange County, providing service to Los Angeles, San Diego, and points in between.
  • Lyft and Uber: These ride-hailing services offer an affordable way to get around, especially if you are travelling with a group.
  • Biking and walking: Orange County has a network of bike lanes and trails that make it easy to get around by bicycle or on foot.

Services offered by the university

Chapman University offers many services to its students, including:

  • Academic services: Chapman University offers several academic services to help students succeed in their studies, including tutoring, a writing centre, career counselling, and library services.
  • Student services: Chapman University also offers student services to help students with their overall well-being, including health services, counselling services, financial aid, and housing.
  • Campus services: Chapman University also offers a variety of campus services to make life on campus smoother, including dining services, parking and transportation services, and facilities management.
  • The Career Development Center: The Career Development Center helps students with their career planning and job search and prepares them for the workforce.
  • The International Student & Scholar Services: The International Student & Scholar Services provides support to international students and scholars via cultural orientations, immigration paperwork, health insurance, and taxes.

Student life at Chapman University

  • Student Organizations: Chapman's 175 student organizations offer just about everything, from academic clubs to religious groups to sports teams. Some popular clubs include the Chapman Film Society, the Chapman Model UN, and the Chapman Debate Team.
  • Community Service: Being a Chapman means being willing to give back, which is achievable through philanthropy through fraternities and sororities, civic management, servicing in a student organization, volunteering to work with the homeless, tutoring children, and cleaning up the environment.
  • Campus Events: Chapman hosts many events throughout the year, from concerts, lectures, sporting events, plays, and more. All these campus activities keep students involved, active, and unwinding.
  • Explore: Orange is a vibrant city with tons to offer, from gourmet restaurants to bars, and shopping malls. Students can opt for going hiking, biking, or to the beautiful beaches for a dip. The city is also close to Los Angeles, so students can easily take weekend trips to the big city.

On campus accomodation at Chapman University

Chapman University offers several on-campus accommodation options for its students. All on-campus housing is co-ed, and the residence halls and apartments are smoke-free environments. Students living on campus also have access to a variety of amenities, including laundry facilities, study rooms, and fitness centres.

  • Residence Halls: Chapman University has four residence halls for first-year students: Henley Hall, Pralle-Sodaro Hall, Glass Hall, Morlan Hall, and Sandhu Housing Centre. These residence halls are all co-ed and offer a variety of room types, including single rooms, double rooms, and triple.
  • Apartments: Chapman University has several apartment complexes for upperclassmen: Chapman Grand, Davis and Harris Apartments, Panther Village Apartments, Glass Hall Apartments, and The K Residence Hall. These apartments offer more privacy and space than the residence halls, and they also come with kitchenettes.
  • Living-Learning Communities: Chapman University offers some Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) for students with shared interests. These LLCs are designed to provide students with a more supportive and enriching living experience.

Cost:

The cost of a single room in a residence hall ranges from $2,240 to $3,360 per semester. The cost of an apartment ranges from $2,800 to $4,080 per semester.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:12

University Faculty Stats

Chapman University has a diverse and accomplished faculty of 1,117 full-time and part-time professors, lecturers, and instructors. Some facts about Chapman University's faculty are:

  • The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
  • Over 90% of Chapman's faculty hold terminal degrees in their respective fields.
  • Chapman's faculty are active scholars and researchers, publishing in top academic journals and presenting their work at conferences around the world.
  • In 2022, Chapman faculty won four Fulbright awards, two Guggenheim fellowships, and one MacArthur fellowship.

Career Opportunities

University Endowments Value

600000000

Internship opportunities at Chapman University

Internships and part-time jobs at Chapman University can help students explore different career paths and to make connections with potential employers. Approximately 70% of Chapman students are interns.

Chapman University offers several internships and part-time job opportunities for students, in the following areas:

  • Business
  • Communication
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Entertainment
  • Law
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Social work

Students can find internships and part-time jobs through a variety of channels, including:

  • The Office of Career and Professional Development.
  • The Chapman University website.
  • Handshake, the university's exclusive career portal.
  • Third-party job boards.
  • Networking with professors and alumni.

To be eligible for an internship or part-time job, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student at Chapman University.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  • Complete an internship application.

Placement of Chapman University

Placement

Chapman University Career Center reports that 64% of graduates are placed in jobs within 6 months of graduation. This is a strong placement rate, and it reflects the high quality of education and preparation that Chapman students receive.

Hiring Companies

According to the Chapman University Career Center, the following are the top 10 hiring companies for Chapman University graduates:

  • Disney
  • Amazon
  • Warner Bros.
  • NBCUniversal
  • AEG
  • 20th Century Fox
  • ViacomCBS
  • Discovery, Inc.
  • Hulu
  • Netflix

These companies are all in the media and entertainment industry, which is a major employer of Chapman graduates.

Salaries

The median salary for Chapman graduates is $50,000. However, salaries can vary depending on the industry, job title, and experience level. For example, marketing and sales professionals usually earn higher salaries than those in other fields.

Popular Courses · 15

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average living expenses for masters at the Chapman University?
The average living expenses for masters at the Chapman University is USD 95855.
What is the student faculty ratio at the Chapman University?
The student faculty ratio at the Chapman University is 1:12
How many campuses does Chapman University have ?
Chapman University has 1 campuses. All of them have amazing residence halls, student centers, civic spaces, cultural spaces, music halls, transportation facilities, etc.
What is the global ranking of Chapman University?
The global ranking of Chapman University is: 1. US World and News Report: 801-1000 2. Times Higher Education The World University Rankings: 110
What factors should be considered when choosing the Chapman University
When choosing the Chapman University for higher education, an international student must consider the following factors: 1. Take a counselling session with Ashiraj 2. Finalise a budget 3. Research the course of your preference at Chapman University 4. Arrange your documents for admission 5. Plan for Scholarships or Loans 6. Check out the country’s working rules for international students 7. Apply for a visa
Does Chapman University provide scholarships for international students?
Yes. An international student can apply for scholarships to pursue their education at Chapman University by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the Chapman University website/ department. 3. Applying to available research assistantships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, or grants.
Is the Chapman University a good university?
Yes. Established in 1861, Chapman University is a reputed university to pursue higher education for international/Indian students. The perks of studying at Chapman University include: 1. Global Recognition 2. Amazing job/ opportunities 3. Research opportunities 4. International exposure 5. Cultural learning 6. Independence
What are the top courses that one can pursue at Chapman University?
A few globally recognised courses that one can pursue at Chapman University are: 1. Computational and Data Science in Chapman University 2. Food Science in Chapman University 3. Pharmaceutical Sciences in Chapman University 4. Film Production in Chapman University 5. MBA in Chapman University 6. Production Design in Chapman University 7. International Studies in Chapman University 8. Accounting in Chapman University 9. Film and Media Studies in Chapman University 10. Teaching - Music Education in Chapman University
What is the Chapman University GPA requirement?
The GPA requirement for Chapman University will vary based on your selected course admission criteria. However, a GPA above 3.5 can help you get admission to most international universities. Check for the official Chapman University’s website to know more

Last updated August 14, 2026

Want a personalised shortlist?

Tell us your profile — we'll match you with universities like Chapman University.

Get Free Shortlist →