Chapman University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Chapman is test-optional, and relatively few applicants submit scores, but the students who do are posting strong numbers. With a 65% acceptance rate, your goal is to show you fit the academic profile: a GPA near 3.78 and, if you submit testing, an SAT closer to 1410 or an ACT near 31.
⬡ LangSmith0b370e11-934a-467a-a81b-d3d840980623Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Chapman University facts and stats
Chapman University enrolls 7,713 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Chapman has a 92% freshman retention rate, which is well above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 82%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
⬡ LangSmith2502422a-2981-4af9-a4de-09b5b58d0d96Orange, CA
How do your scores compare at Chapman?
Key Chapman University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Chapman is test-optional, use this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and the start of senior year for retakes that can improve your superscore. For Chapman’s November 1 Early Decision/Early Action deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake likely to arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmithcdb2af07-414e-4323-94ee-94a0ec02a117Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Chapman University?
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What you'll actually pay
Chapman is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees apply to all students. Tuition and fees are $64,984, and 53% of students receive aid; the average merit award is $23,936. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.
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Chapman’s estimated direct cost for tuition, fees, room, and board is about $85,438. Aid is a major part of the pricing picture: 53% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $48,113. Merit aid can also reduce costs, with an average merit award of $23,936, and Chapman lists Thurgood Marshall Scholarships at $6,000. Students graduate with an average debt of $28,619.
⬡ LangSmitha85795b0-789f-439b-9a2e-15535e2de3c6Student life at Chapman University
49% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 23% of men join fraternities, and 32% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 61.7%
SAT: 1200–1380
ACT: 25–30
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CAAcceptance rate: 62.9%
SAT: 1300–1440
ACT: 29–32
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CAAcceptance rate: 48%
SAT: 1360–1480
ACT: 31–33
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 45.1%
SAT: 1280–1400
ACT: 28–32
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