Chapman vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare Chapman University in Orange, CA with American University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Chapman based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 9,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); American University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; American University 10:1.

Chapman vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or AU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at American University than Chapman ($39,676 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 0.9% lower than at American University ($17,814 vs. $17,982).
• Chapman University is 10.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $6,213 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at Chapman than at American University (about $6,213 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chapman University than at American University (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 2.6% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($36,349 vs. $35,434).

Chapman vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chapman or AU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between AU and Chapman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 20 points higher than at Chapman (1350).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Chapman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; American University 1280/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have the same average high school GPA (3.7) as students at AU (3.7).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 15.6% at AU.

Chapman vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and AU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• American University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $3,312 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($20,938 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($216 vs. $250).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 65%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.