Chapman vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

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

Chapman University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Chapman vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or Fairfield University? 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 Chapman University than Fairfield University ($47,902 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 10.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,814 vs. $19,838).
• Chapman University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $6,634 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at Chapman than at Fairfield University (about $6,634 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Chapman University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chapman University students is 34.9% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,434 vs. $26,274).

Chapman vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chapman or Fairfield University? 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 Fairfield University and Chapman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 20 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Fairfield University 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; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

Chapman vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and Fairfield University? 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $23,000 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $6,062 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($20,938 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.