Chapman vs. Pepperdine

Comparable Facts

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

Chapman University is larger than Pepperdine based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 8,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); Pepperdine University is in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; Pepperdine University 12:1.

Chapman vs. Pepperdine Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or Pepperdine? 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 Pepperdine ($47,902 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 18.1% lower than at Pepperdine University ($17,814 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 7.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chapman (about $4,934 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Pepperdine than at Chapman University (about $4,934 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at Chapman University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chapman University students is 31.6% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($35,434 vs. $26,927).

Chapman vs. Pepperdine Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 20 points higher than at Chapman (1350).
• Incoming Pepperdine 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; Pepperdine University 1290/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Pepperdine University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; Pepperdine - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Chapman (3.7).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 11.6% at Pepperdine.

Chapman vs. Pepperdine Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and Pepperdine? 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).

• Pepperdine University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $17,600 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $5,062 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($20,938 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($216 vs. $268).
• More Pepperdine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.