Chapman vs. PLNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Chapman University in Orange, CA with Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chapman University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); Point Loma Nazarene University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1.

Chapman vs. PLNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or PLNU? 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 Point Loma Nazarene University than Chapman ($39,696 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 23.4% lower than at Chapman University ($13,650 vs. $17,814).
• Chapman University is 40.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $18,734 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.5% higher at Chapman than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $18,734 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University than at Chapman University (94% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chapman University students is 71.2% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($35,434 vs. $20,702).

Chapman vs. PLNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 80 points higher than at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming Chapman students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at PLNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; PLNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at PLNU (3.65).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Chapman (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 21.4% at PLNU.

Chapman vs. PLNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and PLNU? 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).

• The graduation rate at Chapman is the same as at Point Loma Nazarene University (72% vs. 72%).
• Graduates from Chapman University earn a median of about $600 more per year than PLNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $4,062 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($20,938 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.