Chapman vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Chapman based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 9,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

Chapman vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State University than Chapman ($14,704 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 22.6% lower than at San Diego State University ($17,814 vs. $23,030).
• Chapman University is 644.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $56,256 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 204.7% higher at Chapman than at San Diego State University (about $43,656 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chapman University than at San Diego State University (88% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chapman University students is 194% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($35,434 vs. $12,053).

Chapman vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chapman or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State and Chapman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 150 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Chapman students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Chapman (3.7).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

Chapman vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and San Diego State? 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).

• Chapman University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from Chapman University earn a median of about $700 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $5,589 lower median loan debt than Chapman graduates ($15,349 vs. $20,938).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Chapman graduates ($158 vs. $216).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.