Chapman vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Chapman based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 9,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Chapman vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or San Jose 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 Jose State University than Chapman ($13,892 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 15.1% lower than at San Jose State University ($17,814 vs. $20,971).
• Chapman University is 672.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $56,574 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209.3% higher at Chapman than at San Jose State University (about $43,974 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chapman University than at San Jose State University (88% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chapman University students is 186.8% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($35,434 vs. $12,353).

Chapman vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 220 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Chapman students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Chapman (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Chapman vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and San Jose 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 Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $5,938 lower median loan debt than Chapman graduates ($15,000 vs. $20,938).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Chapman graduates ($155 vs. $216).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.