Chapman vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Chapman University in Orange, CA with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Chapman based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 9,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Chapman vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or SMU? 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 SMU ($47,902 vs. $48,179).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 6.6% lower than at Southern Methodist University ($17,814 vs. $19,064).
• Southern Methodist University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chapman (about $2,056 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at SMU than at Chapman University (about $2,056 more per year; $67,040.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chapman University than at Southern Methodist University (88% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 5.9% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($37,520 vs. $35,434).

Chapman vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 70 points higher than at Chapman (1350).
• Incoming SMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Chapman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at SMU (3.68).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than SMU (63.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Chapman vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and SMU? 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).

• Southern Methodist University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $562 lower median loan debt than SMU graduates ($20,938 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SMU graduates ($216 vs. $222).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.