Chapman vs. Stanford

Comparable Facts

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

Stanford University is larger than Chapman based on total student enrollment (18,625 students vs. 9,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); Stanford University is in Stanford, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stanford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; Stanford University 6:1.

Chapman vs. Stanford Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or Stanford? 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 Stanford University than Chapman ($25,078 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 16.4% lower than at Stanford University ($17,814 vs. $21,315).
• Stanford University is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chapman (about $926 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Stanford than at Chapman University (about $926 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chapman University than at Stanford University (88% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stanford University students is 77.1% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($62,755 vs. $35,434).

Chapman vs. Stanford Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stanford University (1550) is 200 points higher than at Chapman (1350).
• Incoming Stanford students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Chapman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; Stanford University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Stanford University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; Stanford - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; Stanford Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Stanford students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Chapman (3.7).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Stanford (3.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 81.9% at Stanford.

Chapman vs. Stanford Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and Stanford? 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).

• Stanford University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from Stanford University earn a median of about $68,800 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stanford University graduates have a $8,463 lower median loan debt than Chapman graduates ($12,475 vs. $20,938).
• Among borrowers, Stanford graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Chapman graduates ($128 vs. $216).
• More Stanford graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.