Chapman vs. DU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Chapman based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 9,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Denver is in Denver, CO (Large City setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; University of Denver 9:1.

Chapman vs. DU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or DU? 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 University of Denver than Chapman ($45,451 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Denver are 0.3% lower than at Chapman University ($17,759 vs. $17,814).
• Chapman University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than DU (about $3,586 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $61,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at Chapman than at University of Denver (about $3,586 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $61,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Denver than at Chapman University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chapman University students is 4.4% larger than aid received by University of Denver students ($35,434 vs. $33,955).

Chapman vs. DU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 20 points higher than at DU (1330).
• Incoming DU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Chapman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; University of Denver 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; University of Denver 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; DU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; DU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Chapman (3.7).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Chapman (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 9.1% at DU.

Chapman vs. DU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and DU? 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).

• University of Denver's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $2,761 lower median loan debt than DU graduates ($20,938 vs. $23,699).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DU graduates ($216 vs. $245).
• More DU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.