Chapman vs. USF

Comparable Facts

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

Chapman University is larger than USF based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 8,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Chapman vs. USF Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or USF? 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 San Francisco than Chapman ($45,443 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 9.9% lower than at University of San Francisco ($17,814 vs. $19,764).
• Chapman University is 7.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than USF (about $4,492 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at Chapman than at University of San Francisco (about $4,492 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Francisco than at Chapman University (95% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chapman University students is 2% larger than aid received by University of San Francisco students ($35,434 vs. $34,723).

Chapman vs. USF Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 60 points higher than at USF (1290).
• Incoming Chapman students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at USF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; University of San Francisco 1190/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; University of San Francisco 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; USF - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027; USF Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at USF (3.57).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 6% at USF.

Chapman vs. USF Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and USF? 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 University of San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $4,062 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($20,938 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More USF 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.