Chapman vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

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

Chapman University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (9,760 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; Whittier College 8:1.

Chapman vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or Whittier College? 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 Whittier College than Chapman ($28,101 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whittier College are 4.1% lower than at Chapman University ($17,082 vs. $17,814).
• Chapman University is 26.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Whittier College (about $13,634 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.6% higher at Chapman than at Whittier College (about $13,634 more per year; $64,984.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whittier College than at Chapman University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($36,176 vs. $35,434).

Chapman vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chapman University (1350) is 110 points higher than at Whittier College (1240).
• Incoming Chapman students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Whittier College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chapman students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Whittier College (3.61).
• Whittier College has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Chapman (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

Chapman vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and Whittier College? 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 Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from Chapman University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $4,562 lower median loan debt than Whittier College graduates ($20,938 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whittier College graduates ($216 vs. $263).
• More Whittier College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.