Chapman University
Orange, California · Private
Chapman University admitted 72% of 14,769 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1255–1420 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 80% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Chapman University
Enter a score to see whether Chapman University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (72%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Chapman University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $70, and Chapman University accepts the Common App fee waiver. Chapman University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Chapman University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 51% (145 of 282), compared with 72% for all applicants.
Chapman University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
1,726 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 764 took it, and 246 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Chapman University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Essay
- Character
Important
- Activities
- Talent or ability
Considered
- Test scores
- Recommendations
- Interview
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Legacy
- Religion
What it costs
Full price with housing is $85,080 a year. After grants, students paid $48,037 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Chapman University’s acceptance rate?
Chapman University admitted 72% of applicants: 10,642 of 14,769 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Chapman University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Chapman University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1255 to 1420, with a median around 1350. A score at or above 1350 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Chapman University’s application fee?
The application fee is $70 for 2026–27, and Chapman University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Chapman University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Chapman University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Chapman University have supplemental essays?
No. Chapman University has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Chapman University require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Chapman University uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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