Chapman University vs Biola University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Chapman University and Biola University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Chapman University vs Biola University at a glance
Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and Biola University 74.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $46,708 at Chapman University and $32,530 at Biola University. Six-year graduation rates are 82.9% and 68.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and Biola University 74.4%, so Chapman University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $46,708 a year at Chapman University and $32,530 at Biola University; Biola University costs $14,178 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $34,494 at Chapman University and $27,693 at Biola University.
- 82.9% of students graduate within six years at Chapman University, against 68.5% at Biola University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,694 for Chapman University and $64,126 for Biola University; Chapman University is $16,568 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Chapman University and $22,250 at Biola University.
- Chapman University enrolls 7,478 students (midsize city) and Biola University 3,474 (large suburb).
Side by side
Chapman University and Biola University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Chapman University | Biola University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.4% | 74.4% |
| Applicants | 15,098 | 4,354 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1440 | 1160–1370 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–31 | 24–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $46,708 | $32,530 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,894 | $50,904 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,894 | $50,904 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,323 | $65,258 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $34,494 | $27,693 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $30,442 | $24,201 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,307 | $27,376 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $41,191 | $29,331 |
| Over $110,000 | $55,261 | $39,686 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.9% | 68.5% |
| First-year retention | 91.8% | 83.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,694 | $64,126 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $22,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $253 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,478 | 3,474 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Orange, CA | La Mirada, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Chapman University reports 54 bachelor's programs and Biola University 51; 31 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Chapman University vs Biola University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Chapman University or Biola University?
Chapman University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and Biola University admits 74.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Chapman University 1260–1440; Biola University 1160–1370.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or Biola University?
Biola University has the lower average net price after grants: $46,708 a year at Chapman University against $32,530 at Biola University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $34,494 and $27,693. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Chapman University or Biola University graduates earn more?
Chapman University graduates earn more at the median: $80,694 ten years after entry for Chapman University and $64,126 for Biola University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $22,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Chapman University or Biola University?
Chapman University does: 82.9% of Chapman University students graduate within six years, against 68.5% at Biola University.
How big are Chapman University and Biola University?
Chapman University has 7,478 students in Orange, CA and Biola University has 3,474 students in La Mirada, CA.