Chapman University vs Pepperdine University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Chapman University and Pepperdine University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Chapman University vs Pepperdine University at a glance
Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and Pepperdine University 62.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $46,708 at Chapman University and $48,065 at Pepperdine University. Six-year graduation rates are 82.9% and 78.4%, 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 Pepperdine University 62.9%, so Pepperdine University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $46,708 a year at Chapman University and $48,065 at Pepperdine University; Chapman University costs $1,357 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $34,494 at Chapman University and $38,093 at Pepperdine University.
- 82.9% of students graduate within six years at Chapman University, against 78.4% at Pepperdine University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,694 for Chapman University and $89,410 for Pepperdine University; Pepperdine University is $8,716 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Chapman University and $21,500 at Pepperdine University.
- Chapman University enrolls 7,478 students (midsize city) and Pepperdine University 3,553 (large suburb).
Side by side
Chapman University and Pepperdine 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 | Pepperdine University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.4% | 62.9% |
| Applicants | 15,098 | 11,855 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1440 | 1290–1450 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–31 | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $46,708 | $48,065 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,894 | $72,672 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,894 | $72,672 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,323 | $95,168 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $34,494 | $38,093 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $30,442 | $35,990 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,307 | $38,110 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $41,191 | $42,539 |
| Over $110,000 | $55,261 | $63,600 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.9% | 78.4% |
| First-year retention | 91.8% | 87.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,694 | $89,410 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,478 | 3,553 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Orange, CA | Malibu, 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 Pepperdine University 42; 27 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Chapman University vs Pepperdine University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Chapman University or Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and Pepperdine University admits 62.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Chapman University 1260–1440; Pepperdine University 1290–1450.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or Pepperdine University?
Chapman University has the lower average net price after grants: $46,708 a year at Chapman University against $48,065 at Pepperdine University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $34,494 and $38,093. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Chapman University or Pepperdine University graduates earn more?
Pepperdine University graduates earn more at the median: $80,694 ten years after entry for Chapman University and $89,410 for Pepperdine University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Chapman University or Pepperdine University?
Chapman University does: 82.9% of Chapman University students graduate within six years, against 78.4% at Pepperdine University.
How big are Chapman University and Pepperdine University?
Chapman University has 7,478 students in Orange, CA and Pepperdine University has 3,553 students in Malibu, CA.