Chapman University vs Santa Clara University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Chapman University and Santa Clara University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Chapman University vs Santa Clara University at a glance
Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and Santa Clara University 48% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $46,708 at Chapman University and $36,116 at Santa Clara University. Six-year graduation rates are 82.9% and 87.3%, 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 Santa Clara University 48%, so Santa Clara University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $46,708 a year at Chapman University and $36,116 at Santa Clara University; Santa Clara University costs $10,592 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $34,494 at Chapman University and $22,696 at Santa Clara University.
- 82.9% of students graduate within six years at Chapman University, against 87.3% at Santa Clara University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,694 for Chapman University and $117,193 for Santa Clara University; Santa Clara University is $36,499 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Chapman University and $19,500 at Santa Clara University.
- Chapman University enrolls 7,478 students (midsize city) and Santa Clara University 6,552 (midsize city).
Side by side
Chapman University and Santa Clara 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 | Santa Clara University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.4% | 48% |
| Applicants | 15,098 | 16,848 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1440 | 1350–1490 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–31 | 31–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $46,708 | $36,116 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,894 | $63,513 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,894 | $63,513 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,323 | $84,261 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $34,494 | $22,696 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $30,442 | $13,570 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,307 | $25,352 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $41,191 | $40,238 |
| Over $110,000 | $55,261 | $63,129 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.9% | 87.3% |
| First-year retention | 91.8% | 93.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,694 | $117,193 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,478 | 6,552 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Orange, CA | Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara University 46; 27 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Chapman University vs Santa Clara University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Chapman University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and Santa Clara University admits 48%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Chapman University 1260–1440; Santa Clara University 1350–1490.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has the lower average net price after grants: $46,708 a year at Chapman University against $36,116 at Santa Clara University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $34,494 and $22,696. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Chapman University or Santa Clara University graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more at the median: $80,694 ten years after entry for Chapman University and $117,193 for Santa Clara University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Chapman University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University does: 82.9% of Chapman University students graduate within six years, against 87.3% at Santa Clara University.
How big are Chapman University and Santa Clara University?
Chapman University has 7,478 students in Orange, CA and Santa Clara University has 6,552 students in Santa Clara, CA.