Chapman University vs University of San Diego: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Chapman University and University of San Diego, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Chapman University vs University of San Diego at a glance
Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and University of San Diego 52.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $46,708 at Chapman University and $29,539 at University of San Diego. Six-year graduation rates are 82.9% and 81.1%, 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 University of San Diego 52.4%, so University of San Diego is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $46,708 a year at Chapman University and $29,539 at University of San Diego; University of San Diego costs $17,169 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $34,494 at Chapman University and $16,814 at University of San Diego.
- 82.9% of students graduate within six years at Chapman University, against 81.1% at University of San Diego.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,694 for Chapman University and $93,069 for University of San Diego; University of San Diego is $12,375 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Chapman University and $21,250 at University of San Diego.
- Chapman University enrolls 7,478 students (midsize city) and University of San Diego 5,671 (large city).
Side by side
Chapman University and University of San Diego 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 | University of San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.4% | 52.4% |
| Applicants | 15,098 | 14,326 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1440 | Not reported |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–31 | Not reported |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $46,708 | $29,539 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,894 | $62,420 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,894 | $62,420 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,323 | $83,503 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $34,494 | $16,814 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $30,442 | $17,381 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,307 | $21,109 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $41,191 | $24,962 |
| Over $110,000 | $55,261 | $52,698 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.9% | 81.1% |
| First-year retention | 91.8% | 91.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,694 | $93,069 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $242 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,478 | 5,671 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Orange, CA | San Diego, 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 University of San Diego 41; 28 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Chapman University vs University of San Diego
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Chapman University or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and University of San Diego admits 52.4%.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego has the lower average net price after grants: $46,708 a year at Chapman University against $29,539 at University of San Diego. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $34,494 and $16,814. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Chapman University or University of San Diego graduates earn more?
University of San Diego graduates earn more at the median: $80,694 ten years after entry for Chapman University and $93,069 for University of San Diego. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Chapman University or University of San Diego?
Chapman University does: 82.9% of Chapman University students graduate within six years, against 81.1% at University of San Diego.
How big are Chapman University and University of San Diego?
Chapman University has 7,478 students in Orange, CA and University of San Diego has 5,671 students in San Diego, CA.