Chapman University vs University of San Francisco: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Chapman University and University of San Francisco, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Chapman University vs University of San Francisco at a glance
Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and University of San Francisco 61.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $46,708 at Chapman University and $30,496 at University of San Francisco. Six-year graduation rates are 82.9% and 66.2%, 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 Francisco 61.7%, so University of San Francisco is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $46,708 a year at Chapman University and $30,496 at University of San Francisco; University of San Francisco costs $16,212 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $34,494 at Chapman University and $23,963 at University of San Francisco.
- 82.9% of students graduate within six years at Chapman University, against 66.2% at University of San Francisco.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,694 for Chapman University and $94,613 for University of San Francisco; University of San Francisco is $13,919 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Chapman University and $22,956 at University of San Francisco.
- Chapman University enrolls 7,478 students (midsize city) and University of San Francisco 5,287 (large city).
Side by side
Chapman University and University of San Francisco 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 Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.4% | 61.7% |
| Applicants | 15,098 | 22,372 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1260–1440 | 1190–1390 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–31 | 25–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $46,708 | $30,496 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,894 | $62,462 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,894 | $62,462 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,323 | $81,835 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $34,494 | $23,963 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $30,442 | $26,079 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,307 | $25,957 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $41,191 | $27,201 |
| Over $110,000 | $55,261 | $38,553 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.9% | 66.2% |
| First-year retention | 91.8% | 83.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,694 | $94,613 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $22,956 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $261 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,478 | 5,287 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Orange, CA | San Francisco, 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 Francisco 45; 24 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Chapman University vs University of San Francisco
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Chapman University or University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Chapman University admits 65.4% of applicants and University of San Francisco admits 61.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Chapman University 1260–1440; University of San Francisco 1190–1390.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco has the lower average net price after grants: $46,708 a year at Chapman University against $30,496 at University of San Francisco. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $34,494 and $23,963. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Chapman University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more at the median: $80,694 ten years after entry for Chapman University and $94,613 for University of San Francisco. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $22,956.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Chapman University or University of San Francisco?
Chapman University does: 82.9% of Chapman University students graduate within six years, against 66.2% at University of San Francisco.
How big are Chapman University and University of San Francisco?
Chapman University has 7,478 students in Orange, CA and University of San Francisco has 5,287 students in San Francisco, CA.