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Chapman University vs University of San Diego

Chapman University is a private university in Orange, CA, and University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA. University of San Diego is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% of applicants against 65% at Chapman University. University of San Diego is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $30,365 a year against $46,555 at Chapman University. About 83% of students graduate at University of San Diego, compared with 81% at Chapman University. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $86,522, against $70,070 for Chapman University.

Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Orange, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,478
5,671
Acceptance rate
65%
52%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1440
1190–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
28–31
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$46,555
$30,365
Full cost / yr
$83,146
$78,720
In-state tuition
$64,984
$59,486
Out-of-state tuition
$64,984
$59,486
Application fee
$70
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$33,559
$15,586
$30k - $48k
$33,978
$17,441
$48k - $75k
$33,709
$19,557
$75k - $110k
$40,011
$27,012
Over $110k
$55,066
$46,989
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
83%
Freshman retention
92%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,080
$64,995
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,070
$86,522
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$22,940
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
21%
First-generation students
18%
25%
International students
3%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Chapman University or University of San Diego harder to get into?
University of San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 52% of applicants, compared with 65% at Chapman University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,365 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $46,555 at Chapman University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Chapman University and University of San Diego?
Before aid, University of San Diego costs about $78,720 a year and Chapman University about $83,146. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chapman University or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,586 there, against about $33,559 at Chapman University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chapman University or University of San Diego?
Chapman University is the larger of the two, with about 7,478 undergraduates against 5,671 at University of San Diego.
Does Chapman University or University of San Diego have a better graduation rate?
University of San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 81% at Chapman University.
Do graduates of Chapman University or University of San Diego earn more?
University of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,522 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,070 for Chapman University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chapman University and University of San Diego require SAT or ACT scores?
Chapman University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of San Diego is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Chapman University and University of San Diego look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1440 at Chapman University and 1190–1370 at University of San Diego. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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