Chapman University
Orange, United States • Founded 1861 • World Rank #1222
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1861, the Chapman University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Orange (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.
Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Chapman University (CU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Reformed religion. Chapman University (CU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 163-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
CU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit Chapman University? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Chapman University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Chapman University's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.
Unit 10 items
- Argyros School of Business and Economics
- Attallah College of Educational Studies
- College of Performing Arts
- Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
- Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
- Fowler School of Law
- Schmid College of Science and Technology
- School of Communication
- School of Pharmacy
- Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Programs Offered
Below: Chapman University's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
106 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 56 programmes
Showing 10 of 56.
Master's Degree 33 programmes
Showing 10 of 33.
Doctorate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Professional Doctorate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
How to apply to Chapman University
Practical steps to apply to Chapman University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Chapman University runs 106 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check entry requirements
Before applying to Chapman University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Chapman University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.chapman.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (714) 997 6815. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chapman University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Chapman University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When was Chapman University founded?
Chapman University was established in 1861 (approximately 165 years ago).
Where is Chapman University located?
Chapman University is located in Orange, United States.
What is Chapman University's control type?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Chapman University?
Student enrolment at Chapman University is around 9,000-9,999.
Where does Chapman University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #1222 globally and #180 in United States.
Does Chapman University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Chapman University is affiliated with Christian-Reformed.
How is Chapman University organised academically?
The institution comprises 10 academic units.
Is Chapman University officially recognised?
Yes, Chapman University is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
What is Chapman University's official website?
The institution's website is www.chapman.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Looking for the strongest names in the United States? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking Chapman University against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in the United States.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Faculty mobility within National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks often signals shared standards. Faculty members frequently move between Chapman University and the institutions below over the course of careers.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Reformed
Community service and outreach traditions at Christian-Reformed universities often shape student life and graduate identity. The peers below typically share comparable service expectations or traditions.
Faculties at nearby universities
Nearby institutions to Chapman University often share sports, residence, and student-life facilities through regional consortia. The shared infrastructure can shape your day-to-day experience meaningfully.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Liberal Arts programmes in the United States. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Compared with Chapman University
Universities at a similar tier to Chapman University appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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