Chapman vs. USC

Comparable Facts

Compare Chapman University in Orange, CA with University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern California is larger than Chapman based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 9,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chapman University is located in Orange, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Southern California is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• Chapman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chapman University 12:1; University of Southern California 9:1.

Chapman vs. USC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chapman or USC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Southern California than Chapman ($43,412 vs. $47,902).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chapman University are 10.6% lower than at University of Southern California ($17,814 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chapman (about $7,113 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.9% higher at USC than at Chapman University (about $7,113 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $64,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chapman University than at University of Southern California (88% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern California students is 32.4% larger than aid received by Chapman University students ($46,897 vs. $35,434).

Chapman vs. USC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chapman or USC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USC and Chapman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 150 points higher than at Chapman (1350).
• Incoming USC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Chapman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 1260/1440; University of Southern California 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chapman University 28/31; University of Southern California 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chapman - Test optional; USC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Chapman Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USC students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Chapman (3.7).
• Chapman has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Chapman vs. 43.3% at USC.

Chapman vs. USC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chapman and USC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Chapman University's (72%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $31,400 more per year than Chapman graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chapman University graduates have a $1,437 lower median loan debt than USC graduates ($20,938 vs. $22,375).
• Among borrowers, Chapman graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC graduates ($216 vs. $231).
• More USC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chapman students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 65%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.