Undergraduate Student Population At Chapman University: A Comprehensive Overview

Chapman University is a private research university in Orange, California, with a total undergraduate enrollment of about 7,874 students as of Fall 2023. The university has a suburban setting, a campus size of 90 acres, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Chapman University offers its undergraduates 45 majors to choose from, with business being the most popular program. The university is ranked #121 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Chapman University's undergraduate enrollment

Chapman University is a private research university in Orange, California. Founded in 1861, it has a 90-acre suburban campus and offers a 4-1-4-based academic calendar. The university is classified as an R2 "high research activity" institution by the Carnegie Classification. It is ranked #121 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

The university has 11 colleges and offers 65 bachelor's programs, 57 minors, 17 accelerated and bridge programs, and over 100 areas of study. The most popular undergraduate program is business, with about 45 majors to choose from. Other popular programs include the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, ranked #4 by The Hollywood Reporter, and the Argyros College of Business and Economics, ranked #73 by Bloomberg Businessweek.

The student body at Chapman University is diverse, with students from 49 states, 2 territories, and 82 countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, and about 20% of students are first-generation college students. The university has a rich history, having been founded as Hesperian College in Woodland, California, in 1861. It has since changed locations and names several times before becoming Chapman University in 1991.

The university's history

Chapman University was founded in 1861 as Hesperian College in Woodland, California. It was founded by the Disciples of Christ to provide Bible and religious training for California youth. The college's opening was timed to coincide with the hour of Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration, reflecting the college's belief in equality. Hesperian College admitted students regardless of sex or race, and its first class included women and people of different ethnicities and faiths.

Throughout its early decades, the school was renamed and relocated several times. In 1896, Hesperian merged with Pierce Christian College to form the Berkeley Bible Seminary in Berkeley, California. The college was then moved to San Francisco as the California Bible College. In 1920, the school was acquired by California Christian College and moved to Southern California, becoming the California School of Christianity in Los Angeles. In 1923, the school was once again renamed the California Christian College.

In 1934, the school became Chapman College, honouring its greatest benefactor and chairman of its board of trustees, C. C. Chapman. In 1954, Chapman University permanently relocated to its present campus in Orange, California. The college became Chapman University in 1991, and James L. Doti became its president. The university has continued to expand and develop, with new schools, colleges, and campuses being established over the years.

Today, Chapman University is a private research university encompassing eleven colleges. It maintains its founding affiliations with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ but is a secular university. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, film, law, health sciences, and engineering.

Student demographics

Chapman University in Orange, California, has a total of 7,874 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution is 39.3% male and 60.7% female, with a 40:60 male-to-female ratio. The student body represents 49 states, 2 territories, and 82 countries.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, with 1,117 faculty members. Chapman University offers 65 bachelor's programs, with business being the most popular major. The university is ranked #121 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

About 20% of students are first-generation college students, and 40% identify as people of color. Over 80% of Chapman University students receive financial aid, with an average aid amount of $22,000. The university has a residential campus, with 92% of first-year students living on campus and 89% staying on campus during their second year.

There are numerous opportunities for students to get involved, with about 60 student organizations, 20 varsity teams, and 5 club sports teams. Chapman University's athletic teams, known as the Panthers, compete at the NCAA Division III level.

Student life

The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 7,700-7,900, with 40% of students identifying as Persons of Colour and 20% being first-generation students. The campus is located in the city of Orange, California, in the Old Towne section, which is home to various shops and cafes. The picturesque town has been the setting for several movies, including *That Thing You Do! starring Tom Hanks* and *Big Momma's House* starring Martin Lawrence.

Students can get involved in about 60 student organizations, including clubs, sororities and fraternities, and sports teams. Chapman University is home to over 500 student-athletes competing in 21 sports at the NCAA Division III level, with nearly 20 varsity teams and five club sports. The university also sponsors seven club sports programs, including men's lacrosse and cheerleading, and offers intramural sports and recreation hours for those not interested in intercollegiate competition.

For those seeking spiritual growth, the Fish Interfaith Center provides an award-winning chapel and interfaith programming, offering a safe and sacred space for students of all faiths to study, meditate, pray, and learn. The university also offers a range of wellness and recreation activities, including fitness classes and a rock-climbing wall in the residence halls.

With a focus on leadership and community, Chapman University encourages students to take part in civic engagement programs, student government, and philanthropy through fraternities and sororities. The Student Government Association and Chapman Ambassadors are just a few of the leadership opportunities available.

Whether it's starting a club, joining a sorority, or participating in athletics, Chapman University offers a well-rounded and engaging student life experience.

Chapman University's ranking

Chapman University is ranked #121 (tied) in the National Universities group, which includes 436 of the leading private and public research universities across the United States. This ranking is according to the U.S. News and World Report.

In other rankings, Chapman University is listed as #4 of the Top American Film Schools, with Dodge College of Film and Media Arts listed in Variety's Top Film Schools in North America of 2024. The Princeton Review lists Chapman in its 388 Best Colleges guide, and the Templeton Foundation included the university in its Honor Roll for Character Building Colleges.

In more specific rankings, Chapman University is listed as:

• #108 (tied) in the best law schools category, Dale E. Fowler School of Law - U.S. News & World Report
• #66 (tied) in the best business schools 2023-2024 (full-time MBA), Argyros College - U.S. News & World Report
• #103 (tied) in the best speech-language pathology programs, the M.S. in Communication Sciences Disorders at Crean College - U.S. News & World Report
• #96 (tied) in the best Physician Assistant programs, the Master of Medical Sciences PA Studies Program at Crean College - U.S. News & World Report
• #122 (tied) in the best physical therapy programs, Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Crean College - U.S. News & World Report
• #80 (tied) in the best pharmacy schools, School of Pharmacy - U.S. News & World Report
• #79 (tied) in Best Colleges for Veterans - U.S. News and World Report
• #144 in Best Value Schools
• #127 in Economics (tied)
• #249 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tied)

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