• A financial aid counselor meeting with a Chapman University student
Undergraduate Admission

Financing Your Education

» Financing Your Education

Cost shouldn’t discourage you from applying. We offer various institutional awards (including merit and need-based aid) to students who qualify. In addition:

  • This year, we invested over $193 million in our students, with 86% of undergraduates receiving some form of aid. 
  • The average award for Fall 2023 is around $31,000 per student.
  • Approximately 19% of our students are awarded Pell Grants.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

If you’re looking to use financial aid to help pay for college, you will need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a free, online form that will help you determine if you are eligible for student aid.

Types of Aid

Most college funding comes from a variety of sources, including aid and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Below are the types of aid. Keep in mind:

  • Most aid is "stackable," meaning you can combine aid to fund your education.
  • Chapman provides your financial aid package shortly after admission. If you are looking to use financial aid to pay for college, be sure you apply for financial aid.

Student in a classroom

Merit Aid and Institutional Awards

  • Merit aid recognizes achievement in high school and is based on academic performance and test scores (if submitted).
  • First-year scholarships range in amount, but can be as high as $40,000 per yearIf you apply by the deadline you will automatically be considered for these awards.
  • Select admitted students will also be offered institutional awards. These include awards for first-generation and underrepresented students, as well as awards from departments and schools/colleges. You can learn more about these on our Institutional Awards page.

Federal and State Grants

You may be eligible for a federal and/or state grant to help fund your education. You can learn more about Cal Grants, Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) on our Federal and State Grants webpage.

Federal Work Study

Work Study is a need-based financial aid award that allows recipients to work up to 19 hours on campus while at Chapman. You can learn more on our Work Study page.

Student Loans

Loans are a common way to help fund your undergraduate degree. Our Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid is here to help you determine your options. You can learn more on our Student Loans page.

Outside Scholarships

There are great opportunities to get additional funding through outside scholarships from individuals, companies, foundations and charitable organizations. Our Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid also frequently posts outside scholarship opportunities on their Facebook page.

Net Price Calculator

Use our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate on the cost of attending Chapman based on your financial situation. You can then refine your estimate by adding additional details, including GPA and test scores, to help determine your potential merit aid.

Financial Aid Videos

Discover Financial Aid

In this presentation, our Director of Financial Aid, David Carnevale, introduces you to our financial aid office and breaks down funding opportunities:

 

Funding Your Education - En Español

In this Spanish-language discussion, several higher education experts, including Chapman University admission counselor Christian Aguilar, discuss the financial aid process. They go over federal, state and institutional awards, as well as advice on self-advocating and details on the DREAM Act.


Additional Funding Resources

Depending on what type of student you are, you may have unique additional funding opportunities.

Transfer Students

  • Merit/academic scholarships are reserved for our most qualified transfer students. We consider GPA, progress within general education, quality of college curriculum and past/current grade patterns. 
  • Institutional awards are also open to transfer students.

International Students

  • International first-year and transfer students are eligible for merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are based on the applicant’s academic performance and test scores (if submitted).
  • Chapman also offers limited need-based aid, up to $15,000, for international applicants.
  • You can find out more on our Cost of Attendance for International Undergraduates webpage.

Veterans and Military Dependents

Undocumented Students

  • Every applicant to Chapman is considered for merit aid, regardless of citizenship. Additional financial assistance may still be granted to those who qualify, and undocumented students that reside in California may qualify for a Cal Grant via the DREAM Act.
  • You can learn more about applying for a Cal Grant, and other funding options, on our Resources for Undocumented Applicants page.

 

Financial Aid Notification Timelines

The Financial Aid Notification Timelines page provides information about when you can expect to receive your financial aid offer, as well as any talent/departmental awards or mission-driven awards.

Tuition and Fees


Contact Admission


Email us:

Call us: (714) 997-6711

Text us: (714) 942-5474

Send your documents:
Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive 
Orange, CA 92866

Take a Self-Guided Tour


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Virtually explore Chapman in this student-led tour through our Orange Campus. You'll be able to visit classrooms, hang-out spots, our residence life area and much more!

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