Community Impact Study

Office of Community Relations Information for Neighbors

Chapman University's

Total Economic Impact

All data is annual, based on the 2018-19 fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.

When Chapman thrives, so does our hometown.

For almost 70 years, Chapman University has been proud to be an integral part of the City of Orange. As neighbors, friends and partners, we have worked together to build a flourishing community that honors the past and looks to the future.

We are happy to share highlights from a recent study conducted by an independent economic research firm. As the numbers show, the university’s commitment to our partnership with the City of Orange has measurable, positive results. Chapman supports thousands of jobs and creates millions of dollars in essential tax revenues at the state and local levels and contributes to stable economic growth for the city. We sponsor cultural and artistic programs and provide social services that enrich the lives of everyone in our community.

The last 70 years have seen monumental changes throughout Orange County and Southern California, but what remains constant is that Chapman University and the City of Orange are stronger together.

Read the full impact reports:

Economic, Fiscal, and Social Impact Analysis Regional Intelligence Report

Chapman University

A Partner in Prosperity

PROPERTY TAXES

paid to the City of Orange between 2011-2021

$9.8 million

JOBS

supported by Chapman University

Orange: 2,667

Orange County: 9,197

TAX REVENUE

generated by Chapman economic activity

State and local: $52.6 million

Federal: $91.7 million

LABOR INCOME

generated by Chapman

Orange: $102.9 million

Orange County: $238.6 million

Total Spending Generated by Chapman in the City of Orange

$2.2M

visitor spending

$64.4M

student spending

$82.7M

university spending

Good Neighbor Promise

Students talk at table on campus at Chapman University

Building a Stronger Community Together

As an important partner for the City of Orange, university contributions enhance the economic and cultural vitality of the communities that surround our campuses.

22% of Chapman’s staff and faculty live in the City of Orange.
Students contribute 100,000 hours of volunteer service to the local community each academic year.
Student teachers from Chapman work 110,075 hours each year in local classrooms.
Free telehealth counseling services are available to the community through the Frances Smith Center.
Chapman’s fraternities and sororities collected and donated approximately $559,700 to local nonprofits between fall 2018 and spring 2020.
The Hilbert Museum, which is free and open to the public, draws more than 30,000 visitors to Orange annually who stay to dine and shop in the city.

Higher Education Helps Stabilize the Local Economy

During the Great Recession, the City of Orange outperformed all peer cities without a higher education institution, based on taxable sales data. In addition, research shows that large institutions like Chapman provide stability for:

housing prices
employment
economic growth