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Nelly
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

Whats the deal with housing assignments for next year, when do they come out? and also any good off-campus options in case?

Chapman University has a structured timeline for housing assignments for the 2026–2027 academic year, which varies based on student status.

Key Dates

  • Continuing Students: Applications open in February 2026, with a priority deadline and $500 payment due in March 2026. In-person housing selection occurs from March to April 2026, and assignment confirmation emails will be sent in mid-July 2026.
  • First-Year Students: A $500 housing reservation payment is due by May 1, 2026, with the housing application deadline on May 15, 2026, and assignment notifications sent in mid-July 2026.
  • Transfer Students: A priority reservation payment is due by June 1, 2026, with the application deadline on July 15, 2026.
Off-Campus Housing Options

For students eligible to live off-campus, several popular apartment complexes near the Orange campus include:

  • A modern complex approximately 1.4 miles from campus, favored by upperclassmen.
  • A larger complex frequently used by local students, situated about 2 miles from campus.
  • Options near Angel Stadium, about a 10-minute drive from campus, offering a residential feel.
Students seeking non-apartment rentals can utilize the Chapman Off-Campus Housing Website for vetted listings and roommate search tools.

Recent questions at Chapman University

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

Daughter was awarded Chapman’s Presidential Scholarship through Early Action (listed as $42k/year) and we’re trying to understand how selective it is. Does anyone know roughly how many students receive this scholarship each year? Also, for current/former Chapman families: what are the biggest pros/cons of Chapman overall, especially for an Economics major?

Chapman's Presidential Scholarship, valued at $42,000 per year, is one of the most prestigious merit awards offered by the university. It is highly competitive, typically awarded to students with exceptional academic profiles, often including GPAs above 3.85 and strong standardized test scores.

Selectivity and Recipient Data

  • Approximately a couple hundred students receive the Presidential Scholarship annually.
  • The scholarship is awarded at the time of admission for both Early Action and Regular Decision applicants, making Early Action a strategic choice for those relying on financial aid.
Pros and Cons for Economics Majors

Pros:

  • Faculty Quality: The Economics Department is praised for its excellent faculty who are accessible due to smaller class sizes.
  • Personalized Experience: Students benefit from closer relationships with professors and tailored academic support compared to larger institutions.
  • Location & Safety: Chapman is located in a safe, charming area of Orange, CA, enhancing the overall student experience.
Cons:
  • Degree Type: The B.A. in Economics has fewer credit requirements than B.S. programs, which may affect perceived rigor.
  • Regional Recognition: While respected in Southern California, Chapman may not have the same national recognition as other top-tier California universities.
  • Retention Requirements: Scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and complete at least 24 credits annually to retain their award.
For more detailed information about the scholarship and academic programs, visit the Chapman Institutional Awards page.
Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Financial aid

My son was accepted to study Film at Chapman, but the offer is effectively conditional on meeting the full cost of attendance. Total cost is about $50k/year. We can afford $35k, leaving a $15k gap. We’re British (he’d be an international student), but we have family in US who can co-sign a loan. Does it make sense to take loans for the gap for a film degree, or is this too risky?

While Chapman University’s Dodge College is highly regarded, with a ranking of #4 nationally, the financial implications of borrowing for a film degree warrant careful consideration.

Financial Considerations

  • The total cost of attendance is approximately $50,000 per year, with a $15,000 gap after your contribution of $35,000. Over four years, this could lead to a debt of $60,000.
  • Graduates in film often start with salaries around $34,000 to $35,795, making it challenging to manage such a debt load. Financial experts recommend that total student debt should ideally not exceed a graduate's expected first-year salary to ensure manageable repayment.
Alternative Funding Options
  • Scholarships: Before considering loans, explore merit-based scholarships that Chapman offers, which can significantly reduce costs. These can range up to $40,000 per year for first-year students.
  • Loans: If loans are necessary, consider options like MPOWER Financing or Prodigy Finance, which offer loans without requiring a U.S. cosigner, focusing on future earning potential.
  • Private Loans: If a U.S. cosigner is available, traditional lenders may provide lower interest rates, making repayment more feasible.
In summary, while Chapman offers a prestigious program, the financial burden of loans in the film industry can be substantial, and it is advisable to exhaust scholarship opportunities first and carefully assess the long-term implications of any debt incurred.
Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Academics

My student just signed up for the admitted student tour and is hoping to get a better feel for the academic side. Is there a way to request sitting in on an English class and/or meeting with someone from the Wilkinson English department (student or staff) during the visit? Thx

To enhance your student's experience during the admitted student tour at Chapman University, they can arrange to sit in on an English class and meet with faculty or students from the Wilkinson English department.

Arranging a Class Visit To sit in on an English class, your student should coordinate through the Office of Admission. They can reach out via email at visit@chapman.edu or call (714) 997-6711 to request a class observation. Please note that class visits are subject to instructor approval and may not be available during finals or university breaks.

Meeting with the Wilkinson English Department For a meeting with someone from the Wilkinson English department, it is advisable to contact the department directly. Your student can:

  • Email specific faculty members for a brief meeting.
  • Reach out to the Wilkinson College Dean’s Office for general inquiries about student life.
  • Connect with Wilkinson Peer Advisors for insights from current students.
Scheduling Tips

  • Register for the Guided Admitted Student Tour through the visitor portal.
  • Submit requests for class visits or meetings at least two weeks before the tour date to ensure proper coordination.
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