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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.

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.
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.
Lisa Belle
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Registrar

Also is there any way we can see students emails? Like third party opt in kinda thing?

At Chapman University, student email addresses are classified as Directory Information under FERPA, which allows the university to disclose this information to third parties without prior consent unless a student has opted for a directory hold.

Directory Information

  • Students can prevent their email from being accessed by notifying the Office of the University Registrar to place a hold on their directory records.
Third-Party Access with Consent
  • If a student has not opted out, third parties can access email addresses as part of directory information.
  • For more sensitive information or if a directory hold is in place, students must complete the Chapman Release Authorization eForm to grant access to specific third parties, such as parents or guardians.
  • The university may also respond to legal requests for email records through court orders or subpoenas.
For further details on privacy rights and the process for granting access, please refer to the FERPA Information page.
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