Willamette University vs Chapman

Willamette University and Chapman University, both esteemed private institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Willamette, nestled in Salem, Oregon, boasts a higher acceptance rate (72%) compared to Chapman's 55% in Orange, California. While Chapman's student body is more diverse, with 38% identifying as non-white, Willamette's student body is predominantly white (78%). Both universities excel in certain academic areas: Willamette is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs, while Chapman is renowned for its film and performing arts programs. With similar graduation rates hovering around 80%, both universities ensure their students are well-prepared for their post-graduate endeavors. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' unique offerings and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Chapman University	Willamette University
Overview
Location	Orange, California	Salem, Oregon
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	4-1-4	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	92.0%	80.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Protestant

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.4%	79.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1210 - 1410	N/A
ACT range	26 - 31	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	22.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%
Total number of applicants	15,098	3,680
Total number of admissions given out	9,115	2,930
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,658	260
Yield rate	18.2%	8.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$77,782	$60,106
Average net price	$40,451	$37,400
Tuition	$58,250	$43,500
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,086 Meal plan: $5,456	Room/dormitory: $7,150 Meal plan: $6,650
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $30,614	99.0% Average amount $30,413
Students receiving federal student loan	54.0% Average amount $5,569	50.0% Average amount $5,145
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $23,668	7.0% Average amount $15,973

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,714 Men 39.9% Women 60.1%	1,236 Men 42.2% Women 57.8%
Graduate students	2,277 Men 38.1% Women 61.9%	549 Men 49.2% Women 50.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	33.1%	N/A
International students	4.4%	2.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	3,714	1,228
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Colorado Oregon Hawaii	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Visual & Performing Arts Business Legal Profession Communication and Journalism	Social Sciences Legal Profession Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	79.9%	72.0%
Dropout rate	20.0%	28.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,310 Year 2: $80,459 Year 3: $88,247 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $77,350 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $85,828 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,721 Year 2: $58,479 Year 3: $82,686 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $64,468 Year 2: $68,422 Year 3: $79,211 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,856 Year 2: $65,651 Year 3: $74,073 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $83,362 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $69,038 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,455 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $67,344 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,707 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $63,526 Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,212 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $63,007 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,423 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $62,368	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,562 Year 2: $73,530 Year 3: $85,115 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,741 Year 2: $49,102 Year 3: $65,240 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,509 Year 2: $39,909 Year 3: $57,544 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,011 Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $48,905 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,615 Year 2: $31,133 Year 3: $41,516 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,482 Year 2: $27,204 Year 3: $39,994 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,357 Year 2: $28,055 Year 3: $36,208 Anthropology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,508 Year 3: $33,257 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,292 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $32,785 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,658 Year 3: $29,070

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic differences between Willamette University and Chapman University?

Willamette University, a smaller liberal arts college, emphasizes a strong core curriculum and close faculty-student interaction. It's known for its strengths in law and the humanities. Chapman University, on the other hand, is larger and offers a broader range of programs, including strong programs in film, business, and communication. Chapman also has a more career-focused approach with a wider variety of graduate programs.
How does the student body at Willamette University compare to Chapman University?

Willamette University has a significantly smaller student body, fostering a more intimate learning environment. This allows for more personalized attention from professors and a stronger sense of community. Chapman University has a larger and more diverse student population, providing a wider range of social and extracurricular opportunities.
What is the cost of attendance at Willamette University versus Chapman University?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between the two universities. However, financial aid packages can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. It's recommended to check the net price calculators on each university's website and compare the financial aid offers you receive.
What are the campus environments like at Willamette University and Chapman University?

Willamette University boasts a classic, historic campus located in Salem, Oregon, the state's capital. It offers a traditional college town feel with easy access to outdoor activities. Chapman University is situated in Orange, California, a suburban setting with a vibrant social scene and proximity to Los Angeles and the beach.
How do the career services at Willamette University and Chapman University differ?

Both universities offer career services, but the focus and resources may vary. Chapman University, with its larger size and emphasis on professional programs, often has a more extensive network of industry connections and internship opportunities, particularly in fields like film and business. Willamette University's career services are tailored to its liberal arts focus, with strong support for graduate school preparation and career exploration.
What are the strengths of the extracurricular activities at Willamette University and Chapman University?

Willamette University offers a robust set of extracurriculars, including a strong debate team and opportunities for involvement in student government and community service. Chapman University provides a wider array of clubs and organizations, reflecting its larger student body and diverse interests, including a thriving Greek life and numerous film-related clubs.
Which university is better for pre-law studies, Willamette or Chapman?

Willamette University has a long-standing reputation for excellence in pre-law studies, with a high acceptance rate to law schools. It offers a strong foundation in critical thinking and writing, essential for legal careers. While Chapman also offers pre-law advising, Willamette's program is generally considered more established and focused.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Willamette University's location in Salem, Oregon, provides access to state government and a more relaxed pace of life, with easy access to outdoor recreation. Chapman University's location in Orange, California, offers proximity to major entertainment industries, a vibrant social scene, and access to beaches and cultural attractions in the Los Angeles area.
What are the admission requirements like for Willamette University and Chapman University?

Both universities are selective, but admission requirements may vary slightly. Both require standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place, so check the most current information), high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Chapman University may place a greater emphasis on extracurricular activities and demonstrated interest, while Willamette University may focus more on academic rigor and fit within its liberal arts environment. Always check the specific requirements on each university's website.
Which university is better for students interested in film and media studies?

Chapman University is widely recognized for its Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, offering exceptional resources, faculty, and industry connections. While Willamette University may offer some related courses, Chapman is the clear choice for students seeking a comprehensive and specialized film and media education.

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