Chapman University

The mission of Chapman University is to provide personalized education of distinction that leads to inquiring, ethical and productive lives as global citizens.

At Chapman, we strive for a vibrant intellectual community in which different ideas and perspectives are sought and encouraged – and enable new thinking to emerge. This type of welcoming community also helps to make every member feel valued and appreciated.

The earliest incarnation of Chapman University was open to all people in the belief that every person should have access to an education. In fact, our first class included women and people of different ethnicities and faiths. This heritage of embracing people regardless of their backgrounds provides us with a strong foundation as we continue to educate global citizens.

Chapman University has always been a place where potential translates to possibility. Our history is a wealth of unique cultural experiences, connecting us to the past, tuning us to the present and ushering us into our future.

A lot has changed since we first opened our doors in 1861, originally in Woodland, California. However, since day one, we've been proudly dedicated to the education of all people, and we stand committed to creating an inclusive and more equitable world of opportunity.

At Chapman, we have always believed in more: more knowledge, risk-taking, discovery, passion, creativity and exploration. We believe in being exceptional — in unlocking unlimited potential, in creating experiences that last a lifetime and in doing work that changes lives.

We began with inclusivity, a passion for teaching and learning, and forward-looking optimism. We’ve continued to champion those goals throughout Chapman’s existence -- and we’re still growing. Good things are happening because we make them happen.

The Inauguration of Matthew J. Parlow as Chapman University's Fourteenth President, with priorities in: Highlighting students’ talent and success, Building on our academic excellence, Supporting interdisciplinary collaborations, Fostering community engagement, and Deepening our commitment to free speech and civil discourse.
Chapman’s endowment crossed the $1 billion threshold for the first time–an incredible jump from $300 million a decade ago
Chapman Is:

#110 in the National Universities group, an elevated category that includes 436 of the leading private and public research universities across the United States, from Princeton and Harvard to UCLA and UC Berkeley - U.S. News and World Report
#4 of the Top American Film Schools, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts - The Hollywood Reporter
Dodge College of Film and Media Arts listed in Variety's Top Film Schools in North America of 2024
#73 in Best Colleges for Veterans - U.S. News and World Report
The Princeton Review lists Chapman in its 390 Best Colleges guide
#58 in best Physician Assistant programs, the Master of Medical Sciences PA Studies Program at Crean College - U.S. News & World Report
#53 in best business schools (full-time MBA), Argyros College - U.S. News & World Report
#74 in best pharmacy schools, School of Pharmacy - U.S. News & World Report
#87 in best physical therapy programs, Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Crean College - U.S. News & World Report
#112 in best law schools, Dale E. Fowler School of Law - U.S. News & World Report
#104 in best speech-language pathology programs, the M.S. in Communication Sciences Disorders at Crean College - U.S. News & World Report
#149 in best education schools, Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies - U.S. News & World Report

Chapman University seeks philanthropic support to expand programs that advance education, research, the arts, environmental responsibility, and community development. Guided by its mission to provide a personalized education of distinction, Chapman prepares students to lead inquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens. Since its founding in 1861, Chapman has remained committed to access and opportunity, believing education should be available to all. Chapman seeks to partner with local foundations to invest in scholarships, advising, undergraduate research, arts programming, and sustainability initiatives. Expanding access to research fosters critical thinking and strengthens pathways to careers and graduate education. In the arts and environmental sustainability, increased funding ensures broader participation and prepares students to become responsible leaders. With community partnerships, Chapman can expand access, support student success, and make a meaningful difference across education, the arts, and community life.