Chapman University (CU)

Every student receives a customized education at Chapman University, a private institution known for its personalized approach to both academic and creative development. The university is home to eleven distinct colleges of study, allowing students to forge individualized, interdisciplinary paths—and, as students note, “each college excels at their own craft.” Those who choose thoughtfully quickly recognize “the effort the school puts in to getting us involved and making sure we are having a good time,” with many curricula emphasizing “a more active learning approach: group discussions, help from upperclassmen, and student-led presentations.” Undergraduates appreciate that they “have choices on how we want to be creative on an assignment,” an approach reinforced by “interactive and proactive lessons that thrive off of community input.” Teaching methods often extend beyond the traditional classroom; one economics course, for example, asked students to hypothetically bid on “bags of Takis at varying prices to show how monopolies choose the sell prices they use.” Professors “have a good concept of a comfortable workload for students, [and] most homework is purposeful and supports the exam content,” contributing to a balanced academic environment. Furthermore, teachers “provide constant support and also recommend job/professional opportunities,” and a student says that “with numerous opportunities nearby (such as in Hollywood and other businesses) my peers can take their passion to the professional level.” At Chapman, support is readily available, and students consistently find “an open door, whether that is personally, academically, or culturally.”

Chapman is home to a diverse mix of backgrounds and personalities, united by “lots of appreciation for the arts”—an ideal environment where “everyone seems like they have a story to tell.” One student describes the impact of having such “incredibly welcoming and social” peers: “I’ll lose an hour trying to walk from my class to my car.” Rather than a drawback, this sense of connection is embraced, as “being busy is a great benefit of college.” The campus culture is described as “collaborative over competitive, as well as friendly and welcoming,” where “everyone is excited to share their knowledge to help others.” With “countless clubs and organizations,” there are “opportunities to get involved in [the] social scene at every corner,” and students note that “people support each other’s passions, collaborate across disciplines, and genuinely celebrate unconventional thinking.” One student captures the spirit of the university, saying, “Chapman feels driven, close-knit, and welcoming. It’s a place where you feel supported and encouraged to grow.”

Chapman maintains a “very beautiful campus,” reinforcing the feeling that “wherever you are is a wonderful place to be.” The university offers “excellent social opportunities and campus life” in a sunny Southern California setting just fifteen miles from the beach and five miles from Disneyland. A majority of students live on campus during their first year, and “there are constantly events going on that help to bring the students together, whether it’s orientation week with games and information sessions,” or “campus events [with] free food in the piazza.” Students emphasize that “if you want networking opportunities, they’re there and very accessible.” For example, the popular Dodge College of Film and Media Arts hosts regular Master Classes, “where they bring in actors, singers, directors, writers, etc. to come and speak to students as well as screen movies.” The “small class sizes and small campus” make it easy “to build connections with peers,” and many students “love to walk down the street to the Circle, where there are a bunch of cute local shops and restaurants.” No matter the activity, students highlight the inclusive atmosphere: “People are always getting invited to things and trying to make sure you feel connected to the school.”