Chapman University vs Woodbury University: which has better ROI?
Woodbury University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $134,768 in 7.8 years versus 8.6 years at Chapman University, on median earnings of $65,668 vs $70,070 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chapman University | Woodbury University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $46,555 | $33,692 |
| Total net cost | $186,220 | $134,768 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $70,070 | $65,668 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $26,960 |
| Payback | 8.6 yrs | 7.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $247,980 | $211,392 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or Woodbury University?
Woodbury University, at $33,692 a year after aid versus $46,555 — a gap of $12,863 a year, or $51,452 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Chapman University or Woodbury University graduates earn more?
Chapman University graduates report a median $70,070 ten years after entry, $4,402 more than the $65,668 at Woodbury University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Chapman University or Woodbury University?
Chapman University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $26,960 at Woodbury University, a difference of $6,460. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
82% of students finish at Chapman University, against 60% at Woodbury University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.