Law at Chapman University
Doctoral Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Law doctoral's programs at peer institutions in California (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | — | $102,065 | — | — |
| Pepperdine University | $79,243 | $107,550 | — | — |
| University of San Francisco | $53,016 | $99,029 | — | — |
| National Median | $64,854 | — | — | — |
Other Law Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University Malibu | $66,742 | $79,243 | — |
| University of San Francisco San Francisco | $58,222 | $53,016 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Chapman University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.