Chapman University: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a Dodge College Film Student

Known for its exceptionally strong producing program and picturesque campus, Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts welcomes filmmakers from all walks of life. In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter ranked Dodge College no. 4 among the top U.S. film schools for the fifth consecutive year. Not only that, but U.S. News & World Report placed Chapman University in the top 25% of the top U.S. universities.

Chapman's film program has produced award-winning filmmakers and industry leaders in a remarkably short time compared to other West Coast film schools. In 1981, Professor Dean Robert Bassett planted the seeds for the film program by teaching a film class where students could dare to innovate and discover themselves as artists. Bassett’s persistence helped gain the support of prolific donors, including Marion Knott and Cece Presley, and give rise to Dodge College.

At the time of this update, Dodge College is accepting first-year undergraduates applying via Regular Decision until January 15, 2026, and transfer students until February 15, 2026. Consult the guide to learn the application requirements, admissions timeline, and other helpful tips.

What is it like to attend Dodge College of Film and Media Arts?​

Chapman University is a private school located in Old Towne Orange, one of Southern California’s most picturesque neighborhoods known for its antique shops, multicultural dining, and historic architecture. Located within the city of Orange, just 40 miles outside of Hollywood, Old Towne Orange has been repeatedly voted Orange County's favorite downtown.

Dodge College’s holistic and inclusive atmosphere speaks to its roots. Class sizes are small with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, and faculty have created more than 500 films. Marion Knotts Studios, a 76,000-square-foot working space, allows film students to experiment and develop their artistic skills by using computer labs with industry-grade equipment and technology, 36 editing suites, a fully equipped foley stage, a television and broadcast journalism stage and control room, a set design shop, a production design studio, and a 500-seat theater. Students own all the rights to their films.

In early 2025, a $1.5 million gift from the Dhont Family Foundation will allow Dodge College to move forward with establishing the Dhont Family Innovation Hub, which will include a 180-degree wraparound LED screen, numerous virtual production tools to help filmmakers leverage AI, and a professional soundstage.

Chapman continues to take steps to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2024, the University hosted its second annual Women of Distinction Award reception to honor distinguished women faculty, students, and staff. In 2014, the University established its first Latina sorority. Two student-led organizations, Brothers Real Talk and Sisters Circle, offer a safe space for Black students to discuss university life, network, and form authentic friendships. LGBTQ+ students can join the Queer Straight Alliance.

Film students can also become members of Delta Kappa Alpha, Chapman University's national, co-educational, professional cinema fraternity, along with other filmmaking clubs. The Chapman Film Connection, a private Facebook group for networking and discussing the industry, is open to alumni.

For more information about how to apply to Dodge College and what life is like for Dodge College students, read FilmSchool's exclusive interview with the admissions committee:

Dodge College notable alumni​

Here are just a few accomplished creatives who went to Chapman’s film school:

Justin Simien (BFA ‘05) wrote and directed Dear White People in 2013, effectively putting himself on the map as a master of satirical storytelling. That same year, Simien made headlines by making Variety’s top 10 directors to watch. In 2020, Simien wrote, directed, and produced the Rondo Hatton-nominated film "Bad Hair," a satirical black horror comedy starring Laverne Cox and Vanessa Williams.

Laura Zempel (BA ‘09), television editor, won her first Emmy Award in 2022 for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Drama Series for her work on HBO's "Euphoria." In 2023, Zempel and her co-editor, Nat Fuller, won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie for their work on "Beef."

Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer (BA ‘07), otherwise known as the Duffer brothers, found critical and commercial success in writing, directing, and producing "Stranger Things" in 2016. The horror-science fiction series features a star-studded cast, from Winona Rider to Millie Bobbie Brown, and has been nominated for 57 Emmy Awards with a total of 12 wins.

Film festivals for Dodge College students​

Every spring in New York City and every fall in Los Angeles, Dodge College hosts the Leo Freedman Foundation First Cut Screenings. The festival gives alumni, current students, and prospective students a glimpse into some of the best films made the previous year.

Dodge College’s Film Festival Office also helps students ship film prints to festival screenings, waives entry fees, and suggests student works for external film festival screening requests. The on-site Film Festival Specialist tracks film festival submissions and wins to better assist current and future students.

Internship and job opportunities at the Dodge College Career Center​

The Dodge College Career Center helps set film students up for success by providing these resources in one-on-one and group advising sessions:

• Internship matching and job support: Career counselors help film students secure internships with major motion picture studios, production companies, and cable networks such as A24, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and HBO.
• Professional development workshops: Film students attend workshops led by industry leaders, plus faculty and staff. They receive real-life advice and tips to support their filmmaking journey.
• College to career advising: Bridging the gap between the last year of film school and first industry jobs can be daunting. Faculty draw on their industry contacts to help film students succeed.
• Resume/CV building: Learn how to tailor your resume to internships and first jobs.

6 commonly asked questions about Dodge College of Media Film and Arts​

1. What is Dodge College of Film and Media Arts ranked?​

Dodge College consistently ranks among the best film schools nationwide. In addition to consistently ranking in The Hollywood Reporter's top 5 film programs, it also made Variety's annual list of the top 24 film schools nationwide.

2. How does the Admission Committee evaluate applications?​

Dodge College evaluates applications based on:

• Strength of undergraduate curriculum
• Grade trends and academic performance overall
• SAT/ACT/GRE scores (if you choose to have scores reviewed with your application)
• Personal Statement and Chapman University questions
• Letters of recommendation
• Extracurricular activities/jobs/non-academic activities or responsibilities
• Academic major and preparation for major

3. Does Chapman University offer Early Action and Early Decision?​

The University offers both options for undergraduate applicants. If admitted Early Decision, you must attend Chapman and withdraw all other film school applications. Admissions recommends only students who are confident that Chapman is their top choice apply for ED.

If admitted Early Action, you can still apply to other film schools and choose which film school you want to attend. For important dates and application deadlines, read “Chapman Application Deadlines and What to Expect After Applying for 2026 Entry."

4. How does Chapman University's waitlist work?​

First, confirm your interest by completing the Waitlist Reply Form within ten days. You may be asked to provide new or additional information. Being accepted off the waitlist is entirely dependent on how your academic background and aspirations align with the rest of the incoming class, plus the amount of space in your intended program of study.

5. How hard is it to get into Dodge College?​

Dodge College is competitive, with admissions rates for first-years and transfer students historically 10% or lower.

Visit FilmSchool.org's Application Database for more insights into how our members navigated the application process, including the lowest accepted GPA and other key data points that could help you determine your odds of acceptance.

6. Does Dodge College require an interview for acceptance?​

Graduates must sit for an interview to get accepted. Due to the high volume of applications each academic year, undergraduates do not receive interviews.

Information sessions and tours​

Dodge College offers virtual and in-person tours and information sessions for undergraduates and graduates. Many of these events are on a first come, first serve basis.

Undergraduate Dodge College of Film & Media Arts Tours (In-person)
Dates: Multiple dates available from Sept. through Dec. Tours will not be offered during Thanksgiving Week (Nov. 25-29, 2025) or after the fall semester concludes (Dec. 14-31, 2025).
Details: Take a one hour and fifteen-minute tour led by current Dodge students. Take a look inside Marion Knott Studios and the Digital Media Arts Center, and wrap up the tour with a Q&A about the undergraduate film program. Participants can also sign up to tour the rest of the Chapman University campus.
Click here to register

Undergraduate Dodge College of Film & Media Arts Tours (Virtual)
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Details: Take a virtual tour led by a current Dodge College student. Discuss the film program and its facilities, how to construct the Creative Supplement, and the admissions process including application deadlines. (Note: At the time of this update, 6 spots remain open.)
Click here to register

Graduate Dodge College of Film & Media Arts Tours (Virtual)
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Details: For one hour, meet with a Dodge College Graduate Admission Assistant and Admission Team member over Zoom to learn about the graduate film student experience and the admissions process. Finish the tour with a Q&A about the graduate film program.
Click here to register

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect application instructions for 2026 entry.​

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