Chapman University impressed many as it soared to new heights on National University Rankings.

The university saw an impressive rise in rankings, as it recently reached 121 in the U.S. News Best Colleges report. This is due to strides to increase the quality of education at the university over the last few years, as well as the commitment to give students the resources they need to be successful post-college.

“Chapman’s reputation is on a strong upward trajectory,” President Daniele C. Struppa said in a  Chapman News article. “We have intentionally built a university that attracts top-tier faculty, leading researchers and provides state-of-the-art facilities, all to offer our students a world-class, personalized education. Our graduates emerge as leaders and innovators, proud to be Chapman alumni. It’s rewarding to see our hard work recognized by our peers.”

The university also saw their work commended as the school’s majors such as business administration and computer science, were met with high regard. 

“I didn’t know we were that highly ranked, but it’s nice to know that the program I’m in is ranked highly because that means I’m getting a good education that will prepare me for the future,” said Maxine Shirakura, a sophomore business administration major. “It looks better in the case of a resume and future grad school opportunities.” 

The school also received multiple top 100 placements for its majors such as its communication studies major. 

“I love being a communication studies major because of how broad the major is,” explained Gabe McNeela, a sophomore communication studies major. “You can really go into any industry with this major and I like the flexibility in that.” 

The school ratings are obviously headlined by the well-rated Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, which houses the film program at Chapman. Going into the 2024-2025 school year, Dodge was able to retain its top four placement of film schools across the country, as stated by The Hollywood Reporter. 

“I like being a part of Dodge in many ways,” said Gina Faris, a senior film production major. “I like the close community and the ways in which you learn to work with others. The fact that so many Dodge professors are, or once were, active in the industry, makes me feel like I’m learning from people who can really help us strive in the working field. Dodge definitely isn’t perfect and every major is different, but overall I’d say I’m liking it.” 

Faris was further asked what being in such a highly regarded film school meant to her. 

“Truthfully, sometimes I forget it’s such a highly-ranked film school because I’m just so accustomed to it. I feel very lucky to be there, and knowing that we are recognized nationally is a good feeling. Not only that but there is also a certain motivation to work hard because I got the opportunity to go,” said Faris. “Even though Chapman should take pride in Dodge's success, I think if we focus too much on the rankings, we lose sight of why we are really here. Everyone goes to film school because they want to make films, not because they want to go to a school they can brag about.”

The school has made efforts for their programs to be well regarded and their effort shows. Students speak highly of their school’s majors and look forward to future innovations.