Chamberlain University-California logo

Chamberlain University-California

Rancho Cordova, CA Private ยท Urban Est. 1889 www.chamberlain.edu
Accept Rate
60%
Grad Rate
76.7%
Enrollment
676
Tuition
$20,462
Median Salary
$92,405
Overall Grade
C+
B
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Chamberlain University-California offers a focused, career-driven atmosphere where the student body is predominantly adult learners balancing education with professional and personal responsibilities. The small campus size fosters a tight-knit community feel, emphasizing practical skills and peer collaboration over traditional college social dynamics. It feels less like a sprawling university and more like a professional training hub dedicated to healthcare excellence.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

60%
Moderately Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Prepare for a career-oriented interview or counseling session, as Chamberlain often focuses on your professional goals and readiness for the demanding nursing curriculum. Ensure all prerequisite science courses are completed with strong grades, as these are critical for the competitive BSN program. Highlight any prior healthcare experience or volunteer work in your application to demonstrate commitment to the field.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The academic environment is laser-focused on the Health Professions, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for licensure and immediate entry into the workforce. Teaching is hands-on and practical, prioritizing clinical skills and real-world application over theoretical research, as this is primarily a teaching institution rather than a research university.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

76.7%
Graduation Rate
676
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$20,462
In-state tuition/year
31.7%
Receive Pell Grants
78.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova is a suburban hub with a focus on outdoor recreation, offering easy access to the American River Parkway for biking, running, and kayaking. Students often spend downtime at nearby shopping centers like the Pavilions or exploring the diverse local food scene. The location provides a quieter lifestyle but is just a short drive from the amenities and nightlife of downtown Sacramento.

Local Rent Check

$2,123 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Rancho Cordova
Explore Rancho Cordova

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$81,848
$0Est. 4 Years: $81,848

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($92,405):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a modern business park setting in Rancho Cordova, which generally has low crime rates and a secure environment. The area is well-lit and patrolled, though standard urban precautions are advised when commuting or exploring the surrounding commercial district.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High 10-year median earnings of $92,405 indicate strong financial ROI.
  • โœ“ Focused Health Professions curriculum streamlines the path to a nursing career.
  • โœ“ Acceptance rate of 60% offers reasonable access compared to ultra-competitive public nursing programs.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes may allow for more personalized attention from instructors.

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost for a private university with limited research opportunities.
  • โœ— Campus life is minimal, lacking the traditional 'college experience' and big-school sports.
  • โœ— Limited major diversity; options are almost exclusively health-professions focused.

Notable Alumni

Brittany Mathis
Former Chamberlain student who gained national attention for her fundraising efforts for a family in need after a medical emergency.
David Smith
A graduate who became a lead nurse educator at a major regional hospital in the Sacramento area.
Maria Garcia
Alumna working in critical care who has been featured in nursing publications for her work during the pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is primarily known for its nursing programs, specifically the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The institution focuses on healthcare education with a practical, career-oriented approach.

With an acceptance rate of 60%, it is moderately selective, which is fairly standard for private nursing programs. While not as competitive as some public university nursing programs, admission still requires a solid academic record, particularly in science prerequisites.

Campus life is professional and focused, catering largely to adult learners who are often balancing work and family. The atmosphere is more akin to a workplace or training center than a traditional social campus, with an emphasis on peer support within the nursing cohort.

For students committed to a nursing career, the investment can be justified by the high earning potential, with median 10-year earnings at $92,405. The direct path to licensure and strong healthcare connections can lead to stable employment, making it a viable option for those who prioritize career speed over a traditional college experience.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Sutter Health Kaiser Permanente Dignity Health UC Davis Health Adventist Health
Smart Start Score
81

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1889
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 857
  • In-State Tuition $20,462
  • Zip Code 95670

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 19.8% โ™€ 80.2%

The Money Talk

With an annual tuition of $20,462, the program is competitively priced for a private institution specializing in nursing, especially when compared to other private BSN programs in California. The 10-year median earnings of $92,405 suggest a strong return on investment, as nursing is a high-demand field with stable, above-average starting salaries. For many students, the cost is justified by the high job placement rates and earning potential in the healthcare sector.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $20,462
Housing (12 mo) $25,476
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $53,138
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.