
Rancho Cordova, CAprivate forprofitchamberlain.edu
Admit rate has ranged 17%–60% over the last 4 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Chamberlain University-California is a nursing-focused institution with a pragmatic, career-oriented approach—its Rancho Cordova campus offers accelerated BSN programs designed to funnel students directly into healthcare roles. While its acceptance rates fluctuate wildly by source (from 25% to 87%), its outcomes speak louder: graduates report median earnings of $84,533 six years post-graduation, nearly double the national average. The school’s 'Chamberlain Care' ethos permeates its tight-knit, predominantly female (89.4%) student body, though its $38,046 net price and 50% graduation rate demand scrutiny.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Outcomes & value
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Chamberlain University-California’s admissions stats are a Rorschach test—sources cite Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 25% (its own website) to 87.5% (PrepScholar), with most clustering around 60-83%. The inconsistency suggests either shifting selectivity or methodological differences in reporting. What’s clear: this isn’t a stats-obsessed institution. SAT ranges (770-850) and ACT ranges (14-17) are modest, per Niche, and GPA requirements aren’t prominently advertised. The school appears to prioritize career intent over academic pedigree, typical for nursing programs.
Chamberlain is the #1 grantor of nursing degrees in the U.S., with a laser focus on BSN programs that can be completed in as few as 3 years. Its curriculum blends online coursework with live virtual classes and next-gen simulations—a hybrid model tailored to working students. Reddit and Quora threads highlight its CCNE-accredited programs as rigorous but supportive, though some critique the pace. The Irwindale campus (near Rancho Cordova) emphasizes hands-on skills immersion, a nod to California’s competitive healthcare job market. There’s no pretense of a liberal arts education here; this is vocational training with academic heft.
With 89.4% female enrollment (per U.S. News), Chamberlain’s culture orbits around its 'Chamberlain Care' philosophy—a blend of peer support and faculty accessibility. The Sacramento campus (marketed via YouTube virtual tours) offers simulation labs and study lounges, but this isn’t a typical residential college experience. Niche reviews mention limited traditional campus life (no dorms, sparse athletics), though the school promotes virtual student clubs and networking events. The vibe is commuter-friendly, with many students balancing jobs or family obligations alongside studies.
The payoff is tangible: median earnings hit $84,533 six years post-graduation (93% above national averages, per EdSmart), and 87% of graduates report employment. AGAC-NP exam pass rates are strong at 93.55%, though the 50% graduation rate (U.S. News) hints at attrition challenges. Short-term outcomes are softer—alumni earn $36,427 one year out (Niche)—suggesting a ramp-up period for nursing licensure and specialization. For those who persist, Chamberlain delivers ROI: its earnings outperform many liberal arts colleges.
The $38,046 net price (MeetYourClass) stings, though 38% of students receive grants/scholarships, averaging $5,388 annually. Federal aid dominates (average $5,878), with modest institutional support ($2,583). Chamberlain’s tuition page emphasizes financing options, including loans—a red flag for debt-wary students. The calculus hinges on those post-grad nursing salaries: if you land a job, the debt may be manageable. If not, the math gets dicier.
Chamberlain is a trade school in university clothing—unapologetically focused on nursing, with a 3-year BSN pipeline and earnings that justify its price tag for completers. Its 'Care' ethos fosters camaraderie among non-traditional students, though the 50% graduation rate reveals cracks in the support system. Ideal for self-directed learners who view college as a means to a scrubs-wearing end, not a holistic experience. In a state starving for nurses, Chamberlain’s gamble is that employers won’t ask about your SATs when they see your credentials.