Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs Pepperdine University
- Bentley Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 10
- Pepperdine Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,930 vs Pepperdine University's $58,098, Bentley University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Bentley University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $120,959 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bentley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, 46% more than Pepperdine University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $20,168 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Pepperdine
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,510, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Pepperdine in Business & Marketing (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Bentley University over Pepperdine University. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $82,939.
Pick Bentley University over Pepperdine University. Net price $37,930 vs $58,098.
Pick Bentley University over Pepperdine University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Bentley University over Pepperdine University. 88% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and Pepperdine University are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Bentley University is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Pepperdine University takes 63%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,384.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Bentley University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Bentley University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,930, about $20,168 a year below Pepperdine University's $58,098. Graduates of Pepperdine University also borrow less: median debt of $23,510, against $25,023.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $80,672 before any change in aid. Choosing Bentley University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bentley University graduates report median earnings of $120,959, compared with $82,939 at Pepperdine University. That is a 46% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 46% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Bentley University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Bentley University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Pepperdine University, it is 1.9%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Bentley University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Bentley University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Pepperdine University leans toward Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Bentley competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $58,098 runs well above Bentley University's $37,930.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Pepperdine University's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 12% at Pepperdine — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bentley University
Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit
At Bentley University, students who are interested in business, technology, and social sciences will find a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. With an acceptance rate of 45%, this private nonprofit school draws in a diverse group of around 4,474 students. The focus here is on practical skills and real-world applications, making programs in Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Health Professions particularly popular.
When looking ahead to life after graduation, Bentley graduates see impressive financial outcomes. On average, they earn about $120,959 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure is significant because it reflects the university's strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers. While 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to affordability for those who need it, the overall financial picture remains favorable for graduates.
Considering the practicalities, the net price after aid stands at $37,930, which is manageable relative to the median debt of $25,023. This debt load is reasonable and allows many graduates to thrive in their early careers. Bentley is ideal for motivated individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and the broader community, setting themselves up for success in a competitive job market.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at Pepperdine University can expect to earn an average of $82,939 a decade after graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's emphasis on high-demand fields such as Business, Communications, and Psychology. With a graduation rate of 84%, many students successfully complete their degrees and enter the workforce with solid earning prospects.
The Opportunity Insights data for Pepperdine is limited, but the university's environment supports upward mobility. The 20% Pell Grant rate indicates that a portion of students comes from low-income backgrounds. While specific mobility rates are not available, graduates typically enter fields that contribute positively to economic advancement.
Financial considerations are crucial for prospective students. The net price of attending Pepperdine stands at $58,098, while the median debt for graduates is $23,510. Students who thrive here tend to be driven, particularly in fields like Business and the Arts, where creativity and leadership skills are essential.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and Pepperdine University appear together in 9 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks Pepperdine University by 45 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 90% of Bentley's student body and 23% of Pepperdine's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bentley) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Pepperdine).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Pepperdine University concentrates in Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bentley University or Pepperdine University?
Bentley University is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 63% at Pepperdine University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or Pepperdine University?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $58,098 at Pepperdine University.
Do Bentley University or Pepperdine University graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,939 at Pepperdine University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or Pepperdine University?
Bentley University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 84%.
Bentley University vs Pepperdine University: which is better for social mobility?
Bentley University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Bentley University or Pepperdine University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bentley University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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