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Bucknell University vs Pepperdine University

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

23
Bucknell Wins
5
Tied / N/A
14
Pepperdine Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Town
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Far West
3,876
Enrollment
3,553
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

29%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1410
SAT Average
1384
31
ACT Midpoint
28
1310-1470
SAT Range
1290-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,812
In-State Tuition
$69,918
$67,812
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,918
$40,766
Average Net Price
$58,098
$20,980
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$50,560
$12,276
Net Price ($30-48K)
$42,674
$23,679
Net Price ($48-75K)
$51,063
$55,724
Net Price ($110K+)
$65,081
12%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
84%
94%
Retention Rate
88%
97%
Full-Time Faculty
47%
$13,254
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,314
12%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

52%
Female
59%
73%
White
44%
9%
Hispanic
19%
4%
Black
4%
4%
Asian
15%
0.44
Diversity Index
0.74

Outcomes

$78,852
Earnings (6yr)
$64,934
$88,483
Earnings (8yr)
$72,056
$93,807
Earnings (10yr)
$82,939
$27,000
Median Debt
$23,510
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
88%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

146.01%
Mobility Rate
185.98%
5515.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4309.9%
264.8%
From Bottom 20%
431.5%
$149,800
Parent Median Income
$124,100

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
6.1%
Volunteering Rate
5.8%

The Overviews

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit

29% accept 86% grad $93,807 earnings $40,766 net

With an enrollment of about 3,876 students, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, is an excellent fit for those seeking a close-knit academic community. The school has a 29% acceptance rate, which reflects a selective approach to admissions, and an impressive graduation rate of 86%. Students here typically dive into programs like Social Sciences, Engineering, Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology, gaining both depth and breadth in their fields.

After graduation, Bucknell alumni find themselves in strong positions, with earnings averaging $93,807 a decade after they leave. This figure illustrates a solid return on investment for the education received, helping graduates build successful careers. While the median debt stands at $27,000, the balance seems manageable when considering the financial pathways that open up for graduates.

When we look at the cost of attendance, the net price after aid is about $40,766, which can feel significant but is often offset by the financial advantages graduates experience. Students who thrive here generally come with a sense of ambition and a commitment to making the most of the resources available. Bucknell seems to attract those ready to engage deeply in their studies and leverage their education for future success.

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit

63% accept 84% grad $82,939 earnings $58,098 net

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.

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