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Colgate University vs Pepperdine University

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

21
Colgate Wins
7
Tied / N/A
14
Pepperdine Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Rural
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Far West
3,180
Enrollment
3,553
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

14%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1508
SAT Average
1384
33
ACT Midpoint
28
1430-1540
SAT Range
1290-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,306
In-State Tuition
$69,918
$70,306
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,918
$28,786
Average Net Price
$58,098
$6,086
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$50,560
$2,678
Net Price ($30-48K)
$42,674
$13,617
Net Price ($48-75K)
$51,063
$48,234
Net Price ($110K+)
$65,081
13%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
84%
93%
Retention Rate
88%
93%
Full-Time Faculty
47%
$13,098
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,314
18%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

58%
Female
59%
64%
White
44%
10%
Hispanic
19%
4%
Black
4%
5%
Asian
15%
0.56
Diversity Index
0.74

Outcomes

$64,949
Earnings (6yr)
$64,934
$74,696
Earnings (8yr)
$72,056
$85,139
Earnings (10yr)
$82,939
$15,000
Median Debt
$23,510
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
79%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

87.41%
Mobility Rate
185.98%
3653.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4309.9%
239.2%
From Bottom 20%
431.5%
$208,900
Parent Median Income
$124,100

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.4%
Volunteering Rate
5.8%

The Overviews

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit

14% accept 91% grad $85,139 earnings $28,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Colgate University attracts students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply with their studies. This school is a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The tight-knit community and emphasis on critical thinking make it a place where students can really thrive.

After graduation, Colgate alums see an impressive median earnings of $85,139 after ten years. This strong financial outcome reflects not just the quality of education, but also the commitment of students to leverage their degrees in meaningful ways. While the Pell Grant rate sits at 13%, the majority of students manage to find success in their careers, illustrating that hard work and dedication pay off.

On the practical side, the net price after aid stands at $28,786, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $15,000 is relatively low, suggesting that most students graduate with a solid financial footing. Those who tend to thrive here are motivated individuals seeking a challenging academic environment and who value the connections made during their time at Colgate.

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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