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Davidson College vs Pepperdine University

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

20
Davidson Wins
6
Tied / N/A
16
Pepperdine Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
Far West
1,867
Enrollment
3,553
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

13%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1469
SAT Average
1384
N/A
ACT Midpoint
28
1400-1530
SAT Range
1290-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$64,410
In-State Tuition
$69,918
$64,410
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,918
$17,379
Average Net Price
$58,098
$9,497
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$50,560
$5,354
Net Price ($30-48K)
$42,674
$6,759
Net Price ($48-75K)
$51,063
$42,346
Net Price ($110K+)
$65,081
18%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
84%
95%
Retention Rate
88%
96%
Full-Time Faculty
47%
$13,033
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,314
16%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

46%
Female
59%
60%
White
44%
11%
Hispanic
19%
7%
Black
4%
5%
Asian
15%
0.60
Diversity Index
0.74

Outcomes

$62,866
Earnings (6yr)
$64,934
$71,470
Earnings (8yr)
$72,056
$81,400
Earnings (10yr)
$82,939
$18,688
Median Debt
$23,510
0.23x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
82%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

41.02%
Mobility Rate
185.98%
2968.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4309.9%
138.2%
From Bottom 20%
431.5%
$208,500
Parent Median Income
$124,100

Social Capital

1.76
Economic Connectedness
1.86
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.8%
Volunteering Rate
5.8%

The Overviews

Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private nonprofit

13% accept 91% grad $81,400 earnings $17,379 net

Davidson College is an ideal choice for students who thrive in a small, close-knit community, with an enrollment of just 1,867. With an acceptance rate of 13%, it attracts motivated individuals looking for a rigorous academic environment. Students here dive into a variety of programs, including Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical fields, Psychology, Physical Sciences, and Computer Science and IT. This range of studies suggests a strong commitment to understanding both the human experience and the scientific world.

Looking at life after graduation, we can see that Davidson graduates tend to do quite well for themselves, with an impressive 10-year earnings average of $81,400. This figure reflects the value of a Davidson degree in the job market. The affordability factor is also noteworthy, as 18% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps to lighten the financial burden for those who need it most.

In terms of finances, the net price after aid is around $17,379, which is manageable for many families. Graduates leave with a median debt of $18,688, a relatively low figure that suggests a commitment to keeping education accessible. Those who tend to thrive at Davidson are often self-driven, academically inclined, and deeply engaged in their communities, making the most of both their education and the connections they build during their time here.

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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