Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs Pepperdine University
- Drexel Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 15
- Pepperdine Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Drexel University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Pepperdine University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 78%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $58,098 compared to Drexel University's $38,509. Students who choose Drexel University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,648 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Drexel
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Pepperdine University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $38,509, roughly $19,589 a year less
Pepperdine
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,510, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 63% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% 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 Drexel University over Pepperdine University. Median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment vs $82,939.
Pick Drexel University over Pepperdine University. Net price $38,509 vs $58,098.
Pick Pepperdine University over Drexel University. 84% completion rate vs 78%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Drexel University and Pepperdine University are close on paper, but Pepperdine University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Pepperdine University is the harder admit. It takes 63% of applicants, while Drexel University takes 79%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,345 to 1,384.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Pepperdine 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, Drexel University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $38,509, about $19,589 a year below Pepperdine University's $58,098. Graduates of Pepperdine University also borrow less: median debt of $23,510, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $78,356 before any change in aid. Choosing Drexel University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Drexel University graduates report median earnings of $84,648, compared with $82,939 at Pepperdine University. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Pepperdine University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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
Pepperdine University graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 78%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Drexel University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Drexel University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Engineering, while Pepperdine University leans toward Communications, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Drexel University has less business program depth, and Pepperdine University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Drexel University's enrollment of 13,233 far exceeds Pepperdine University's 3,553.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $58,098 runs well above Drexel University's $38,509.
- Engineering-focused students: Drexel University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pepperdine holds onto its admits more tightly: 12% of admitted students enroll, versus 7% at Drexel — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Pepperdine offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Drexel does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.
After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.
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
Drexel University is featured on the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% of enrollment), while Pepperdine leads with Business Administration (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Drexel) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Pepperdine).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Health Professions, Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts, while Pepperdine University concentrates in Communications, Social Sciences, 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 Drexel University or Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University is harder to get into, admitting 63% of applicants compared with 79% at Drexel University.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or Pepperdine University?
Drexel University is more affordable, with an average net price of $38,509 after aid versus $58,098 at Pepperdine University.
Do Drexel University or Pepperdine University graduates earn more?
Drexel University graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,939 at Pepperdine University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 78%.
Should you choose Drexel University or Pepperdine University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Drexel University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Pepperdine University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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