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Drexel University vs Pepperdine University

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

22
Drexel Wins
12
Tied / N/A
12
Pepperdine Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Far West
13,233
Enrollment
3,553
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

79%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1345
SAT Average
1384
29
ACT Midpoint
28
1240-1440
SAT Range
1290-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,412
In-State Tuition
$69,918
$62,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,918
$38,509
Average Net Price
$58,098
$28,055
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$50,560
$29,435
Net Price ($30-48K)
$42,674
$34,970
Net Price ($48-75K)
$51,063
$48,089
Net Price ($110K+)
$65,081
27%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
49%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

78%
Graduation Rate
84%
90%
Retention Rate
88%
58%
Full-Time Faculty
47%
$12,380
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,314
29%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

57%
Female
59%
40%
White
44%
9%
Hispanic
19%
10%
Black
4%
24%
Asian
15%
0.75
Diversity Index
0.74

Outcomes

$69,063
Earnings (6yr)
$64,934
$79,235
Earnings (8yr)
$72,056
$84,648
Earnings (10yr)
$82,939
$25,325
Median Debt
$23,510
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
83%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
185.98%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4309.9%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
431.5%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$124,100

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.86
-0.02
Friending Bias
-0.01
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
5.8%

Research (Times HE)

#190
World Rank
N/A
45
Teaching Score
N/A
35.9
Research Score
N/A
58.2
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

79% accept 78% grad $84,648 earnings $38,509 net

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

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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