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Fairfield University vs Pepperdine University

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

19
Fairfield Wins
5
Tied / N/A
18
Pepperdine Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Far West
5,373
Enrollment
3,553
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

33%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1335
SAT Average
1384
29
ACT Midpoint
28
1260-1390
SAT Range
1290-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,350
In-State Tuition
$69,918
$58,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,918
$48,095
Average Net Price
$58,098
$33,302
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$50,560
$35,155
Net Price ($30-48K)
$42,674
$26,953
Net Price ($48-75K)
$51,063
$50,773
Net Price ($110K+)
$65,081
7%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
43%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
84%
91%
Retention Rate
88%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
47%
$13,298
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,314
17%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

65%
Female
59%
79%
White
44%
9%
Hispanic
19%
1%
Black
4%
2%
Asian
15%
0.36
Diversity Index
0.74

Outcomes

$73,693
Earnings (6yr)
$64,934
$87,663
Earnings (8yr)
$72,056
$88,794
Earnings (10yr)
$82,939
$26,000
Median Debt
$23,510
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
85%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

157.73%
Mobility Rate
185.98%
6319.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4309.9%
249.6%
From Bottom 20%
431.5%
$151,500
Parent Median Income
$124,100

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.01
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
5.8%

The Overviews

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit

33% accept 84% grad $88,794 earnings $48,095 net

Fairfield University has an impressive graduation rate of 84%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high rate suggests a strong support system and engaged faculty, which helps students navigate their academic journey.

According to Opportunity Insights data, Fairfield's graduates earn a median income of $88,794 ten years after enrollment. This figure points to the university’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market, particularly in fields like Business, Health Professions, and Communications. While the Pell Grant rate stands at 7%, indicating limited access for low-income students, the potential for upward mobility remains significant for those who do enroll.

The cost of attending Fairfield is notable, with a net price of $48,095 and a median debt of $26,000. Students who thrive here are often those pursuing careers in high-demand sectors, leveraging the university's strong programs in Business and Health Professions. Graduates leave with solid earning potential, which helps to mitigate the financial burden of 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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