Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Pepperdine University
- Fordham Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 11
- Pepperdine Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Fordham University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Pepperdine University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 81%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $58,098 compared to Fordham University's $44,338. Students who choose Fordham University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $85,569 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Pepperdine University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $44,338, roughly $13,760 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 59% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
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
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% 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 Fordham University over Pepperdine University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $82,939.
Pick Fordham University over Pepperdine University. Net price $44,338 vs $58,098.
Pick Fordham University over Pepperdine University. 4% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Pepperdine University over Fordham University. 84% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and Pepperdine University are close on paper, but Fordham University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Fordham University is the harder admit. It takes 59% of applicants, while Pepperdine University takes 63%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,384.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Fordham 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, Fordham University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $44,338, about $13,760 a year below Pepperdine University's $58,098. Graduates of Pepperdine University also borrow less: median debt of $23,510, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $55,040 before any change in aid. Choosing Fordham University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Fordham University graduates report median earnings of $85,569, compared with $82,939 at Pepperdine University. That is a 3% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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.
Moving people up
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Pepperdine University, it is 1.9%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Fordham University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, while Pepperdine University leans toward Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Pepperdine University's 3,553.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $58,098 runs well above Fordham University's $44,338.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pepperdine offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Fordham 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
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
Fordham University and Pepperdine University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Communications, Fordham University ranks #13 — Fordham University outranks Pepperdine University by 6 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Fordham's student body and 23% of Pepperdine's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Pepperdine).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, while Pepperdine University concentrates in 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 Fordham University or Pepperdine University?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 63% at Pepperdine University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Pepperdine University?
Fordham University is more affordable, with an average net price of $44,338 after aid versus $58,098 at Pepperdine University.
Do Fordham University or Pepperdine University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,939 at Pepperdine University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 81%.
Fordham University vs Pepperdine University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Fordham University or Pepperdine University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Fordham University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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