Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Pepperdine University
- George Washington Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 11
- Pepperdine Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $36,586 vs Pepperdine University's $58,098, George Washington University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Washington University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than Pepperdine University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $21,512 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Pepperdine
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% 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 George Washington University over Pepperdine University. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $82,939.
Pick George Washington University over Pepperdine University. Net price $36,586 vs $58,098.
Pick George Washington University over Pepperdine University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Pepperdine University are close on paper, but George Washington University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
George Washington University is the harder admit. It takes 47% of applicants, while Pepperdine University takes 63%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,384.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Washington 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, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $21,512 a year below Pepperdine University's $58,098. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $23,510.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $86,048 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $82,939 at Pepperdine University. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Pepperdine University, it is 1.9%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington 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 George Washington 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. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, 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: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Pepperdine University's 3,553.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $58,098 runs well above George Washington University's $36,586.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Washington holds onto its admits more tightly: 19% of admitted students enroll, versus 12% at Pepperdine — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Pepperdine, where only about 28% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
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
George Washington University is featured on the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
George Washington's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Pepperdine leads with Business Administration (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Pepperdine).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Health Professions, while Pepperdine University concentrates in Communications. 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.
George Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Pepperdine University?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 63% at Pepperdine University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Pepperdine University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $58,098 at Pepperdine University.
Do George Washington University or Pepperdine University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,939 at Pepperdine University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Pepperdine University?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 84%.
George Washington University vs Pepperdine University: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Pepperdine University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington 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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