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Harvard University vs Pepperdine University

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

29
Harvard Wins
8
Tied / N/A
9
Pepperdine Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Far West
7,601
Enrollment
3,553
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1553
SAT Average
1384
35
ACT Midpoint
28
1510-1580
SAT Range
1290-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$61,676
In-State Tuition
$69,918
$61,676
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,918
$19,066
Average Net Price
$58,098
$8,697
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$50,560
$2,991
Net Price ($30-48K)
$42,674
$2,091
Net Price ($48-75K)
$51,063
$53,337
Net Price ($110K+)
$65,081
16%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
4%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
84%
98%
Retention Rate
88%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
47%
$25,048
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,314
26%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

50%
Female
59%
31%
White
44%
12%
Hispanic
19%
9%
Black
4%
22%
Asian
15%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.74

Outcomes

$99,572
Earnings (6yr)
$64,934
$101,095
Earnings (8yr)
$72,056
$101,817
Earnings (10yr)
$82,939
$14,000
Median Debt
$23,510
0.14x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
88%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

175.92%
Mobility Rate
185.98%
5774.2%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4309.9%
304.7%
From Bottom 20%
431.5%
$174,000
Parent Median Income
$124,100

Social Capital

1.69
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.02
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.6%
Volunteering Rate
5.8%

Research (Times HE)

#1
World Rank
N/A
99.7
Teaching Score
N/A
98.7
Research Score
N/A
98.8
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

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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