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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Pepperdine University

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

16
Pennsylvania Wins
9
Tied / N/A
17
Pepperdine Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Far West
42,284
Enrollment
3,553
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

61%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1337
SAT Average
1384
N/A
ACT Midpoint
28
1240-1420
SAT Range
1290-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$20,644
In-State Tuition
$69,918
$41,790
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,918
$32,875
Average Net Price
$58,098
$19,845
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$50,560
$20,049
Net Price ($30-48K)
$42,674
$25,667
Net Price ($48-75K)
$51,063
$37,831
Net Price ($110K+)
$65,081
14%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
40%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
84%
93%
Retention Rate
88%
86%
Full-Time Faculty
47%
$13,120
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,314
29%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

50%
Female
59%
63%
White
44%
9%
Hispanic
19%
5%
Black
4%
8%
Asian
15%
0.58
Diversity Index
0.74

Outcomes

$55,620
Earnings (6yr)
$64,934
$60,370
Earnings (8yr)
$72,056
$63,435
Earnings (10yr)
$82,939
$25,000
Median Debt
$23,510
0.39x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
73%
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

1.71
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
6.0%
Volunteering Rate
5.8%

The Overviews

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

61% accept 86% grad $63,435 earnings $32,875 net

With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.

After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.

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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