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Pepperdine University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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

10
Pepperdine Wins
10
Tied / N/A
26
Rensselaer Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Far West
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,553
Enrollment
5,714
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
63%
1384
SAT Average
1456
28
ACT Midpoint
33
1290-1450
SAT Range
1375-1510

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$64,081
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,081
$58,098
Average Net Price
$36,228
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$24,078
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$26,289
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$28,212
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,541
20%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
51%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
83%
88%
Retention Rate
91%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
89%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,820
18%
First-Gen Students
14%

Student Body

59%
Female
34%
44%
White
45%
19%
Hispanic
11%
4%
Black
5%
15%
Asian
22%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$83,054
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$95,369
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$102,051
$23,510
Median Debt
$23,750
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.23x
78%
Earning Above HS
89%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

185.98%
Mobility Rate
304.91%
4309.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6462.1%
431.5%
From Bottom 20%
471.8%
$124,100
Parent Median Income
$114,200

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.79
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.02
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
5.7%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#104
N/A
Teaching Score
50.5
N/A
Research Score
54.6
N/A
Citations Score
64.9

The Overviews

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.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private nonprofit

63% accept 83% grad $102,051 earnings $36,228 net

With an enrollment of about 5,700 students, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, is a great fit for those looking to dive deep into STEM fields. With programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Mathematics, it attracts students who are serious about blending technical skills with practical applications. The acceptance rate of 63% means there's room for a diverse range of applicants, making it accessible without compromising on the quality of education.

After graduation, Rensselaer alumni can expect solid financial outcomes. With a ten-year earnings average of $102,051, students typically see a significant return on their investment in education. That’s a strong indicator of how well graduates navigate the workforce, especially in fields like engineering and tech, which are in high demand. This financial success is paired with a net price of $36,228 after aid, making it a reasonable choice for those who are willing to invest in their future.

When it comes to affordability, the median debt for graduates is $23,750, which is quite manageable given the earning potential. The 20% Pell Grant rate suggests that there's support for low-income students, but the school also attracts a mix of others who thrive on the collaborative and rigorous environment. If you're motivated, willing to engage deeply with your studies, and interested in a strong career trajectory, Rensselaer could be a great match for you.

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