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Pepperdine University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick

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

10
Pepperdine Wins
9
Tied / N/A
23
Rutgers Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Far West
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,553
Enrollment
37,751
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
58%
1384
SAT Average
1410
28
ACT Midpoint
30
1290-1450
SAT Range
1310-1500

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$17,929
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,441
$58,098
Average Net Price
$24,406
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$16,343
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$16,210
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$18,282
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,016
20%
Pell Grant Rate
28%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
35%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
84%
88%
Retention Rate
93%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
53%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,593
18%
First-Gen Students
35%

Student Body

59%
Female
55%
44%
White
30%
19%
Hispanic
16%
4%
Black
7%
15%
Asian
34%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$61,263
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$67,665
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$74,479
$23,510
Median Debt
$21,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29x
78%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

185.98%
Mobility Rate
N/A
4309.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
431.5%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$124,100
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.76
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.02
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
7.4%

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.

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public

58% accept 84% grad $74,479 earnings $24,406 net

With an enrollment of over 37,000 students, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a great fit for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. The school stands out for its strong programs in Business and Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, and Biology. If you're looking to dive into a field with solid job prospects and a supportive academic community, this could be your place.

When we look at what happens after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn an average of $74,479 within a decade of finishing their degrees. That’s a solid return on investment, especially when you consider the affordability of Rutgers. The net price after financial aid is $24,406, which is reasonable given the earning potential. This environment supports students not just in their studies, but in launching successful careers.

Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things. With a median debt of $21,500, students often leave with manageable loans, especially if they utilize financial aid options. The blend of affordability and strong career outcomes suggests that students who put in the effort here tend to thrive, especially those who are driven and engaged. If you're ready to take on challenges and make the most of your education, Rutgers can be a great stepping stone to your future.

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