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Pepperdine University vs Swarthmore College

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

10
Pepperdine Wins
5
Tied / N/A
27
Swarthmore Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Far West
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,553
Enrollment
1,613
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
7%
1384
SAT Average
1534
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1290-1450
SAT Range
1490-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$65,494
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,494
$58,098
Average Net Price
$23,149
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,690
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,951
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$11,444
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$47,544
20%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
11%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
93%
88%
Retention Rate
94%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
94%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,961
18%
First-Gen Students
27%

Student Body

59%
Female
55%
44%
White
30%
19%
Hispanic
16%
4%
Black
9%
15%
Asian
17%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.82

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$56,211
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$72,890
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$80,257
$23,510
Median Debt
$17,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22x
78%
Earning Above HS
62%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

185.98%
Mobility Rate
228.61%
4309.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4912.8%
431.5%
From Bottom 20%
465.3%
$124,100
Parent Median Income
$135,900

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.84
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
14.1%

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.

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private nonprofit

7% accept 93% grad $80,257 earnings $23,149 net

With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Swarthmore College is a great fit for students who are academically driven and ready to be challenged. The school attracts those who are passionate about their studies, especially in areas like Social Sciences, Computer Science and IT, Biology, and the Visual and Performing Arts. The strong emphasis on a well-rounded education means students here are not just focusing on their major but are encouraged to explore a variety of disciplines, which can lead to a richer college experience.

Looking ahead, graduates from Swarthmore can expect substantial earnings, with a median income of $80,257 ten years after they leave. This is a significant figure that reflects both the quality of education and the strong alumni network that can support career growth. The affordability aspect is also noteworthy; while college can be expensive, the net price after aid is about $23,149, which makes it more accessible for many families. This balance of cost and outcome is crucial for students considering their long-term financial futures.

In terms of financial health, students graduate with a median debt of $17,500, which is relatively manageable compared to other institutions. Those who thrive at Swarthmore tend to be self-motivated and engaged, finding ways to not only excel academically but also to make the most of the college experience through extracurricular activities and community involvement. This school cultivates a culture where hard work and curiosity can lead to both personal and professional success.

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