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Pepperdine University vs University of California-San Diego

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

6
Pepperdine Wins
11
Tied / N/A
25
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Far West
Region
Far West
3,553
Enrollment
34,948
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
27%
1384
SAT Average
N/A
28
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1290-1450
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$16,758
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,958
$58,098
Average Net Price
$12,470
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,525
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$8,155
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,942
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$28,785
20%
Pell Grant Rate
34%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
21%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
87%
88%
Retention Rate
94%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$19,117
18%
First-Gen Students
40%

Student Body

59%
Female
52%
44%
White
17%
19%
Hispanic
27%
4%
Black
2%
15%
Asian
35%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$65,669
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$77,893
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$84,943
$23,510
Median Debt
$15,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
78%
Earning Above HS
73%

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
1.83
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
12.1%

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.

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

27% accept 87% grad $84,943 earnings $12,470 net

The University of California-San Diego has an impressive graduation rate of 87%. This high percentage reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. It stands out in California's competitive higher education landscape, making it an attractive option for many students.

According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC San Diego graduates have a 10-year earning potential of $84,943. This earning figure positions the university as a strong pathway for upward mobility, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. The data indicates that a significant portion of graduates experience substantial economic advancement post-graduation.

Practical considerations are also favorable. The net price for attending UC San Diego is $12,470, making it a relatively affordable option compared to other institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Biology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, fields that are in high demand in today's job market.

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