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Pepperdine University vs University of Pennsylvania

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

7
Pepperdine Wins
8
Tied / N/A
31
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Far West
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,553
Enrollment
10,650
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1384
SAT Average
1553
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1290-1450
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$68,686
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,686
$58,098
Average Net Price
$28,699
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-3,012
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$316
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$10,439
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$55,972
20%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
10%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
97%
88%
Retention Rate
99%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
79%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,117
18%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

59%
Female
57%
44%
White
27%
19%
Hispanic
11%
4%
Black
9%
15%
Asian
28%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$90,555
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$100,118
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$111,371
$23,510
Median Debt
$15,715
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
78%
Earning Above HS
90%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

185.98%
Mobility Rate
176.28%
4309.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3025.0%
431.5%
From Bottom 20%
582.7%
$124,100
Parent Median Income
$95,400

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.88
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
7.8%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#109
N/A
Teaching Score
46.3
N/A
Research Score
49.2
N/A
Citations Score
77.6

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 Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $111,371 earnings $28,699 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.

Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.

Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.

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