Head-to-Head Comparison
Pepperdine University vs University of San Francisco
- Pepperdine Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 14
- San Francisco Wins
- 30
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of San Francisco offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Pepperdine University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 71%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $58,098 compared to University of San Francisco's $41,431 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of San Francisco's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Pepperdine
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
San Francisco
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than Pepperdine University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $41,431, roughly $16,667 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.7%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Pepperdine graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% of degrees); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (18%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of San Francisco over Pepperdine University. Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment vs $82,939.
Pick University of San Francisco over Pepperdine University. Net price $41,431 vs $58,098.
Pick University of San Francisco over Pepperdine University. 2.7% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Pepperdine University over University of San Francisco. 84% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Pepperdine University and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but University of San Francisco wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of San Francisco is the harder admit. It takes 62% of applicants, while Pepperdine University takes 63%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,384 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of San Francisco sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of San Francisco comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $41,431, about $16,667 a year below Pepperdine University's $58,098. Graduates of University of San Francisco also borrow less: median debt of $23,000, against $23,510.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $66,668 before any change in aid. Choosing University of San Francisco leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of San Francisco graduates report median earnings of $89,812, compared with $82,939 at Pepperdine University. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of San Francisco has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Pepperdine University graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
University of San Francisco does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.7%; at Pepperdine University, it is 1.9%. University of San Francisco also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of San Francisco offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of San Francisco to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Pepperdine University concentrates enrollment in Communications, Social Sciences, while University of San Francisco leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $58,098 runs well above University of San Francisco's $41,431.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of San Francisco's enrollment of 5,287 far exceeds Pepperdine University's 3,553.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pepperdine holds onto its admits more tightly: 12% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit
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 San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Pepperdine University and University of San Francisco appear together in 5 rankings. On the Best Communications Colleges in California, Pepperdine University ranks #10 — Pepperdine University outranks University of San Francisco by 12 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Pepperdine's student body and 18% of San Francisco's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Pepperdine) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Pepperdine University is strongest in Communications, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Pepperdine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco is harder to get into, admitting 62% of applicants compared with 63% at Pepperdine University.
Which is more affordable, Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco is more affordable, with an average net price of $41,431 after aid versus $58,098 at Pepperdine University.
Do Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,939 at Pepperdine University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco?
Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 71%.
Pepperdine University vs University of San Francisco: which is better for social mobility?
University of San Francisco is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.7% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of San Francisco if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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