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Pepperdine University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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

12
Pepperdine Wins
10
Tied / N/A
24
Virginia Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Far West
Region
Southeast
3,553
Enrollment
30,923
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
55%
1384
SAT Average
1364
28
ACT Midpoint
29
1290-1450
SAT Range
1280-1450

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$15,948
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,764
$58,098
Average Net Price
$24,953
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$11,689
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$11,670
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,894
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$34,201
20%
Pell Grant Rate
15%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
34%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
86%
88%
Retention Rate
93%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
99%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,162
18%
First-Gen Students
18%

Student Body

59%
Female
46%
44%
White
57%
19%
Hispanic
10%
4%
Black
6%
15%
Asian
14%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.64

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$67,377
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$75,717
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$81,698
$23,510
Median Debt
$21,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
78%
Earning Above HS
82%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

185.98%
Mobility Rate
135.19%
4309.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4751.9%
431.5%
From Bottom 20%
284.5%
$124,100
Parent Median Income
$123,300

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.76
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
6.6%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#251-275
N/A
Teaching Score
36.9
N/A
Research Score
40.4
N/A
Citations Score
30.3

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.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

55% accept 86% grad $81,698 earnings $24,953 net

With an enrollment of over 30,000 students, Virginia Tech stands out as a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Business and Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The acceptance rate of 55% means that while it's competitive, many students can find a place here. The strong graduation rate of 86% indicates that students are not just getting in, but also succeeding in completing their degrees, which is a big deal when you think about the investment in time and resources.

For graduates, the financial payoff is significant. On average, alumni earn about $81,698 a decade after finishing their degrees. This level of earnings suggests that the education received here translates well into the job market. While the net price after aid is $24,953, the relatively low median debt of $21,500 means that most students don’t leave with an overwhelming financial burden, making the prospect of repayment more manageable.

When it comes to who thrives at Virginia Tech, students who are practical, focused, and drawn to STEM or business disciplines often find their niche. The campus is supportive and encourages collaboration, which is beneficial for those looking to build networks. With a Pell Grant rate of 15%, it’s clear that some financial aid is available, but it’s important to consider how this fits into your overall financial picture. Ultimately, students who are proactive and engaged with their education here tend to do well both during their studies and as they transition into their careers.

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