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Pepperdine University vs Washington and Lee University

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

12
Pepperdine Wins
5
Tied / N/A
25
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Town
Far West
Region
Southeast
3,553
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1384
SAT Average
1498
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1290-1450
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$58,098
Average Net Price
$23,781
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
20%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
94%
88%
Retention Rate
97%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
18%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

59%
Female
44%
44%
White
68%
19%
Hispanic
9%
4%
Black
5%
15%
Asian
5%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$23,510
Median Debt
$19,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
78%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

185.98%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
4309.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
431.5%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$124,100
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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