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Pepperdine University vs Western Governors University

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

10
Pepperdine Wins
15
Tied / N/A
17
Western Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Far West
Region
Rocky Mountains
3,553
Enrollment
155,088
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

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

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$8,658
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,658
$58,098
Average Net Price
$12,548
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$12,064
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$12,436
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$12,578
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$12,734
20%
Pell Grant Rate
39%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
43%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
48%
88%
Retention Rate
65%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$6,375
18%
First-Gen Students
47%

Student Body

59%
Female
69%
44%
White
50%
19%
Hispanic
16%
4%
Black
14%
15%
Asian
4%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.70

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$69,572
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$68,924
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$60,615
$23,510
Median Debt
$11,116
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
78%
Earning Above HS
71%

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
N/A
-0.01
Friending Bias
N/A
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
N/A

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.

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit

48% grad $60,615 earnings $12,548 net

With an enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City stands out as a solid choice for those seeking flexibility in their education. It caters well to non-traditional students, particularly in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Education, and Engineering. The online format allows for self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.

Looking at life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $60,615 ten years post-degree. This figure suggests that graduates are finding solid job opportunities. While the graduation rate is 48%, the income potential indicates that those who complete their programs are likely to see a good return on their investment, despite the challenges that might come with juggling work and studies.

On the practical side, the net price after aid comes in at $12,548, with a median debt of $11,116. This suggests that many students can manage their educational expenses without overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically self-motivated individuals who appreciate the autonomy of an online learning environment, making it a good fit for those ready to take charge of their education and career paths.

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