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Pepperdine University vs Williams College

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

13
Pepperdine Wins
5
Tied / N/A
24
Williams Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Town
Far West
Region
New England
3,553
Enrollment
2,076
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

63%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1384
SAT Average
1533
28
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1290-1450
SAT Range
1490-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$69,918
In-State Tuition
$68,560
$69,918
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,560
$58,098
Average Net Price
$17,716
$50,560
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,610
$42,674
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-1,727
$51,063
Net Price ($48-75K)
$-1,978
$65,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,594
20%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
37%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
95%
88%
Retention Rate
97%
47%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$14,314
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,317
18%
First-Gen Students
22%

Student Body

59%
Female
51%
44%
White
47%
19%
Hispanic
14%
4%
Black
6%
15%
Asian
12%
0.74
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$64,934
Earnings (6yr)
$71,754
$72,056
Earnings (8yr)
$79,082
$82,939
Earnings (10yr)
$88,665
$23,510
Median Debt
$12,761
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
78%
Earning Above HS
68%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

185.98%
Mobility Rate
98.66%
4309.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3087.0%
431.5%
From Bottom 20%
319.6%
$124,100
Parent Median Income
$184,000

Social Capital

1.86
Economic Connectedness
1.85
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
10.6%

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.

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $88,665 earnings $17,716 net

With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.

Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.

When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.

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