Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Pepperdine University at a Glance
Pepperdine University is a private research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ and with its main campus in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Pepperdine's main campus consists of 830 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu, California. Founded by entrepreneur George Pepperdine in South Los Angeles in 1937, the school expanded to Malibu in 1972. Courses are taught at the main Malibu campus, as well as the graduate campuses in the Un…
1937
89 years old
$1.3B
$1.3 billion (2024)
10,030
3,662 undergrad · 6,368 grad
421
830 acres
Identity
Is Pepperdine University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Pepperdine University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $82,939 — 54% above average — while paying $58,098/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.8-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 84% graduation rate means roughly 16% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Pepperdine University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Pepperdine University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #18 of 20 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 83 | $18,425 | $82,592 |
| #2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | 69 | $22,453 | $89,070 |
| #3 | DePauw University | 61 | $22,264 | $70,527 |
| #4 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 54 | $43,071 | $103,470 |
| #5 | University of the Pacific | 53 | $25,447 | $78,445 |
| #6 | Muhlenberg College | 49 | $28,905 | $69,107 |
| #18 | Pepperdine University | 30 | $58,098 | $82,939 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Pepperdine University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in CA.
Best Programs at Pepperdine University
The highest-earning program at Pepperdine University is Accounting and Related Services at $61,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $25,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Pepperdine University earns $61,900, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $25,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $26,806 in median debt vs. $20,500 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $58,098/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $61,900 | $61,900 | $26,806 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,600 | $54,600 | $28,000 |
| Economics | $49,700 | $49,700 | $23,250 |
| International Business | $44,900 | $44,900 | $23,462 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $41,700 | $41,700 | $24,224 |
| International/Global Studies | $35,900 | $35,900 | $24,500 |
| Psychology, General | $32,200 | $32,200 | $24,766 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $28,900 | $28,900 | $24,827 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $25,900 | $25,900 | $20,500 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Malibu, CA
- Student Body
- 3,553 students
- Admission Rate
- 63%
- Graduation Rate
- 84%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $58,098
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $82,939
- Median Student Debt
- $23,510