At $45,409/yr net price, Pepperdine University graduates earn $82,939/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $48,939/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $45,409 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $181,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $82,939/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$48,939/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,510 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $36,463/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $38,065/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $40,201/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $42,253/yr |
| $110,001+ | $52,946/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $122,038 | $69,120 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Doctoral | $103,746 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $96,691 | $107,675 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $92,733 | $97,638 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $74,576 | $193,904 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $71,015 | $154,886 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,508 | |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $58,673 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $57,770 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
84.7% of students at Pepperdine University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Pepperdine delivers solid returns for business majors but creates dangerous debt loads in psychology and education graduate programs. The $82,939 median earnings justify the $45,409 annual cost for most undergraduates, though you'll need to choose your major carefully.
Business Administration graduates earn $92,733 annually but carry nearly $100,000 in debt, while Human Resources Management majors see the highest returns at $122,038 despite $69,120 in loans. Psychology students face the worst financial outcome with $193,904 in debt for $74,576 in annual earnings. Educational Administration creates a similarly troubling debt-to-income ratio at over $100,000 borrowed for $96,691 in yearly pay.
The school's Malibu location drives up living costs beyond the already high tuition, and only 19.61% of students receive financial aid. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive given the university's selective admissions. Your best financial strategy involves targeting undergraduate business programs while avoiding graduate degrees in soft sciences.
Pepperdine works financially if you can afford the high upfront costs without excessive borrowing and plan to enter business or corporate careers where the alumni network provides value. Skip this school if you need substantial financial aid, plan to study psychology or education, or cannot access family financial support for the premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pepperdine University worth the high cost?
Pepperdine's $45,409 annual net price is steep for median earnings of $82,939 ten years out. The school works best for students targeting high-paying fields like HR management or educational media design, where graduates earn $100,000+.
What are the best paying majors at Pepperdine University?
Human Resources Management leads at $122,038 median earnings, followed by Educational Media Design at $103,746. Business and educational administration programs also clear $90,000, while psychology majors earn considerably less at $74,576.
How much debt do Pepperdine University graduates typically have?
Median debt is $23,510, which is manageable compared to the high sticker price. Strong financial aid helps keep borrowing reasonable, though the net price remains high at over $45,000 annually.
Does Pepperdine University provide good financial aid?
The gap between full cost and $45,409 net price suggests significant aid, but families still face substantial expenses. With nearly half of applicants accepted, merit aid may be limited for average students.