Pepperdine vs. Clark University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Clark University in Worcester, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Clark University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Clark University 8:1.

Pepperdine vs. Clark University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Clark University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Clark University than Pepperdine ($33,865 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 42.5% lower than at Pepperdine University ($12,500 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 18.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clark University (about $11,051 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at Pepperdine than at Clark University (about $11,051 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $58,867.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Pepperdine University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark University students is 28.7% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($34,667 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Clark University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine or Clark University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Clark University and Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is the same as at Clark University (1370).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Pepperdine).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Clark University 1288/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Clark University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Clark University (3.69).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than Clark University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 10.7% at Clark University.

Pepperdine vs. Clark University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Clark University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Pepperdine University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pepperdine University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clark University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pepperdine graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clark University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clark University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.