Pepperdine vs. Clarkson

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Clarkson based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 3,348 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Clarkson University is in Potsdam, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Clarkson University 13:1.

Pepperdine vs. Clarkson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson University than Pepperdine ($32,406 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarkson University are 16.1% lower than at Pepperdine University ($18,252 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson (about $10,520 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.7% higher at Pepperdine than at Clarkson University (about $10,520 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $59,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarkson University than at Pepperdine University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarkson University students is 72.8% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($46,528 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Clarkson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine or Clarkson? 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 Clarkson and Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 70 points higher than at Clarkson (1300).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Clarkson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Clarkson University 1200/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Clarkson University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Clarkson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Clarkson Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarkson students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Clarkson has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 9.5% at Clarkson.

Pepperdine vs. Clarkson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Clarkson? 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 Clarkson University's (72%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Clarkson graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $70,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pepperdine University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Clarkson graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pepperdine graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clarkson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.