Accounting at Pepperdine University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | — | $89,165 | — | — |
| Santa Clara University | $78,417 | $101,411 | $19,250 | 0.25 |
| University of Southern California | $73,903 | $90,072 | $16,500 | 0.22 |
| California Lutheran University | $72,696 | $75,436 | $21,858 | 0.30 |
| University of San Francisco | $72,588 | $92,299 | $24,660 | 0.34 |
| Menlo College | $71,067 | $92,161 | $26,955 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara | $59,241 | $78,417 | $19,250 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $73,903 | $16,500 |
| California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks | $50,670 | $72,696 | $21,858 |
| University of San Francisco San Francisco | $58,222 | $72,588 | $24,660 |
| Menlo College Atherton | $51,070 | $71,067 | $26,955 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Pepperdine University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.