Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Pepperdine University
Doctoral Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Pepperdine University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Pepperdine University graduates earn $85k, placing them in the 84th percentile of all clinical, counseling and applied psychology doctoral programs nationally.
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
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology doctoral's programs at peer institutions in California (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | $84,954 | $105,900 | — | — |
| Fuller Theological Seminary | $88,713 | — | — | — |
| San Diego State University | $84,055 | — | — | — |
| Biola University | $83,525 | $81,807 | — | — |
| University of the Pacific | $79,628 | — | — | — |
| The Chicago School at Los Angeles | $78,934 | $85,946 | — | — |
| National Median | $72,775 | — | — | — |
Other Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuller Theological Seminary Pasadena | — | $88,713 | — |
| San Diego State University San Diego | $8,290 | $84,055 | — |
| Biola University La Mirada | $46,704 | $83,525 | — |
| University of the Pacific Stockton | $55,340 | $79,628 | — |
| The Chicago School at Los Angeles Los Angeles | $20,844 | $78,934 | — |
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.