Economics at Pepperdine University

Pepperdine's Economics degree shows impressive earnings acceleration, with graduates jumping from $54,267 to $72,622 within four years—a 34% increase that suggests strong career trajectory rather than just an entry-level credential. That four-year mark puts graduates ahead of roughly 60% of California economics programs, though still well behind the state's powerhouses like Stanford and Berkeley. The $24,250 debt load sits above California's median of $16,805 for economics programs but remains manageable given the earnings trajectory.

The numbers tell a story of steady professional advancement. While first-year earnings are only modestly above national averages, by year four graduates are pulling meaningfully ahead, suggesting the Pepperdine network and academic preparation pay dividends as careers develop. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means graduates typically owe less than half their first-year salary—a reasonable starting point that improves significantly as earnings climb.

For families weighing the private school premium, Pepperdine delivers middle-of-the-pack performance among California economics programs but with notably stronger momentum than many competitors. You're not getting Stanford-level outcomes, but you're also not taking on Stanford-level debt, and the upward earnings curve suggests graduates are positioning themselves for continued growth beyond year four.