Journalism at Pepperdine University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Pepperdine University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Pepperdine University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all journalism bachelors 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
Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | $42,536 | $45,717 | — | — |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $48,637 | $54,626 | $19,333 | 0.40 |
| University of Southern California | $44,651 | $59,071 | $16,250 | 0.36 |
| Biola University | $41,997 | $40,172 | $27,000 | 0.64 |
| Chapman University | $41,645 | $60,210 | $22,500 | 0.54 |
| California State University-Chico | $35,668 | $42,869 | $18,750 | 0.53 |
| National Median | $34,515 | — | $24,250 | 0.70 |
Other Journalism Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $48,637 | $19,333 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $44,651 | $16,250 |
| Biola University La Mirada | $46,704 | $41,997 | $27,000 |
| Chapman University Orange | $62,784 | $41,645 | $22,500 |
| California State University-Chico Chico | $8,064 | $35,668 | $18,750 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.