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Psychology, General at Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,438/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (125,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #891 of 926 Psychology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Psychology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $716K $697K $611K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 47% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$266,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$181,636
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,580
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,882
173% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $23,438 per year, Psychology, General graduates from Pepperdine University earn below the $31,705 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Psychology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,580 against $23,438/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #891 ranking among 926 Psychology, General programs places Pepperdine University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,438-to-$63,882 earnings arc over five years reflects a 173% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,629 students in Malibu, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $181,636 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pepperdine University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Industrial-organizational psychologists $109,840/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 926 schools offering Psychology, General →

Psychology, General at Other Schools

Bentley University ($62,218) Georgetown University ($51,959) Bucknell University ($51,645) Gettysburg College ($50,040) Trinity College ($48,406) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($48,299) The University of Texas Permian Basin ($46,009) Charter Oak State College ($45,428)

Other Majors at Pepperdine University

Business Administration, Management and Operations ($69,751) Economics ($54,267) Communication and Media Studies ($48,398) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($45,988) Journalism ($42,536) Political Science and Government ($42,306) International/Global Studies ($36,920) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($34,388)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Psychology, General trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Psychology, General at Pepperdine University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology, General at Pepperdine University?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Pepperdine University a good choice for Psychology, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Pepperdine University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →