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Psychology at Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Psychology, General
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 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

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 →

Psychology 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 trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 at Pepperdine University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Psychology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Psychology 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 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 →