Pepperdine vs Alliant International University-San Diego

Pepperdine University and Alliant International University-San Diego, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to prospective students. Pepperdine, a private Christian university, boasts a picturesque Malibu campus and a strong liberal arts foundation, while Alliant, a private non-profit university, is renowned for its focus on psychology and social sciences. With acceptance rates of 34% and 70%, respectively, these universities cater to different levels of academic competitiveness. Pepperdine's student body is predominantly undergraduate, with a diverse mix of ethnicities and religious backgrounds, while Alliant's student population is more evenly distributed between undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on adult learners. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the best fit for your academic aspirations.

	Alliant International University-San Diego	Pepperdine University
Overview
Location	San Diego, California	Malibu, California
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate		93.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation		Churches of Christ

Admission
Acceptance rate	100.0%	52.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	1260 - 1440
ACT range	N/A	25 - 30
Students submitting SAT score		19.0%
Students submitting ACT score		3.0%
Total number of applicants	5	11,855
Total number of admissions given out	5	6,249
Admitted students who chose to enroll		1,024
Yield rate		16.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$37,386	$80,152
Average net price		$40,945
Tuition	$13,320	$59,450
Room & board		$16,700
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)		96.0% Average amount $36,967
Students receiving federal student loan		38.0% Average amount $5,171
Students taking out private loans		9.0% Average amount $12,899

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	378 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%	3,708 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
Graduate students	3,284 Men 22.6% Women 77.4%	6,738 Men 30.2% Women 69.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	46.9%
International students	0.6%	8.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	2,579
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	California Texas Washington Colorado Arizona

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Psychology Business Health Professions Legal Profession	Business Psychology Legal Profession Education Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	5:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	9.1%	83.0%
Dropout rate	27.3%	16.6%
Transferred out	63.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Research and Experimental Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $104,061 Year 2: $102,600 Year 3: $104,147 Human Resources Management and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $90,061 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $82,998 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $64,476 Year 2: $65,610 Year 3: $74,891 Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: $59,523 Year 2: $63,501 Year 3: $72,185 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $61,217 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $68,863 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,278 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $59,819 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $57,093 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,946 Year 2: $45,980 Year 3: $50,728 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: N/A Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,156 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,699 Year 2: $92,733 Year 3: $106,087 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $64,518 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $93,293 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $97,829 Year 2: $96,691 Year 3: $91,701 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $66,898 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $90,146 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,350 Year 2: $62,508 Year 3: $75,589 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,825 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $71,546 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,559 Year 2: $57,770 Year 3: $70,082 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,228 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $65,821 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,799 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $58,854 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,780 Year 2: $46,156 Year 3: $56,663

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in academic focus between Pepperdine University and Alliant International University-San Diego?

Pepperdine University offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, business, law, and international studies. Alliant International University-San Diego, on the other hand, specializes in psychology, education, and international relations, with a particular focus on applied fields and professional training. Alliant is known for its programs in clinical psychology and forensic studies.
How does the campus environment differ between Pepperdine and Alliant?

Pepperdine University boasts a stunning campus in Malibu, California, known for its beautiful ocean views and strong sense of community. It offers a more traditional, residential college experience. Alliant International University-San Diego has a more urban campus environment, often with multiple locations, and caters to a more diverse student body, including many working professionals and international students. The atmosphere is generally less focused on traditional campus life and more on practical application of knowledge.
What is the cost of attendance like at Pepperdine versus Alliant?

Pepperdine University typically has a higher tuition cost compared to Alliant International University-San Diego. This is due to factors such as Pepperdine's location, resources, and the nature of its programs. Alliant often offers more affordable tuition options, making it a more accessible choice for some students. However, financial aid and scholarships are available at both institutions, so it's important to explore those options.
How do the student populations compare at Pepperdine and Alliant?

Pepperdine University generally has a smaller student body with a more traditional undergraduate population. Alliant International University-San Diego tends to have a more diverse student body, including a larger proportion of graduate students, international students, and working professionals. This can lead to different social and academic experiences.
What are the strengths of Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University is highly regarded for its strong academic reputation, beautiful campus, and commitment to Christian values. It excels in areas like business, law, and international programs. The university also offers a robust alumni network and a strong emphasis on student life and extracurricular activities.
What are the strengths of Alliant International University-San Diego?

Alliant International University-San Diego is particularly strong in psychology, education, and international relations. It is known for its applied approach to learning, its focus on professional training, and its diverse student body. Alliant also offers flexible program options, making it a good choice for students with busy schedules.
How does the career support differ between the two universities?

Both universities offer career services, but the focus may differ. Pepperdine's career services often cater to a broader range of industries, with a strong emphasis on business, law, and international careers. Alliant's career services are more specialized, focusing on fields like psychology, education, and international relations, and often include practical training and internship opportunities.
Which university is better for someone interested in a career in psychology?

Alliant International University-San Diego is generally considered the stronger choice for students specifically interested in psychology. It has a well-established psychology program with a strong emphasis on clinical practice and research. While Pepperdine offers psychology programs, Alliant's specialization in the field is more pronounced.
How does the location impact the student experience at each university?

Pepperdine's location in Malibu provides a unique and scenic environment, offering access to beaches and outdoor activities. The location contributes to a strong sense of community and a more traditional college experience. Alliant's location in San Diego provides access to a vibrant city with diverse cultural opportunities and a more urban environment, which can be appealing to students seeking a different type of experience.
Are there opportunities for international study at both universities?

Yes, both Pepperdine University and Alliant International University-San Diego offer opportunities for international study. Pepperdine has a well-established international program with campuses around the world. Alliant also offers international programs, particularly in areas related to its focus on international relations and psychology, though the scope may differ.

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