Introduction
Pepperdine University and UC Davis are both highly esteemed institutions with unique strengths and offerings. Students contemplating their higher education options face a challenging decision in choosing between these two exceptional universities. To assist in this decision-making process, we present a comprehensive comparison of Pepperdine vs. UC Davis, examining key aspects such as academics, student life, and career outcomes.
Academics
Undergraduate Programs
Pepperdine University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across six schools:
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Caruso School of Law
- Graziadio Business School
- School of Education and Psychology
- School of Public Policy
- Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
UC Davis, on the other hand, is a large research university with over 100 undergraduate majors offered through six colleges:
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- College of Biological Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Letters and Science
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
Graduate Programs
Pepperdine University offers graduate programs in various disciplines, including:
- Business (MBA, Executive MBA)
- Education (Ed.D., MA)
- Law (JD)
- Public Policy (MPP, MPA)
UC Davis provides a comprehensive array of graduate programs across diverse fields:
- Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
- Computer Science (MS, PhD)
- Data Science (MS)
- Education (Ed.D., MA)
- Engineering (MS, PhD)
- Law (JD)
- Medicine (MD)
- Nursing (MSN, PhD)
- Public Health (MPH, PhD)
Research and Innovation
Pepperdine University emphasizes undergraduate research through its Research in Action program, which provides students with hands-on research experiences. The university also has several research centers and institutes, including the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s Center for Applied Ethics.
UC Davis is renowned for its research and innovation, consistently ranking among the top 10 universities for research spending in the nation. Its faculty and students conduct ground-breaking research in areas such as agriculture, engineering, and medicine.
Student Life
Campus Culture
Pepperdine University is known for its close-knit community and vibrant campus life. The university emphasizes Christian values and provides opportunities for spiritual growth and service. Pepperdine students enjoy a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams.
UC Davis, located in the vibrant city of Davis, offers a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university has a strong emphasis on sustainability and community involvement. UC Davis students participate in over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, as well as intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level.
Residence Life
Pepperdine University provides on-campus housing for all undergraduate students. The university offers a variety of housing options, including traditional dorms, apartment-style units, and Greek houses. Pepperdine’s residence halls foster a sense of community and encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities.
UC Davis has a large and diverse housing system with over 16 residential communities. Students can choose from traditional residence halls, apartments, and theme houses. UC Davis housing provides a supportive environment where students can connect with peers and build friendships.
Health and Wellness
Pepperdine University’s Student Health and Counseling Center provides comprehensive healthcare services, including medical care, mental health counseling, and health education. The university also has a Wellness Center that offers fitness classes, personal training, and recreational activities.
UC Davis’s Student Health and Counseling Services offers a full range of health and wellness services, including primary care, mental health support, and nutritional counseling. The university’s Recreation and Wellness Center provides students with access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities and group exercise classes.
Career Outcomes
Graduate School Placement
According to the Higher Education Research Institute, 90% of Pepperdine University undergraduate alumni continue their education at graduate or professional schools. Pepperdine graduates have been accepted to top graduate programs across the nation, including Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA.
UC Davis consistently ranks among the top universities for graduate school placement. Over 80% of UC Davis graduates go on to pursue graduate or professional education. UC Davis alumni have been admitted to prestigious graduate programs at universities such as UC Berkeley, Harvard, and MIT.
Employment Rates
Pepperdine University has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers. The university’s Career Center provides students with career counseling, resume writing, and interview preparation. According to PayScale, Pepperdine University graduates earn an average starting salary of $55,000.
UC Davis graduates are highly sought after by employers in both the public and private sectors. The university’s Career Services Center offers career counseling, job search assistance, and networking opportunities. UC Davis graduates earn an average starting salary of over $60,000.
Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
Pepperdine University is a private university with higher tuition costs than UC Davis, a public university. For the 2022-2023 academic year, Pepperdine University’s undergraduate tuition and fees are $56,420. UC Davis’s undergraduate tuition and fees are $14,072 for in-state students and $42,574 for out-of-state students.
Financial Aid
Both Pepperdine University and UC Davis offer a variety of financial aid options to help students cover the cost of tuition and expenses. Pepperdine University has a need-blind admissions policy and meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. UC Davis offers need-based and merit-based scholarships, as well as grants and loans.
Pros and Cons
Pepperdine University
Pros:
- Close-knit community with Christian values
- Strong undergraduate research opportunities
- Excellent graduate school placement
- Vibrant campus life with a wide range of activities
Cons:
- Higher tuition costs
- Limited on-campus housing for graduate students
- Less diversity than some other universities
UC Davis
Pros:
- Top-ranked research university
- Over 100 undergraduate majors to choose from
- Diverse and inclusive campus environment
- Excellent career outcomes and graduate school placement
Cons:
- Larger and more competitive environment than some students may prefer
- Higher tuition costs for out-of-state students
- Less emphasis on Christian values than Pepperdine University
Tips for Choosing Between Pepperdine and UC Davis
- Consider your academic interests: Pepperdine University offers a wider range of undergraduate programs in the humanities and social sciences, while UC Davis has greater depth and breadth in STEM fields.
- Evaluate the campus culture: Pepperdine University has a more intimate and Christian-oriented campus environment, while UC Davis offers a larger and more diverse campus experience.
- Research career outcomes: Both Pepperdine University and UC Davis have strong reputations for career placement. Consider which university has the stronger record in your field of interest.
- Compare costs and financial aid: Pepperdine University is a private university with higher tuition costs than UC Davis, a public university. Explore financial aid options to determine which institution is more affordable for you.
