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Pepperdine University vs Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Malibu CA · vs · Private for-profit, San Jose CA

The verdict

Pepperdine University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $232,392 in 6.7 years versus 7 years at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, on median earnings of $82,939 vs $66,844 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePepperdine UniversityGurnick Academy of Medical Arts
Net price / yr$58,098$32,427
Total net cost$232,392$129,708
Median earnings, 10 yrs$82,939$66,844
Median debt$23,510$17,317
Payback6.7 yrs7 yrs
20-year net return$459,188$239,972

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Pepperdine University or Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts?

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, at $32,427 a year after aid versus $58,098 — a gap of $25,671 a year, or $102,684 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Pepperdine University or Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts graduates earn more?

Pepperdine University graduates report a median $82,939 ten years after entry, $16,095 more than the $66,844 at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Pepperdine University or Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts?

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: its completers carry a median $17,317 in federal loans versus $23,510 at Pepperdine University, a difference of $6,193. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

83% of students finish at Pepperdine University, against 64% at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Pepperdine University vs Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: frequently asked questions

Is Pepperdine University or Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts a better value?
Pepperdine University. It clears its $232,392 net cost in about 6.7 years versus 7 years at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, on median earnings of $82,939 vs $66,844 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Pepperdine University or Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts?
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: $32,427/yr net price after aid versus $58,098/yr at Pepperdine University — a difference of $25,671 a year, or about $102,684 over four years.
Do Pepperdine University or Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts graduates earn more?
Pepperdine University graduates earn a median $82,939 ten years after entry, versus $66,844 at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts — a $16,095 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.