Pepperdine vs Chico State Really?

Yes. Really. As a music major, that’s what it’s come down to, believe it or not, just waiting for financial aid decisions to make it final. Our search and auditions have been exhaustive in a process that started back in August 2017. It may seem odd that these two very dissimilar universities are the finalists but they are.

Chico offers a balanced lifestyle with solid academics, great social life, supportive college business community, comfortable accommodations, and is closer to home.

Pep (waiting on acceptance, too) is manicured to near country club levels, safe, rigorous academics, Pacific Ocean, religion, and is a strong builder of character.

At $72K vs $20K Pepperdine is hugely more expensive but an equally huge combination of grants and scholarships could put the Waves within striking distance of Chico’s costs. (Auditions at both schools went very well.) If both net out close to the same, Pep will get the nod. Chances are that Chico’s cost advantage wins in the end.

Also Ran:
USC (Denied)
CSU-LB (Denied-app error)
Azusa Pacific (accepted, $19K PS but still too much gap)
George Fox (accepted, $16K PS too much gap)
CSUN (Withdrew app, lost interest after further investigation)

Auditioned at and/or visited all these campuses, questions welcomed.

My son just graduated from Chico and I am a big fan of the place. Three things it doesn’t have - a view of the Pacific and a private school feel and a religious focus.

It doesn’t sound like any of those are important to you… so, the $50k/yr difference in cost probably isn’t a good value.

That said, I’d suggest you wait until you see what Pep offers before making a final decision.

Couldn’t agree more. We had a close family member graduate from Chico in 2011. Same college search procedures, different major, but same results. Chico wins. He loved attending and still talks of his Chico years fondly. I’ve visited the campus many, many times and the closer one looks, the better Chico State appears.

UPDATE:
Pepperdine Accepted 72,000 - $48,800 = $23, 200 net

Chico State = $22,000 - ? = ?

Probably won’t get much from Chico, still waiting on their aid package. Looks like 1st choice Pepperdine wins it–I’ll find a job!!