Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA, USA
Private
4 Year

Overview

With a campus overlooking Malibu Bluffs and the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine University is a 4-year Christian institution in Malibu affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Pepperdine is home to colleges of Business, Law, Arts & Sciences, Public Policy, and Education conferring undergraduate degrees. As a Christian university, Pepperdine features weekly convocation services as well as numerous retreats such as “Surf Convo” and “God in the Wilderness.” Taking advantage of its location, Pepperdine’s Outdoor Recreation program sponsors numerous student excursions throughout the year for activities such as kayaking and rock climbing.

Acceptance Rate:
49%
Average Net Price:
$46,550
Campus Setting:
Suburb or town
Average GPA
3.7
Average ACT Composite
32
Average SAT Composite
1349

Virtual Tour

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability & Cost

Average Net Price
$46,550
Calculate your net cost
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$66,742
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$66,742
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$23,270
Books and Supplies
$1000
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$26,346
$30k - $48k
$26,215
$48k - $75k
$31,220
$75k - $110k
$33,986
$110k+
$42,861
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
76%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
19%
Average Aid Per Year
$32,348
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
19%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,589
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$29,800

 

Students receiving state aid
15%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$8114
Students receiving federal aid
19%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,589
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$48,949
$30k - $48k
$49,550
$48k - $75k
$43,602
$75k - $110k
$39,796
$110k+
$30,228
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$83,529,024
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$22,229,473

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
44%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$8,440
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$21,831
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$243
Students receiving federal loans
41%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,278
Average Other Loans Per Year
$14,774

 

Admissions

Key Admissions Stats

Institution Type
Private
  • Not for Profit
  • Churches of Christ
  • Coed

Need Aware

This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission

Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
0
100
49%
Acceptance Rate
11466
Students Applied
30%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
115
Transfer Students Admitted

Admissions Requirements

SAT
SAT is not checked
No
ACT
ACT is not checked
No
Transcript
Transcript is checked
Yes
Test Optional
Item is checked
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Item is checked
Yes
AP Course Credit
Item is checked
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Item is checked
Yes

Important Deadlines

Application TypeApplication DeadlineReply Deadline
Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted.November 1
Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier.November 1May 1
Fall Regular DecisionJanuary 15May 1
Spring Regular DecisionOctober 1 December 1
Application Fee
$65
Fee waivers available
Applications Accepted
Common Application
Common Application

Admitted Student Stats

In-State Students
45%
Out-Of-State Students
42%
13%
Submitting ACT
16%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 32
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1349
0
1600
SAT Percentiles

Math
25th
635
75th
750
Reading
25th
650
75th
730
3.7
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA

3.75+
51%
3.50 - 3.74
26%
3.25 - 3.49
15%
3.00 - 3.24
7%
2.50 - 2.99
1%
Students Enrolled By Class Rank

Top 10%
45
Top 25%
83
Top 50%
97

Admissions Resources

Admissions: visit page
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Telephone: 310-506-4000
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page

Academics

Key Academic Stats

Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
10,030
Total Number of Undergrads
3,662
0
100
80%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
89%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
13:1
US National: 21:1
Academic Calendar

Semester

Non Traditional Learning
  • Online Classes
  • Online Undergrad Degrees
  • Summer Sessions
  • Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
  • Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
  • ROTC Army
  • ROTC Air Force
  • Study Abroad
  • Honors Program
  • Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes

2-19 Students
65%
20-39 Students
31%
40-99 Students
3%
 

Degrees and Majors

MAJORS
87

Faculty Overview

Gender
Male
Female
Ethnicity

African American
Asian/Pacific Islander
White
Hispanic
Multi-Racial
Unknown

Campus Life

Key Campus Stats

Student Gender
Male
Female
42%
58%
Residency
In-State Students
45%
Out-Of-State Students
42%
Size of Town
Suburb or town
US States Represented
52
Countries Represented
72
Ethnicity
African American
4%
Asian/Pacific Islander
14%
Hispanic
18%
White
46%
Multiracial
7%
Unknown
2%
Percent of First Generation Students
18%
Student Organizations
96
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Item is checked
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Item is not checked
No
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Item is checked
Yes

Housing

0
100
52%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
60%
Freshman Living on Campus

Athletics

Divisional Sports Nickname
Waves
School Colors
blue, orange, and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Total Male Athletes
138
Total Female Athletes
167
Intramural Sports
10
Sports Club
3
Sports Team (Men)
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo
Sports Team (Women)
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
  • Beach Volleyball
Pepperdine University Athletics: visit page

Campus Safety

24-HR security patrol
24-HR security patrol is checked
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Campus emergency phones is checked
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Item is checked
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Item is checked
Yes

After Graduation

Post Grad Stats

Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$77,600
Top 5 Cities
Los Angeles
San Francisco
San Diego
New York
Seattle
Top 5 Employers
Pepperdine University
Boeing
Amgen
University of Southern California
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Sales
Operations
Community and Social Services
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$21,831
Loan Default Rate
1%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$243
definitely an expensive school! but they're pretty good about financial aid and it's well worth it.
Rachael from Spokane, WA
Pepperdine definitely has some amazing teachers who are willing to go the extra mile for their students. If you put forth the effort, they will certainly reciprocate and work just as hard to make your time in class well spent. My best professor so far was the one who intimidated me from the first day. But I quickly learned that once I proved I was willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and better myself, he guided me with some of the most valuable advice I have ever received.
Brianna from CA
My high school teachers told me college would be more difficult than high school. The same amount of effort you put into getting an A in high school equals a B in college. The academics at Pepperdine are rigorous, but it is important to be challenged. The teachers are distinguished and always willing to help you out if you're having trouble. It's not hard to develop a relationship with the teachers because of the usually small class sizes. I enjoy the learning atmosphere at Pepperdine.
Jessica from California
Going to a liberal arts school means you will take a number of diverse classes that not only tailor to your major but will make you a more rounded student. I am an International Business major but aside from the business courses I take speech class, humanities, biology and religion to name a few. As for my business courses I learn a lot. Only professors will be teaching you, you will never have a teachers aid or some random person without a degree teaching you. The classes can be very vigorous but I can assure you that they are all relevant classes that will definitely help you in your career. Being so close to Los Angeles Pepperdine often plays hosts to a number of important figures in each persons major so that students can learn first hand about their area of study. I have learned a lot from Pepperdine and I am very pleased with the level of education I have received.
Ryan from Malibu, CA
The place where God wants me.
The place that makes that's helping me become a better person.
The place where I will make lasting friendships and life-changing, world-impacting decisions.
Camila from Encino, CA
Pepperdine University is a place for students who really want to make the most out of their college experience. The campus is absolutely phenomenal, the people are incredibly nice and most of all, the academics are challenging. However, Pepperdine really does prepare for the real world whether it be the business world, medical world or any career path you really want to pursue.
Pepp Student
The education here at Pepperdine University is top of the line. All of our professors are very knowledgeable about their subject and are involved with their students. The smaller campus size makes classes much more personal. Professors provide plenty of opportunities for students to get to know them better which sets up future recommendation prospects. Within my first year of Pepperdine I had met with most of my professors for lunch and had even gone to some of their homes for tea. Pepperdine has so many majors to choose from. Throughout a typical student experience at Pepperdine so many different situations inspire students to change their major to things that mean something in their life. There are numerous scholarships, honor societies, and leadership opportunities available to those students who excel in academics. Pepperdine also has phenomenal graduate schools. A downside to Pepperdine academics is that, at times, it can get a little overwhelming depending on how many units a student takes, but that is to be expected at a school of its caliber. Pepperdine is highly selective of its students.
Aaron from Los Angeles, CA
Pepperdine is a small, community based Christian school that truly cares about your experience. The academic rigor, opportunities and small class sizes make it a highly accredited university. The location in Malibu is secluded, but close enough to Santa Monica and LA for ample job and internship opportunities.
Anna from Tualatin, OR
Attend the classes, sit near the front, take legible notes, participate in class, and do the work. The amount you learn and the grade you receive depends on the effort you put in. General education classes tend to be easier so you may not need to try as hard. Speaking to the professors during office hours helps get you better grades and establish great relationships.
Sharon from Malibu, CA
The professors here know what they're talking about! If you have question on anything, don't hesitate to raise your hand! Sometimes the classes move fast, but there is plenty of help wherever you need it. It's easy to get behind, though. It is also very easy to get to know your professors. They actually WANT to get to know you! They'd rather know you a little better than just your name and face in class.
Acamy from North Las Vegas, NV