Pepperdine University
About Pepperdine University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university in Malibu, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its business, communications, and psychology programs, with one of the most scenic campuses in the country.
Founded
1937
Location
Malibu, California
Students
8,976
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
62.9%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
83.4%
Above national average
Tuition
$69,918
Per year
Avg Net Price
$58,098
After financial aid
SAT Average
1384
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$82,939
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
62.9 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Pepperdine University accepts 62.9% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1384/ 1600
ACT Scores
28/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
83.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
87.6%
4-Year Grad
72%
6-Year Grad
83%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
46.8%
$/Student
$10.4K
Class Size
Medium
72% graduate in 4 years, and 87.6% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$69,918
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$21,750
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$93,512
After Financial Aid
$58,098
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$50,560
Receive Grants
20.3%
Take Loans
37.3%
The total cost of attendance runs about $93,512/yr, including $21,750 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $58,098.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Pepperdine University fund their education.
While in School
20.3%
Get Grants
Free money
37.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$69,305
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,510
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$249/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 37.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,510. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Pepperdine University.
Gender
59.6%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,553
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,423
Graduates
17.6%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 17.6% are first-generation college students. 7.8% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,553
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Malibu campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- +One of the most scenic campuses in the world
- +Small class sizes with personal attention
- +LA career access with a resort-like campus feel
Cons
- -Malibu is isolated from greater LA without a car
- -Very expensive cost of attendance
- -Church of Christ affiliation includes conservative policies
- -Small school limits course and social options
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Pepperdine University fields 12 varsity teams with 390 student athletes, about 11% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
West Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
390
11% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
43% / 57%
167
Men
223
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Pepperdine Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$82,939
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$70K
186 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$23K
89 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$46K
85 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$34K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$20K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$42K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $65K six years out, climb to $72K by year eight, and reach $83K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pepperdine University
What is the acceptance rate at Pepperdine University?▾
How much does Pepperdine University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Pepperdine University?▾
How much do Pepperdine University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.