Pepperdine University  -  Pepperdine



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Pepperdine University Summary

What's this?
Pepperdine University is a small, beachy school with reputable academics, Christian values, and a killer view of the Pacific.
Boosters constantly brag about its beautiful campus, but there’s more to love at this little private school than the backdrop of lapping waves. Academics are top notch, and small class sizes let students form one-on-one relationships with their professors. The small population makes for a tight-knit community, and though stereotypes speak to a snob factor, students say most people at Pepperdine are pretty friendly. Due to the religious affiliation of the school, students tend to be politically conservative, but they say anyone not fitting the Christian-conservative standard won’t feel out of place. Malibu is a sleepy, yet gorgeous landscape for the university, and as long as students have a car (or a friend with one) they can take advantage of the exciting social offerings of nearby Los Angeles.

Pepperdine University Review

What's this?
There’s a general consensus among Pepperdine students that one of the best things about the school is the beautiful campus. “It's breathtakingly beautiful, even when it’s overcast or foggy,” says a senior. “There are always flowers somewhere on campus, and the view of the Pacific Ocean is incomparable. Whenever you're stressed about classwork, it's easy to go outside and find someplace peaceful to ease away your worries.” Students say the small college can feel a little cramped at times, but for the most part, fellow students and faculty provide a family away from home. A communications major says, “It’s a very community-oriented school, which is so nice. I didn't want to go to a big school and just be one of the crowd. You don't get as many of the perks as [at] big schools at Pepperdine, but you get a great community instead.

The small population translates into intimate classroom settings. Even in gen-eds students have the opportunity to build relationships with their professors in and outside of class. A sociology sophomore writes, “A lot of the professors live close to or on campus, so they are very personal. Some might invite you for dinner and study sessions at their houses. They want to see you succeed and will help you reach your goals.” Academics at Pepperdine are challenging, but not impossible, students say. The school requires that all students regularly attend convocation (chapel) services, and attendance is enforced through a grading system. “Students are expected to attend 14 convocations per semester (equates to 1 per week) to get an A, and the grade is lowered if you make fewer than 14 convocations,” reports a freshman. The study abroad program at Pepperdine is huge, and the school encourages all students to spend semesters in one of its many programs around the world. “Major props on this,” states a music major. A business major writes, “The abroad program is big here; probably about half of the students go abroad in their sophomore year... either for a semester or the whole year.

Perhaps owing to the school's Christian vibe, students are fairly conservative. Many come from upper- and upper-middle-class families in California, but students from Bible Belt states are also well-represented. Racially and ethnically, Pepperdine is pretty homogeneous, but students seem to think diversity is displayed in the broad interests of the students. “Pepperdine, despite its stereotypes, has a pretty diverse student body. Not necessarily demographically (it is mostly white), but personality-wise Pepperdine students are all over the place,” says a freshman. The university's spiritual foundation is a draw for some, but not all, undergrads. A junior majoring in government notes, “Not all Pepperdine students are Christians, though most are, but there is a mix of both conservatives and liberals—and everything in between.” Students say anyone with beliefs that don’t align with the college’s Christian theology won’t be ostracized, and many comment that there’s a vocal gay and lesbian population on campus.

Athletics and Greek life are the most prominent extracurricular activities at Pepperdine. There isn’t a football team, so spectator sports don’t have much of a presence on campus even though the men’s volleyball team is one of the best in the country. However, many students do join club sports and intramurals. Greek life is popular on campus, but anyone not interested in joining shouldn’t worry about not finding a niche because student housing can become quite chummy. “It's easy to meet people because you automatically have a little family [with those] that you live with in your suite of eight,” says a sophomore majoring in communications. The school holds events on campus to keep kids entertained, like Songfest, an annual student musical production, or Spring Fling, “where you can stay up for Disneyland tickets.” However, because it’s a “dry” campus, most social activity happens off school grounds. Partying is more common in off-campus student houses, and since Malibu doesn’t host an Animal House nightlife scene, students commute for collegiate camaraderie. An economics freshman reports, “A lot of people will drive to USC, UCLA, or even UCSB on the weekends to experience your typical college party scene, seeing as Pepperdine really doesn't offer it.

The host town of Malibu is the main complaint of Pepperdine students. “Malibu is not the greatest place for a college. The restaurants are expensive and there aren't a ton of choices,” says a music major. And though many think Malibu can be yawn-worthy, a cynical senior points out, “the tedium is sometimes broken up with a somewhat-frightening-but-still-kind-of-exciting natural disaster of some sort, such as the fires that plagued us last fall.” Those willing to put forth a little effort (and gas money) can easily find action in Santa Monica or L.A. on the weekends. A junior writes, “It's only 15 [minutes] from L.A., so on weekends you can have your wild fun time and weekdays you’re back in a relaxed, calm environment where you can concentrate on your studies.” And isn’t that why these students are here? Or was it for the view…

See all 36 Pepperdine University Reviews

Pepperdine Quotes

Brittany
Education
Alum
You can pretty much know the majority of people on campus and feel like you can make a difference. Getting involved is not hard at all...just find your niche and go to work.
Jess
Government
Senior
Go Greek. It's saves a lot of time trying to find things to do, and you can be as committed as you want to. It gives you formals and mixers and looks great on a resume.
Kathleen
Mathematics
Sophomore
I would hate the feeling of simply being a number in a large lecture hall. So it's comforting to have close relationships with my professors, and Pepperdine provides that.
Unigo gives you an inside look at colleges. Unigo is not endorsed by Pepperdine, and the opinions expressed on this website are those of Pepperdine students.
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College Rankings

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36Student Votes

Campus Media

Newspapers:
The Graphic
TV Stations:
TV 26
Radio Stations:
WKVS 101.5 FM

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Pepperdine Photos & Videos

Top Pepperdine Majors

Business, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Social Sciences

Basic Pepperdine Info

Founded:
1937
Location:
Malibu, CA

Total Undergraduates:
3,398
Total Grad Students:
4,184

Tuition (in state):
$36,650
Tuition (out of state):
$36,650
Selectivity Rating:
More Selective

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Best Thing About Pepperdine

Family atmosphere, accessible professors, spiritual atmosphere, diverse student body from all regions of the US.
Matthew , Beverly Hills
Major: History
The best thing about Pepperdine is the campus. It's breathtakingly beautiful, even when its overcast or foggy. There are always flowers somewhere on campus, and the view of the Pacific Ocean is incomparable.
Brooke , Dallas
Major: European Studies
The view
Darren , Torrance
Major: Sociology
I love the support for spiritual exploration!
Brittany, Inglewood
Major: Education
The ocean!
Hillary, Portland
Major: European Studies

Worst Thing About Pepperdine

The bureaucracy that permeates every branch of the University.
lauren, atlanta
Major: Spanish
Don't get enough for what you pay.
Darren , Torrance
Major: Sociology
The lack of diversity.
Brittany, Inglewood
Major: Education
Parking / Convocation
Kyle, Oak Park
Major: Business
closed-mindedness
Courtney, Redondo Beach
Major: Communications

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