About Pepperdine University

Founded in 1937, Pepperdine University. is a Private college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 3,542 full time undergraduate students, and 4,284 full time graduate students.

The Pepperdine University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 377 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Pepperdine University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate36%
Application Deadline
Application Fee65
SAT Range1110-1330
ACT Range26-31

Admissions at are considered More Selective, with ,48% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 7 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

95% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 77% were in the top quarter, and 39% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Pepperdine University.

Pepperdine University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    157 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 15 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    131 Students rated off-campus housing 2.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    158 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    160 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    160 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 61 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    160 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    160 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    160 Students rated academics 3.8 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Pepperdine University?

53 Students rated Pepperdine University

Anisa - 03/28/2023

Pepperdine has a wonderful, breezy environment, and i'm not only talking about the nearby ocean. The location is second to none and the class sizes are recommendable. I remember my teachers always having time outside of class for me and the student body was made up of eclectic and fun individuals. I was part of the women's soccer team so every weekend we experienced great support from the school. I loved going here for 4 years, living on campus for every one of those years. I enjoyed the living situation and I never felt like I needed to escape campus. I will forever be grateful for being a WAVE!

Joey - 01/15/2023

At pepperdine university, you will not find people who believe in science. As somebody studying science, I find that they believe that the earth is still flat, and still don't believe that the sun is in the center of the universe. Religious institutions have no place teaching students like me, there needs to be a separation of church and state, and clearly I made a mistake. I am transferring out to BYU next semester in hope of a religious institution that respects science.

Nina - 12/16/2020

I cannot imagine going anywhere else. It really is a piece of heaven on earth. My classmates are so smart and we have great conversations, everyone has different backgrounds and they contribute to class. Professors are accessible and easy to talk to, no one is pretentious or stuck up.

Ani - 07/11/2020

I love it although it is very expensive. It is a private university so my tuition is $107,000. It has one of the best programs for marriage and family counseling in the nation and it is a very prestigious school. The academics and campus life are amazing. The advisiors get back to you immediate and there is tons of support.

Pepperdine University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Pepperdine University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Pepperdine University is 36%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    My college experience thus far has not been measured in my grades, the number of best friends I have or how many parties attended. Instead, it has been based on the different academic areas I have found interest in, the number of 'different' people I have talked to, and the variability in how I have spent my weekends. It has certainly been fulfililng. While it pains me to admit that some of these experiences have come only because of the price I pay, or will eventually have to pay, I do not think this necessarily says anything about the 'value' of my education. I see my experiences thus far as developing me as the driven, relateable, compassionate, respectful,and and intelligent human that I aspire to be. As trivial as some college experiences may seem, It is hard for me to think of any that will not, in some way, positively influence the rest of my life. And I believe, this is true value.

    Read all  185 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Diverse

    Read all  67 answers
  4. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    We do have tons of opportunities, so there really is something for everyone whether that's sports, outdoors, religious events, leadership and volunteer activities, clubs, Greek life, improv, etc.

    Read all  43 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    It is a bit difficult to navigate around campus with all the hills.

    Read all  42 answers
  6. What are the academics like at your school?

    The classes really are small here, which is nice. The biggest GE classes are usually not more than around 250 people. In most classes, and generally all upper division classes the professor will know your name. Most of my classes here have had around 15 people. That said, academics isn't huge here. People study and participate in class but real intellectualism just isn't that important. It's a California beachside school after all. You can definetely get to know your professors. Some professors, especially your freshman seminar professor, will have the whole class over for dinner. They are very available if you need help outside of class. The English department is pretty small here. Most people are business/communication majors. There aren't a whole lot of options as far as classes go. The major centers around British and American literature, without much emphasis on world literature. Every semester some English classes have to be cancelled because not enough people sign up. Honestly, most of the required classes aren't very interesting. The general education requirements are pretty extensive, but if you're smart you can get through them pretty quickly. The school accepts most AP credits, and its pretty easy to place out of the three semester foreign language requirement if you took 4 years of a language in high school. Also, if you like philosophy or literature at all, definetely take the Great Books colloquium. It is the best thing I've done here at Pepperdine.

    Read all  42 answers
  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    First off, Pepperdine is a dry campus, so partying on campus doesn't happen. Further, Malibu regulates the number of people that can live in a house, so none of the frats or sororities have houses. As such, most students who wanna party over the weekend (or anytime) head over to USC or UCLA, both of which are within 45 minutes away. Students who don't drink may be found at one of the theater performances on campus, a concert somewhere in Hollywood, or the beach (which is amazing on a warm night). Getting some studying in isn't usually a bad idea, either. Speaking of Geek life, probably about 1/3 of the students are involved. However, because there is no housing and because Pepperdine is extremely strict on underage drinking, they have only some resemblence to the stereotypical Greek groups. The dating scene is okay. There are a lot of "college marriages," but there are definitely hookups as well. Guys, if you're gonna take your girl out, make sure you've got cash to spare, because most places aren't cheap.

    Read all  41 answers
  8. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    At Pepperdine, everyone is a big fish, because the pond is small. This can be beneficial in a lot of ways, but you have to make the effort to take advantage of it. For example, I got a job shadowing in one of the science research labs just because I went to the professor several times and let him know how interested I was. Next year, I will be researching in the same lab for credit, and hopefully will get a chance to research over one of the upcoming summers through one of the several summer research programs, where I have the chance to get published and give presentations at various seminars around Southern California. However, the downsides are plentiful as well. School pride isn't anything to write home about, and most students could care less about our sports teams (unless Men's basketball is playing Gonzaga or LMU). Also, Malibu is anything but a college town, so you'll wanna head out to Santa Monica, Hollywood, or LA if you wanna have some fun. Advice: DO NOT COME WITHOUT A CAR!

    Read all  40 answers
  9. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Most stereotypes begin with a fragment of the truth, and these are no exception. I know several students who have famous parents, and, when walking through the student parking lots, don't be surprised if you see more BMW's than Toyota's (if you're lucky, you may spot a Maserati). Some people make it to the beach more than others, but certainly not every day.

    Read all  37 answers
  10. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Beautiful and competitive.

    Read all  36 answers
  11. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Rich, Blonde, Gay

    Read all  36 answers
  12. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about Pepperdine University is their adept international programs that allow students to study abroad at a number of Pepperdine University campuses around the world, including Florence, Buenos Aires, Laussane, London, and Shanghai. Pepperdine strongly encourages students to study abroad in order to expand their global perspectives, build new relationships, and stimulate spiritual and intellectual growth. The way that the Pepperdine community emphasizes this pivitol time to exprience a new culuture is one of the things that make the school so great.

    Read all  34 answers
  13. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A Christian would be very satisfied at this school.

    Read all  30 answers
  14. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Pepperdine tends to be a lonely place, despite the general happiness and kindness of the students. It's not super easy to put yourself out there, especially coming from the high school mentality. There's an understanding that everyone has their own path to follow too. Everyone works hard for their goals and as a result there is a feeling of loneliness.

    Read all  29 answers
  15. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish i had a more accurate portrayal of the social scene prior to coming. It is possible to have a fun and fulfilling social life, ut it requires more effort than many would hope.

    Read all  29 answers
  16. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Pepperdine University is best for hardworking, well rounded indivuduels who are dedicated to their academics and faith.

    Read all  27 answers
  17. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    How nice everyone is. The teachers , staff, students are very friendly and helpful.. The campus has beautiful ocean views. They always bring great speakers or experts on the field making the classes very enjoyable. Plenty opportunity for volunteering and everyone seems to care about what's going in the world and wanting to help. Smiling people everywhere , and students love it here. This school is well known for being safe, beautiful campus, sense of community and getting along among each other. Many of the students have a deep connection to God and their religion.

    Read all  26 answers
  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The super friendly and caring people, along with the beautiful views.

    Read all  25 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Most people seem to stereotype Pepperdine as a university full of a few particular types of people: 1. Bible-thumping do-good Christians who spend all their time volunteering, praying, and finding ways to change the world. 2. Stuck-up super rich kids who show up on campus with the most expensive cars, clothes, and latest forms of technology 3. Extremely good-looking people, plenty who go Greek, while there are still good-looking nerds/non-Greek students as well Realistically, these stereotypes are not completely accurate. Some people end up being a mix of these stereotypes, but in truth, there is quite a bit of diversity on campus. People from almost every stereotype will manage find people similar to themselves. And not everybody is super rich or stuck up either.

    Read all  6 answers
  20. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    A big factor was the study abroad program. I had always wanted to do a semester abroad, and Pepperdine gave me the opportunity to spend a full year in Germany, which was totally awesome. I also really liked the location. Malibu is pretty much one of the best places to live.

    Read all  3 answers
  21. Describe the dorms.

    The Freshman dorms are closest to main campus. Each building is all girls or all boys, but they are situated every other. In each dorm, there are six suites. Each suite has four bedrooms (2 people to a room), a bathroom (2 showers, 2 sinks, 2 toilets), and a common area with a couch and table for the 8 people to share. Each dorm building also has a common area/lobby with a tv and fireplace. The bedrooms are decently sized. The rooms also have lock boxes which you can rent. They will give you a combination for the lock and then you can store your valuables in there if you want. You can also rent a Coolwave which is a fridge/freezer/microwave combination. The Sophomore dorms are a little further away from main campus. It is one big building, but is split so that the girls are all on one side and the boys on the other. The majority of these dorm rooms are arranged so that there are two people to a room with a door leading to a bathroom that is shared with the room on the other side. Basically, four people share 1 bathroom that has 1 shower, 1 toilet, and 2 sinks. There are common areas/lounges at the end of every hallway on each floor that have a tv, couches and tables to study. They just finished renovations on the main lounge which both girls and guys can use. There should be a kitchen in that lounge now. The junior and senior dorms are apartments. There are 2 bedrooms (2 people to a room), a bathroom, kitchen, and living room in each apartment. The bedrooms are smaller than the freshman dorms, but there is the living room, so it evens out the space. There are also apartments on the graduate campus which are more expensive, but they are much nicer as well. In these, there are four bedrooms as every person gets their own room.

    Read all  2 answers

Student Body

Students

59%

female

41%

male

3,542

Total Undergrad Enrollment

4,284

Total Grad Students

45%

Out-Of-State

43%

In-State

12%

International

Organizations

64

Student Organizations

5

Fraternities

7

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

28%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
11%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
14%
% White or Caucasian
48%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

84% of students attending Pepperdine University receive some sort of financial aid. 20% were awarded federal grants. While 44% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$50,022

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,500

Books and Supplies

$14,330

Room and Board

65,852

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$21,314
$30 - $48K
$28,238
$48 - $75K
$31,258
$75 - $110K
$33,144
$110K & UP
$42,892

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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