Pepperdine University
PrivateMalibu, CA
Pepperdine University is a private mid-sized school in Malibu, CA, enrolling about 3,553 undergraduates. Admissions are not highly selective, admitting a majority of applicants here -- roughly 63% of applicants get in. Among reported majors, Economics shows the strongest outcomes -- $104,943/year in median earnings four years after graduation. Most students arrange their own housing since on-campus living isn't required.
Admissions
Cost & outcomes
From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.
Where do you stand against Pepperdine University's numbers?
Check your chances hereHow Pepperdine University weighs your application
From Pepperdine University's own Common Data Set, 2024-25, Section C7 -- not a generic admissions checklist. What is a Common Data Set?
See full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what Pepperdine University weighs in your application
Paying it back
"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.
Majors & earnings
Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.
Campus life
Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.
What matters in your application
From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.
Frequently asked questions
What does Pepperdine University look for in applicants?
Per Pepperdine University's own Common Data Set (Section C7), it rates rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, application essay, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, religious affiliation as "very important" in admissions decisions -- its own stated top factors, not a generic guess.
What is Pepperdine University's acceptance rate?
Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA admits approximately 63% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.
What SAT score do I need for Pepperdine University?
Admitted students at Pepperdine University typically score between 1290–1450 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).
What ACT score do I need for Pepperdine University?
Admitted students at Pepperdine University typically score between 29–32 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).
How much does Pepperdine University cost?
Pepperdine University's total cost of attendance is reported at $93,512 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.
Does Pepperdine University require students to live on campus?
No -- Pepperdine University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.
Related reading
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