About

About Pepperdine University

faith based missionmalibu coastal campusstrong business programschristian affiliatedsmall class sizes

Pepperdine University is a private university in Malibu, CA, known for its faith based mission, malibu coastal campus, and strong business programs. With an acceptance rate of 49%, Pepperdine University is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 942 students each year. Pepperdine University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1300–1440, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Pepperdine University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $37,985 per year; the sticker price of $80,152 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Pepperdine University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

49%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1370
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1300 – 1440 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Pepperdine University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Pepperdine is a Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and your essays are a real opportunity to show how your values, sense of purpose, or community commitments align with a faith-informed environment. You do not need to be Christian, but you should address how you will contribute to and thrive in a values-centered campus culture.
Application Strategy
Pepperdine's Malibu location is genuinely unique and the school leans into its sense of place heavily in its identity. Reference specific programs, the Global Education Program, or the School of Public Policy in a way that shows you have thought concretely about how you would use the campus community and location, not just that you like the beach.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Pepperdine University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$80k/yr$50.6k
30k-48k~$80k/yr$42.7k
48k-75k~$80k/yr$51.1k
75k-110k~$80k/yr$61.9k
110k+~$80k/yr$65.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

85%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$65k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,162
Undergrad Enrollment
Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch