Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA, 90263, set within a city environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #84 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

With an acceptance rate of 63%, Pepperdine University offers a realistic pathway for students who have maintained a consistent academic record throughout high school. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1290-1450 and ACT scores of 29-32. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.6. Applications are due by Jan. 15, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

Pepperdine University enrolls 3,553 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 69% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 75%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Pepperdine University include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (29% of students, median early-career salary: $91,408), Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs (13% of students, median early-career salary: $66,858), and Psychology (11% of students, median early-career salary: $63,882). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $72,672 per year. Room and board adds approximately $22,480. However, the average net price after financial aid is $42,167, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $58,830 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Pepperdine University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Pepperdine University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Pepperdine University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.