About Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is a private research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ with its main campus in Los Angeles County, California. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,708 (fall 2023) and is rated as “more selective” by U.S. News & World Report and by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education

Pepperdine offers rigorous programs, valuable resources, and countless opportunities that will enable students to pursue their desired course of study. In honor of Black History Month, Pepperdine invites the University community to explore a range of activities and events to honor the contributions of Black Americans. 

The University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans, offering support for an unlimited number of veteran students as well as an unlimited monetary contribution toward each veteran’s education.

Pepperdine is also home to Seaver College, which provides rich opportunities for liberal arts curriculum, faculty mentorship, internship experiences, and tailored research opportunities. The official athletics website for the Pepperdine University Waves is pepperdinewaves.com

Pepperdine University ranking

Pepperdine University is ranked #55 in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by US News.The university also ranks #131-140 in US UNI (universities) 2021 according to Top Universities, and is ranked 4th out of 345 for Best Christian Colleges in America by Niche. Additionally, Times Higher Education ranks Pepperdine University 175th in its US College Rankings 2022.

The university offers a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate curriculum covering a broad spectrum of programs and majors through its five distinct schools: Seaver College, Graziadio School of Business and Management, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, School of Law, and School of Public Policy. 

It also offers study abroad programs with a ranking of 12th out of 15 schools with exceptional study abroad programs according to U.S. News & World Report’s “2022–2023 Academic Programs to Look For” list.

Pepperdine University acceptance rate

Pepperdine University is a medium-sized private university located on a suburban campus in Malibu, California. Pepperdine has one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world, with an 830-acre campus in the Santa Monica Mountains that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast. Pepperdine admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 32%. However, according to, Pepperdine Admissions, it, it is selective with an acceptance rate of 42%, while reports indicate that Pepperdine University Admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 53%. The average SAT score for students admitted to Pepperdine ranges from 1200-1410 or an average ACT score of 26-3.

Accordingly, the overall acceptance rate for Pepperdine University was reported as 31.7% in Fall 2020 with over 12,800 college applications submitted to Pepperdine University. Both in-state and out-of-state applicants are included in these figures. The same source also reports that the projected acceptance rate for 2023-2024 is expected to be around 32.6%.

Pepperdine University offers a total of 66 bachelor’s degrees. According to, first-year student GPA (unweighted) ranges from 3.69-3.96, transfer student GPA ranges from 3.66-3.93, SAT Total ranges from1310-1460, and ACT Composite ranges from29-33.

Pepperdine University tuition

Pepperdine University is a private non-profit four-year college that is 96% more expensive than the national average private non-profit four-year college tuition of $30,365. The annual tuition for Pepperdine University is $59,450 for the 2021/2022 academic year. The annual list price to attend Pepperdine University on a full-time basis for 2021/2022 is $80,152 for all students regardless of their residency. 

Direct costs for the 2022-2023 academic year include flat-rate tuition (12-18 units per semester) of $62,390/year and room & board (double occupancy room, meal plan) of $18,560 ($14,450 Lovernich + $4,110 standard meal plan).

Pepperdine University’s tuition is $63,142. In-state tuition and out-of-state tuition are both $59,702. The cost to go to Pepperdine was estimated at $80,152 for the 2021/2022 academic year. This cost is the same for all students regardless of California residence status as there is no in-state discount.

The cost of attendance (COA) at Pepperdine University varies based on individual charges such as housing choice and meal plan. The COA provides an estimate when estimating the costs of specified programs at Pepperdine University. Flat-rate tuition (12-18 units per semester) costs $62,390/year. Room & Board (double occupancy room, meal plan) costs $18,560 ($14,450 Lovernich + $4,110 standard meal plan). Other fees include a wellness fee of $500 and a campus life fee of $252/year.

Pepperdine University’s undergraduate programs or courses are offered via distance education. It offers NCAA Baseball – West Coast Conference Basketball – West Coast Conference Football – N/A Cross Country/Track – N/A Doctoral/Research Universities–Intensive: These institutions typically offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs and are committed to graduate education through the doctorate.

 They award at least ten doctoral degrees per year across three or more disciplines or at least 20 doctoral degrees per year overall. ROTC: Army ROTC: Air Force Study abroad Weekend/evening college… Teacher certification: Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization Teacher certification: 

Pepperdine University’s notable alumni

Pepperdine University has many notable alumni who have excelled in various fields. Some of the most famous alumni include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chelsea Clinton, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Martha Stewart. Other notable alumni include Chace Crawford, Brandy Norwood, Amber Scholl, Adam Housley, Montell Jordan, Mike Aamodt, Christopher Chetsanga,

 Jon Andrew McBride and John Bac. Pepperdine University Notable Alumni are really great people who have made a lot of efforts to get this status. 

It is not surprising when you study in a college of such a level that encourages you to develop, engage in various additional areas and lead an active social life. The list below is a sample of prominent graduates who left their mark on the college and did their best to leave it in the world.

Pepperdine University has many outstanding graduates who have excelled throughout the United States and reached many heights. Among them are many scientists, entrepreneurs and real professionals, Olympic gold medalists, national sports champions, real estate magnates, talk shows hosts,… film directors actors and author.

 One of the most important tasks for Pepperdine University graduates is to lead an active school life and put themselves in front of learning and volunteering. Pepperdine.

Pepperdine University financial aid

Pepperdine University offers a wide variety of financial aid programs, including grants, academic and departmental scholarships, and loans. Pepperdine grants are based on students’ financial needs and overall strength as applicants, and are awarded as supplements to students’ financial assistance packages.

Academic scholarships reward the academic achievement of entering freshmen and transfer students. Recipients typically represent students with the highest GPAs and academic rigor. For students who apply and qualify for need-based financial assistance, the academic scholarship becomes part of their financial assistance package. Institutional grants and/or scholarships are applied to tuition charges only.

Pepperdine University met 76% of its students’ financial aid need. The university’s Financial Assistance Literacy Video Series provides information about the financial aid application and awarding process at Pepperdine University. In addition to the Financial Assistance website, the Pepperdine Net Price Calculator will help in the early stages of financial planning for college.

Watch the Vidoe Guide here