Pepperdine University
Faith-based college · Malibu, CA · 3,553 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
63%
Moderately selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1290–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
Average net price
$48,065
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$95,168
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
78%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University accepts about 63 of every 100 applicants (63%), which makes it moderately selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1290 and 1450 on the SAT. A score at or above 1450 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1290, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 29–32.
The latest federal data says Pepperdine University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Pepperdine University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Pepperdine University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $95,168 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $48,065 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $72,672 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$72,672
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$72,672
- Room & board$22,480
- Total cost of attendance$95,168
- Average net price after grants$48,065
Popular majors
Business, Communications, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology.
Pepperdine University FAQ
- What is Pepperdine University's acceptance rate?
- 63% — moderately selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Pepperdine University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1290–1450. Aim for 1450 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Pepperdine University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 29–32.
- Is Pepperdine University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Pepperdine University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Pepperdine University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Pepperdine University cost?
- About $95,168 a year before aid; $48,065 on average after grants.
- What is Pepperdine University's FAFSA school code?
- 010149. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Pepperdine University receives your information.
- What is Pepperdine University's graduation rate?
- 78% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Pepperdine University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard University of Southern CaliforniaCosta Mesa, CA | 62% | — | $23,231 | 55% |
| University of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA | 62% | 1190–1390 | $30,496 | 66% |
| Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno, CA | 64% | — | $17,491 | 49% |
| Chapman UniversityOrange, CA | 65% | 1260–1440 | $46,708 | 83% |
| University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz, CA | 66% | — | $18,549 | 74% |
| Concordia University-IrvineIrvine, CA | 66% | — | $29,761 | 47% |