Pepperdine University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Malibu, California with 3,553 undergraduates. It admits 63% of applicants, costs an average of $48,065 a year after grants and graduates 78% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Pepperdine University acceptance rate and admissions
Pepperdine University admitted 63% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 650 to 710, math 640 to 740). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Pepperdine University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early decision | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Early decision II | Jan 15, 2027 |
| Early action | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Regular decision | Jan 15, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early decision II, Jan 15, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: $70 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Pepperdine University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Pepperdine University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $72,672 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $22,480 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $95,168 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $48,065 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $48,065 a year after grants and scholarships, $47,103 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Pepperdine University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Pepperdine University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 78% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $89,410 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $21,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 24% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Pepperdine University majors and what graduates earn
Pepperdine University awarded bachelor's degrees in 40 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from economics ($104,943).
All 40 majors at Pepperdine University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Pepperdine University
24 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 24 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 858 | $59,144 | $119,797 |
| Business administration | Master's | 487 | $112,921 | $115,263 |
| Psychology | Master's | 198 | $55,454 | $98,073 |
| Law | Professional doctorate | 197 | n/a | n/a |
| Dispute Resolution | Master's | 111 | $102,386 | $126,536 |
| Business analytics and operations research | Master's | 108 | n/a | $78,092 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | Master's | 94 | $66,623 | $119,067 |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 75 | $102,115 | $184,816 |
| Human resources | Master's | 62 | $91,495 | $81,000 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 53 | $61,809 | $37,860 |
| International business | Master's | 51 | n/a | $133,869 |
| Education leadership | Master's | 46 | $58,610 | $41,000 |
| Public Policy Analysis | Master's | 27 | $66,766 | $41,000 |
| Applied mathematics | Master's | 26 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Professional doctorate | 26 | n/a | n/a |
| Real Estate | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Business administration | Doctoral | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | Doctoral | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Teaching English as a second language | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Area Studies | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 3,553 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 60% women, 40% men
- 12 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large suburb
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University admitted 63% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Pepperdine University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $72,672. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $48,065 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Pepperdine University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 650 to 710 in reading and writing and 640 to 740 in math, and 29 to 32 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Pepperdine University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Pepperdine University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Pepperdine University?
78% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Pepperdine University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $89,410 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
Similar colleges
Matched on location, type, selectivity, size, net price and graduation rate.
More: all colleges in California · Pepperdine University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.