What SAT score do I need for Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University's middle 50% SAT range is 1290 to 1450. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

What ACT score do I need for Pepperdine University?

Middle 50% ACT range is 29 to 32. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

What is the acceptance rate at Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University admits roughly 63% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

What does Pepperdine University actually cost after financial aid?

Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $58,098 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

Is Pepperdine University a reach, match, or safety for me?

Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Pepperdine University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · West

Acceptance rate: 62.9%
SAT mid-50: 1290-1450
Cost after aid: $58,098
Graduation rate: 83%

What Pepperdine University says matters

How Pepperdine University rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

Acceptance rate: 63%; 7,245 of 11,526
Yield: 12%; 843 enrolled
SAT mid-50: 1300-1440
ACT mid-50: 29-32
CDS year: 2024-25

Acceptance rate by gender

Men: 65%2,716 of 4,197
Women: 62%4,528 of 7,325

Very important

Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
Application essay
Extracurricular activities
Talent or ability
Character or personal qualities
Religious affiliation or commitment

Important

Recommendations
Volunteer work

Considered

Standardized test scores
Interview
First generation
Work experience

Not considered

Class rank
Alumni relation
Geographical residence
State residency
Level of applicant's interest

The full Common Data Set

Every figure Pepperdine University published for 2024-25, section by section.

First-Time, First-Year Admission103

Entrance Exams

SAT: X
ACT: X
AP: X
CLEP: X
Institutional Exam: X
Does your institution make use of SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions for first-time, first-year, degree-seeking applicants?: No

Applications

Total first-time, first-year men who applied: 4,197
Total first-time, first-year women who applied: 7,325
Total first-time, first-year unknown gender who applied: 4
Total first-time, first-year men who were admitted: 2,716
Total first-time, first-year women who were admitted: 4,528
Total first-time, first-year unknown gender who were admitted: 1
Total full-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 353
Total part-time, first-time, first-year men who enrolled: 0
Total full-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 487
Total part-time, first-time, first-year women who enrolled: 3
Total first-time, first-year students who applied: 11,526
Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted: 7,245
Total first-time, first-year students who enrolled: 843

Wait List

Do you have a policy of placing students on a waiting list?: No
Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list:: 1,443
Number accepting a place on the waiting list:: 790
Number of wait-listed students admitted:: 785

Basis for Selection

Rigor of secondary school record: Very Important
Class rank: Not Considered
Academic GPA: Very Important
Standardized test scores: Considered
Application Essay: Very Important
Recommendation(s): Important
Interview: Considered
Extracurricular activities: Very Important
Talent/ability: Very Important
Character/personal qualities: Very Important
First generation: Considered
Alumni/ae relation: Not Considered
Geographical residence: Not Considered
State residency: Not Considered
Religious affiliation/commitment: Very Important
Volunteer work: Important
Work experience: Considered
Level of applicant’s interest: Not Considered

First-time, first-year Profile

Submitting SAT Scores: 0.18
Submitting ACT Scores: 0.1
Submitting SAT Scores: 149
Submitting ACT Scores: 84
SAT Composite: 25th Percentile: 1,300
SAT Composite: 50th Percentile: 1,370
SAT Composite: 75th Percentile: 1,440
SAT Math: 25th Percentile: 640
SAT Math: 50th Percentile: 690
SAT Math: 75th Percentile: 740
ACT Composite: 25th Percentile: 29%
ACT Composite: 50th Percentile: 31%
ACT Composite: 75th Percentile: 32%
ACT Math: 25th Percentile: 27%
ACT Math: 50th Percentile: 28%
ACT Math: 75th Percentile: 32%
ACT English: 25th Percentile: 30%
ACT English: 50th Percentile: 33%
ACT English: 75th Percentile: 35%
SAT Math: 700-800: 48
SAT Math: 600-699: 40
SAT Math: 500-599: 11
SAT Math: 400-499: 1
SAT Math: Total: 100
SAT Composite: 1400-1600: 41
SAT Composite: 1200-1399: 54
SAT Composite: 1000-1199: 5
SAT Composite: Total: 100
ACT Composite: 30-36: 70
ACT Composite: 24-29: 26
ACT Composite: 18-23: 4
ACT Composite: Total: 100
Total: 0
Total: 0
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 9.0%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 29%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 31%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 19%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 10%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 3.0%
Total: 100
Average high school GPA of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year students who submitted GPA:: 3.61
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:: 99%

Admission Policies

Does your institution have an application fee?: Yes
Amount of application fee:: 70
Can it be waived for applicants with financial need?: Yes
Same fee: X
Free: No
Does your institution have an application closing date?: No
Application closing date (fall): 1
Priority Date: 15
Date: X
Yes, other:: 4
Other Date: 1
Date: X
No set Date: 5
Must reply by May 1st or within____weeks if notified after: 1
Does your institution allow students to postpone enrollment after admission?: Yes
If yes, maximum period of postponement:: X
Does your institution allow high school students to enroll as full-time, first-time, first-year students one year or more before high school graduation?: Yes
Does your institution offer an early decision plan (an admission plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date and that asks students to commit to attending if accepted) for first-time, first-year applicants for fall enrollment?: Yes
Do you have a nonbinding early action plan whereby students are notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date but do not have to commit to attending your college?: Yes

Transfer Admission28

Fall Applicants

Men: 303
Women: 432
Unknown: 736
Total: 126
Men: 195
Another Gender: 322
Unknown: 37
Total: 48
Women: 85

Application for Admission

Fall: X
Spring: X
Must a transfer applicant have a minimum number of credits completed or else must apply as an entering first-year student?: Yes
High school transcript: Required of Some
College transcript(s): Required of All
Essay or personal statement: Not Required
List any other application requirements specific to transfer applicants:: D9 List application priority, closing, notification, and candidate reply dates for transfer students. If applications are reviewed on a continuous or rolling basis, place a check mark in the “Rolling admission” column.
Fall: 2
Winter: 1
Fall: 1
Winter: 15
Does an open admission policy, if reported, apply to transfer students?: No
Describe additional requirements for transfer admission, if applicable::  | Requirements | Required of All | Recommended of All | Recommended of Some | Required of Some | Not Required | |------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|----------------------|-----------------------|--------------------|----------------| | High school transcript | X | | | | | | College transcript(s) | X | | | | | | Essay or personal statement | X | | | | | | Interview | | | | | X | | Standardized test scores | | | X | | | | Statement of good standing from prior institution(s) | | | | | X | | D9 | Term | Priority Date | Closing Date | Notification Date | Reply Date | Rolling Admission | |------|--------|-----------------|----------------|---------------------|--------------|---------------------| | D9 | Fall | | Feb 2 | Apr 1 | May 1 | | | D9 | Winter | | | | | | | D9 | Spring | | Oct 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 1 | | | D9 | Summer | | | | | | ##

Transfer Credit Policies

Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:: 64
American Council on Education (ACE): No
College Level Examination Program (CLEP): No
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST): No
Are the military/veteran credit transfer policies published on your website?: Yes
If yes, please provide the URL where the policy can be located:: https://www.pepperdine.edu/registrar/transfers

Academic Offerings and Policies21

Special Study Options

Distance learning: X
Double major: X
Dual enrollment: X
Honors Program: X
Independent study: X
Internships: X
Student-designed major: X
Study abroad: X
Teacher certification program: X
Undergraduate Research: X
Other (specify):: X

Required Course Work

Arts/fine arts: X
English (including composition): X
Foreign languages: X
History: X
Humanities: X
Mathematics: X
Philosophy: X
Sciences (biological or physical): X
Social science: X
Other (describe):: X

Student Life34

Percent Participating

Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 42%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 24%
Percent of women who join sororities: 34%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 100%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 50%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 0
Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 41%
Percent of men who join fraternities: 22%
Percent of women who join sororities: 33%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 61%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 39%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 3.0%

Average Age

Average age of full-time students: 19
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 19
Average age of full-time students: 20
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 21

Activities Offered

Campus Ministries: X
Choral groups: X
Dance: X
Drama/theater: X
International Student Organization: X
Jazz band: X
Literary magazine: X
Model UN: X
Music ensembles: X
Musical theater: X
Opera: X
Pep band: X
Radio station: X
Student government: X
Student newspaper: X
Student-run film society: X
Symphony orchestra: X
Television station: X

Annual Expenses24

Information

Please provide the URL of your institution’s net price calculator:: https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/npc/

Private Tuition

Tuition: 71860
Tuition: 71860

All Institutions Expenses

Required Fees:: 812
Food and housing (on-campus):: 22480
Housing Only (on-campus):: 16090
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 6390
Required Fees:: 812
Food and housing (on-campus):: 22480
Housing Only (on-campus):: 16090
Food Only (on-campus meal plan):: 6390

Credits per Term

Minimum: 12

Tuition Policies

Do tuition and fees vary by year of study (e.g., sophomore, junior, senior)?: No
Do tuition and fees vary by undergraduate instructional program?: No

Estimated Expenses

Books and supplies:: 1000
Transportation:: 1000
Other expenses:: 1500
Books and supplies:: 1000
Transportation: 1000
Other expenses:: 1500
Books and supplies:: 1000
Transportation:: 1000
Other expenses:: 1500

Per-Credit-Hour Charges

Out-of-state:: 2255

Financial Aid105

Students Awarded Non-need-based Aid

N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 233
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 7,158
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 23
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 52,194
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 1,092
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 16,896
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 130
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 54,368
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 56
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 10,672
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 0
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 0

Reporting Year

2023-2024 Final: X

Methodology

Both FM and IM: 5105614

Need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 4266578
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 72492719
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 1125428
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 82990339
Total Scholarships/Grants: 13382493
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 1411865
Federal Work-Study: 191079
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 14985436
Total Self-Help: 26545908
Parent Loans: 3157981
Athletic Awards: 0

Non-need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 0
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 19885235
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 650
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 19885885
Total Scholarships/Grants: 2602544
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 239493
State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.): 2842037
Total Self-Help: 4805968
Parent Loans: 2612803

Students Awarded Aid

A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 732
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 519
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 413
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 412
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 411
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 290
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 36
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 62%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 44096
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 40989
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 4494
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 4197
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 3,442
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 2,197
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 1,874
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 1,866
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 1,849
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 1,258
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 279
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 70%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 50048
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 46363
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 5826
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 5395
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 187
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 119
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 100
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 100
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 99
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 63
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 6
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 48%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 23210
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 20547
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 4583
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 4604

Graduating Cohort

Provide the number of students in the 2024 undergraduate class who started at your institution as first-time students and received a bachelor's degree between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Exclude students who transferred into your institution.: 661

Source Type Loan

A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 240
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 228
C. Institutional loan programs.: 50
D. State loan programs.: 0
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 16
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 36
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 34
C. Institutional loan programs.: 8
D. State loan programs.: 0
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 2
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 16500
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 12161
C. Institutional loan programs.: 10771
D. State loan programs.: 0
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 40537

Aid to Nonresidents

Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available: X
Average dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 34,200
Total dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 4,172,368

Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA: X

Aid Available

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: X
Federal Direct PLUS Loans: X
College/university loans from institutional funds: X
Federal Pell Grants: X
Federal SEOG: X
State scholarships/grants: X
Private scholarships: X
College/university scholarship or grant aid from institutional funds: X

Institutional Aid

Academics: X
Art: X
Leadership: X
Music/drama: X
State/district residency: X
If your institution has recently implemented any major financial aid policy, program, or initiative to make your institution more affordable to incoming students such as replacing loans with grants, or waiving costs for families below a certain income level please provide details:: CDS-H Page18 Common Data Set 2024-2025

Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred22

Diploma/Certificates

Interdisciplinary studies: 100
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Associate

TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Bachelors

Area, ethnic, and gender studies: 1
Communication/journalism: 13
Education: 0.4
Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics: 0.1
English: 2
Liberal arts/general studies: 1
Biological/life sciences: 6
Mathematics and statistics: 1
Military science and military technologies: 28
Interdisciplinary studies: 6
Parks and recreation: 8
Philosophy and religious studies: 2
Physical sciences: 1
Psychology: 11
Social sciences: 11
Visual and performing arts: 6
Business/marketing: 29
History: 1
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Enrollment And Persistence113

Institutional Enrollment

Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: men: 353
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 44
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 974
Other first-year, degree-seeking: women: 1,371
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: women: 487
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: another gender: 41
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: unknown: 1,491
Other first-year, degree-seeking: another gender: 2,019
Total degree-seeking: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Total undergraduate students: unknown: 0
All other degree-seeking: unknown: 3,553
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: men: 5,423
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: women: 8,976
Total graduate Part-Time Students: unknown: 0
Total Graduate Students: unknown: 0
Total All Students: unknown: 0

All

Total graduate Full-Time Students: unknown: 0

Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

Nonresidents: 76
Hispanic/Latino: 182
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 33
White, non-Hispanic: 333
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 4
Asian, non-Hispanic: 115
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 3
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 55
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 42
TOTAL: 843
Nonresidents: 277
Hispanic/Latino: 690
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 130
White, non-Hispanic: 1,556
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 11
Asian, non-Hispanic: 520
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 12
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 261
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 96
TOTAL: 3,553
Nonresidents: 277
Hispanic/Latino: 690
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 130
White, non-Hispanic: 1,556
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 11
Asian, non-Hispanic: 520
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 12
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 261
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 96
TOTAL: 3,553

Persistence

Certificate/diploma: 23
Bachelor's degrees: 832
Postbachelor's certificates: 4
Master's degrees: 2,158
Doctoral degrees – research/scholarship: 94
Doctoral degrees – professional practice: 223

Graduation Rates

Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 143
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 173
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 484
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 1
Total: 1
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 143
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 173
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 483
Total: 799
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 104
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 136
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 360
Total: 600
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 13
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 14
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 31
Total: 58
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 3
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 5
Total: 8
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 120
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 150
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 396
Total: 666
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 84
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 87
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 82
Total: 83
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 160
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 199
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 502
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 0
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 160
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 199
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 502
Total: 861
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 123
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 158
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 365,646
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 12
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 14
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 49
Total: 75
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 119
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 11
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 136
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 173
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 423
Total: 732
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 85
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 87
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 84
Total: 85

Instructional Faculty And Class Size45

Instructional Faculty

A. Total number of instructional faculty: 399
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 103
C. Total number who are women: 193
D. Total number who are men: 206
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 10
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 355
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 42
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 1
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 1
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 159
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 504
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 174
C. Total number who are women: 333
D. Total number who are men: 171
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 6
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 274
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 205
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 15
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 10
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 387
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 903
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 277
C. Total number who are women: 526
D. Total number who are men: 377
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 16
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 629
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 247
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 16
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 11
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 546

Student to Faculty Ratio

Fall 2024 Student to Faculty ratio: 12
based on ____ students: 3,444
and ____ faculty: 277

Undergraduate Class Size

2-9: 190
10-19: 190
30-39: 60
40-49: 60
50-99: 12
100+: 9
Total: 10
2-9: 17
10-19: 17
20-29: 22
30-39: 4
Total: 43

Source: Pepperdine University's Common Data Set 2024-25

About Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is a small private university in Malibu, CA, in a city setting.

What Pepperdine University looks for

Pepperdine University admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

Frequently asked

What SAT score do I need for Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University's middle 50% SAT range is 1290 to 1450. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.
What ACT score do I need for Pepperdine University?
Middle 50% ACT range is 29 to 32. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.
What is the acceptance rate at Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University admits roughly 63% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.
What does Pepperdine University actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $58,098 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is Pepperdine University a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Pepperdine University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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