Overview
Pepperdine University, situated in Malibu, California, is a private Christian university known for its stunning ocean views and strong programs in law, business, and public policy. The university's Malibu campus includes the Phillips Theme Tower, a notable landmark symbolizing the school's mission and values.
There are currently 3,629 undergraduates at Pepperdine and the school’s acceptance rate is 50%. The tuition at Pepperdine is $66,742.
Pepperdine is affiliated with the Churches of Christ faith. Many schools have religious affiliations but only some of them incorporate their affiliation in a way that shapes the student experience. If you have any questions about the role of the Churches of Christ faith at Pepperdine, be sure to reach out to their admissions officers.
University
Suburb
SupplementalEssay
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$93,512
$48,103
$45,409
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$93,512The sticker price at Pepperdine is $93,512. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Pepperdine would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Pepperdine University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Pepperdine University, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Pepperdine University is 001264.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Using State Grants at Pepperdine
If you reside in California and are considering Pepperdine, be sure to investigate the Cal Grant. You can apply by submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, but you must meet the program's deadline in order to qualify. If you meet financial and other requirements, you may receive over $14,000 per year towards education expenses. The amount received depends on the type of institution you attend and your financial need.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more California scholarshipsNational Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Pepperdine University? Pepperdine offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Pepperdine's website for more information!
Pell Grants at Pepperdine University
19% of students at Pepperdine University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Pepperdine. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Pepperdine University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Pepperdine, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 310-506-4301
Admissions
50%
28
1315
Does Pepperdine have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Pepperdine University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Pepperdine's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Pepperdine Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Pepperdine test-optional?
Pepperdine University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What is the application deadline at Pepperdine?
Early Action
Regular Decision
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
13:1
Graduation Rate
85%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
27%
27% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
14%
14% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
11%
11% of graduates
Psychology
10%
10% of graduates
Social Sciences
9%
9% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
9%
9% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
6%
6% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
6%
6% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
3,629
Pell Grant 20%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 5%
Undergrad Students Over 25 3%
Percent Male / Female 41% / 59%
Ethnic Diversity at Pepperdine
45% White
19% Hispanic
15% Asian / Pacific Islander
8% International / Non-Citizen
8% Multiracial
4% Black
2% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$82,939
Median Debt $23,510
Debt 10 years after graduation $249
Graduation Rate 85%
What is the graduation rate at Pepperdine University?
85% of students who start at Pepperdine University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 27% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Pepperdine University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Pepperdine University is $82,939. This is $32,548 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Pepperdine University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Pepperdine take out in loans?
Graduates of Pepperdine take out a median of $23,510 in federal student loans. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Pepperdine University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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