Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private non-profit institution located in Malibu, CA, offering 72 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. The institution maintains a strong graduation rate of 84.67%, demonstrating a commitment to student success and completion.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $66,742
- 2024 Average Net Price: $45,409 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 49.85% Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 3,629 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 84.67%
- Average SAT Score: 1367
Costs
Tuition Costs
$66,742
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Pepperdine University was $66,742.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$45,409
2024 Value
In 2024 Pepperdine University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $45,409.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$181,636 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$45,409 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$266,968 4-Year Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for Pepperdine University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
19.61% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
38.42% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Pepperdine University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
49.85% Acceptance Rate
This institution is selective, accepting about half of all applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1367
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.5 - 3.7
Estimated Median GPA: 3.60
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Pepperdine University in 2024 is 3,629 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
75.03% 100% Completion Time
84.67% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 75.03% of students graduating from Pepperdine University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Pepperdine University.
Return on Investment
$23,510 Median Student Debt
$82,939 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
28.35% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
356.62% Return on Investment
2.8 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Pepperdine University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
CIP 42.2801: 788 completions
CIP 52.0201: 635 completions
General Psychology: 290 completions
Law (JD): 197 completions
CIP 30.2801: 134 completions
CIP 52.1301: 108 completions
Educational Administration & Support: 100 completions
CIP 42.2814: 96 completions
CIP 22.0201: 87 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 3,334 completions
Most popular programs at Pepperdine University.
Employment Outcomes
$64,934 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$72,056 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$82,939 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for Pepperdine University graduates.
About
Pepperdine University is a private non-profit institution located in Malibu, CA, offering 72 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 3,629 students. It is selective, with an admission rate of 49.85%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1367. The institution maintains a 84.67% graduation rate. Approximately 19.61% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Location
Malibu, CA 90263
Region: Far West
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 84.67% graduation rate, Pepperdine University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: Pepperdine University graduates report median earnings of $82,939 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 72 distinct degree programs, Pepperdine University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.