Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Malibu, California |
| Online | pepperdine.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Religious Affiliation | Churches of Christ |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Pepperdine University occupies a 830-acre campus along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, approximately 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Founded in 1937 and affiliated with the Churches of Christ, the university features Mediterranean Revival architecture across its hillside location, with academic buildings and residential facilities offering views of the Pacific Ocean. The university maintains a selective undergraduate admission process and is known for its Seaver College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Caruso School of Law, and Graziadio Business School. Undergraduate students are required to live on campus for the first two years, with most residing in suite-style residential facilities overlooking the coastline. Pepperdine competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Waves, with particularly strong programs in men's volleyball and women's beach volleyball.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Pepperdine is rated within the top 25% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Pepperdine University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#143 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#114 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#19 in Best Colleges in California
#13 in Best Private Colleges in California
#544 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#39 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1250/1450 |
| ACT | 26/32 |
| GPA | 3.74 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $752 |
| Room and Board | $23,270 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $93,512 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 27% |
| Communication | 22% |
| Social Sciences | 10% |
| General Studies | 8% |
| Psychology | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Pepperdine are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=121150 IPEDS survey data for Pepperdine University.
Current students may use the Pepperdine University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025