Pepperdine vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Seattle University in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Pepperdine vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Seattle U? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Seattle University than Pepperdine ($36,948 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 27.8% lower than at Pepperdine University ($15,702 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $13,197 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.3% higher at Pepperdine than at Seattle University (about $13,197 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Pepperdine University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 31.3% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($35,351 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine or Seattle U? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Seattle U and Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 50 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Pepperdine vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Seattle U? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Pepperdine University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($253 vs. $268).
• More Pepperdine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.