Pepperdine University
A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $77,600 within 10 years; strong 83% graduation rate.
About This School
Pepperdine University is a private nonprofit institution located in Malibu, California with approximately 3,553 undergraduate students enrolled. Pepperdine University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average net price after financial aid is $58,098 per year. The graduation rate is 83%, and the typical graduate earns $77,600 within 10 years of enrollment.
Pepperdine University is a private research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ and with its main campus located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Pepperdine's main campus consists of 830 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu, California. Founded by entrepreneur George Pepperdine in South Los Angeles in 1937, the school expanded to Malibu in 1972. Courses are now taught at the main Malibu campus, as well as the graduate campuses in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.
Situated on a stunning Malibu campus, this small private university offers a genuinely solid return on investment — graduates earn a median $77,600 within 10 years, and the $23,510 median debt load is relatively manageable for a private school. The 85% graduation rate and 86% freshman retention suggest students who enroll tend to thrive and stick around. Worth considering if you're drawn to a close-knit, faith-influenced community in Southern California and want a recognizable name without the astronomical debt that often comes with comparable private institutions.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 21% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,553 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in California
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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