# Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/pepperdine-university

Pepperdine University is a private nonprofit college in Malibu, CA with 3,553 undergraduates. It admits 63% of applicants, and admitted students average 1384 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $48,065 per year ($38,093 for families earning under $30,000). 78% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $89,410 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 63% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 12,457 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 6,210 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 650–710 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 640–740 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 29–32 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $95,168 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $48,065 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $38,093 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $35,990 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $38,110 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $42,539 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $63,600 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 3,553 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 78% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $89,410 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 (FY2024) |

## What Pepperdine University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Not considered
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Pepperdine University's acceptance rate?**

Pepperdine University admits 63% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Pepperdine University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 650–710 on SAT Reading and Writing and 640–740 on SAT Math; the average total is 1384.

**What ACT score do you need for Pepperdine University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 29–32.

**Is Pepperdine University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Pepperdine University?**

In Fall 2023, 12,457 students applied to Pepperdine University and 6,210 were admitted; 732 enrolled.

**Does Pepperdine University consider legacy status?**

Yes. Pepperdine University reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Pepperdine University require an essay?**

Pepperdine University reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Pepperdine University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $95,168 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $48,065.

**What is Pepperdine University's graduation rate?**

78% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 121150. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology