About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine attracts students who want a Christian education with one of the most beautiful campus settings in America. The university sits on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, creating a backdrop that feels more like a resort than a traditional college. With 3,629 students, it's small enough that professors know your name but large enough to offer strong programs, especially in business. Notable graduates include real estate mogul Rick Caruso and actress Stana Katic, who built careers after studying at this Churches of Christ-affiliated school.
The sticker price hits $66,742 for tuition alone, but most families don't pay that much. The average net price students actually pay is $45,409 after aid, though only 19.61% receive need-based help. Graduates typically earn $82,939 ten years after leaving school, which helps justify the cost. Most students graduate with $23,510 in debt and monthly loan payments of $249, manageable given the earning potential.
Students here tend to come from well-off families, with 45% from California and the rest drawn by the combination of faith-based education and stunning location. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes, and the 85.96% retention rate suggests most students are happy with their choice once they arrive.
The sticker price hits $66,742 for tuition alone, but most families don't pay that much. The average net price students actually pay is $45,409 after aid, though only 19.61% receive need-based help. Graduates typically earn $82,939 ten years after leaving school, which helps justify the cost. Most students graduate with $23,510 in debt and monthly loan payments of $249, manageable given the earning potential.
Students here tend to come from well-off families, with 45% from California and the rest drawn by the combination of faith-based education and stunning location. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes, and the 85.96% retention rate suggests most students are happy with their choice once they arrive.
Academics & Faculty
Pepperdine operates as a Christian research university with particularly strong business and communications programs that attract students interested in media, entrepreneurship, and corporate careers. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means most classes stay small, giving students direct access to professors who often have industry connections in nearby Los Angeles. With an 84.70% six-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on time, helped by the close faculty relationships and academic support systems. The business school gets special recognition for preparing students for careers in finance and consulting, while the communications program benefits from internship opportunities in Hollywood and LA's media industry.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 84.7%
- Retention Rate
- 86.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $82,939
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $122,038 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Doctoral | $103,746 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $96,691 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $92,733 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $71,015 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,508 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $57,770 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
Campus Life
Pepperdine's 830-acre campus sits on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. You'll spend most days in shorts and flip-flops since temperatures stay in the 70s year-round, with ocean breezes keeping things comfortable. The campus houses 2,545 students in dorms that offer some of the best views in higher education.
With 70% of students living on campus, weekend life centers around the beach and outdoor activities. Students surf before class, play volleyball on the sand, or hike in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. The strict alcohol policy (this is a Churches of Christ school) means parties happen off-campus or focus on outdoor adventures instead of typical college drinking scenes. Los Angeles internships and entertainment industry connections draw many students, but the 45-minute drive to the city means campus feels isolated from urban distractions. The small size (3,629 students) creates a close community where professors know your name and the 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes are the norm.
With 70% of students living on campus, weekend life centers around the beach and outdoor activities. Students surf before class, play volleyball on the sand, or hike in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. The strict alcohol policy (this is a Churches of Christ school) means parties happen off-campus or focus on outdoor adventures instead of typical college drinking scenes. Los Angeles internships and entertainment industry connections draw many students, but the 45-minute drive to the city means campus feels isolated from urban distractions. The small size (3,629 students) creates a close community where professors know your name and the 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes are the norm.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,545 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1937
Campus Safety (2023)
47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 49°–62°F
- July Avg
- 61°–69°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Pepperdine draws students who want a faith-based education in one of America's most beautiful campus settings. With 46% of students from California, the school has strong local appeal among families seeking a Christian university near home. The 59% female student body reflects the school's strengths in psychology, communications, and business programs that traditionally attract more women. About 20% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families despite its high sticker price. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic and Asian populations, typical of Southern California schools.
- Men
- 41.0%
- Women
- 59.0%
- White
- 44.6%
- Black
- 3.6%
- Hispanic
- 18.7%
- Asian
- 15.0%
- In-State Students
- 45.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.6%
Location
Pepperdine sits on 830 acres in Malibu, California, about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean from bluffs that rise 500 feet above the coastline. Malibu is famous for its beaches and celebrity homes, but it's not a typical college town. Students can drive to Santa Monica in 20 minutes or reach downtown LA in an hour, depending on traffic. The area has a Mediterranean climate with year-round mild temperatures. About 54% of students come from outside California, drawn by the ocean views and Southern California lifestyle. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Pepperdine with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Malibu, California 90263
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $82,939
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $79,256
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $54,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $249/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,510
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine accepts 48.71% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need strong academics with an average SAT score of 1383 to compete for admission to this Christian university overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
How much does Pepperdine University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $45,409 after aid, though the sticker price reaches $91,012 for total attendance costs. Only 19.61% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the wealthy student population drawn to this Malibu campus.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pepperdine University?
Classes average 13 students per faculty member, ensuring personal attention from professors. The small class sizes complement Pepperdine's focus on combining Christian values with rigorous academics, particularly in their well-known business programs.
What do graduates of Pepperdine University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $82,939 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The 91.8% employment rate demonstrates how Pepperdine's combination of academic rigor and networking opportunities in Southern California pays off for graduates.
Where do students live at Pepperdine University?
The campus houses 2,545 students in residence halls overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. With 3,629 total enrollment, most students experience dorm life on one of America's most scenic college campuses, complete with ocean views and mountain backdrops.
Does Pepperdine University compete in Division I athletics?
The Waves field 16 varsity sports in NCAA Division I as part of the West Coast Conference. With 293 total athletes receiving $9,942,607 in athletic scholarships, Pepperdine combines competitive sports with their Christian mission and stunning coastal setting.
