Can you get into Pepperdine University?
Malibu, CA · Private · 3,553 students Here is the class that got in, and where your numbers land inside it.
Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.
The admitted class · 2024
What it took to get in
Acceptance rate
62.9%
SAT middle 50%
1290–1450
median 1350
ACT middle 50%
29–32
median 28
Testing
optional
16% submitted an SAT
Graduation rate
84%
within six years
Reported by the college
What Pepperdine University actually reads
Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It is the most useful thing they say about admissions and almost nobody reads it, because knowing that an essay is very important here and class rank is not considered changes where the work should go.
Very important
The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.
- Grades
- Course rigor
- Essay
- Recommendations
Considered
Looked at, but not decisive on its own.
- Test scores
- Legacy
- Work experience
Not considered
Reported as playing no part in the decision.
- Class rank
From the federal IPEDS admissions survey, 2024. It records whether Pepperdine University considers each factor, but not how heavily, and it does not ask about extracurriculars, character, or demonstrated interest. Where a school publishes its Common Data Set we use that instead.
Real cost · 2024 data
What families actually pay
The sticker price is $93,512, but almost nobody pays it. Average net price at Pepperdine University by family income, after grants and scholarships:
- Under $30k$50,560
- $30k–$48k$42,674
- $48k–$75k$51,063
- $75k–$110k$61,851
- Over $110k$65,081
U.S. Department of Education data: average net price per year for aided first-time students. Your number depends on your family’s finances.
Keep going
More on Pepperdine University
Harder to get into
About as selective
Common questions
Pepperdine University admissions, answered
What is Pepperdine University's acceptance rate?
Pepperdine University admits 62.9% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).
What SAT score do you need for Pepperdine University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1290 and 1450. A score above 1450 clears the 75th percentile; below 1290, the rest of the application has to carry more weight.
Is Pepperdine University test-optional?
Yes, Pepperdine University is currently test-optional. Submit a score if it falls inside or above the admitted middle 50%.
What does Pepperdine University look for in an application?
Pepperdine University reports that it weighs grades, course rigor, essay, recommendations most heavily. Anything it lists as not considered is worth knowing too, because effort spent there does not count here.
How much does Pepperdine University actually cost?
Sticker price is $93,512, but the average family pays $58,098 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $50,560 per year on average.
What Spike does with this
Use the Pepperdine University read in your plan.
Spike helps connect your numbers with courses, testing, essays, activities, and the rest of your college list.
One email when Spike opens. No card, no account. About the waitlist.