About
Pepperdine University is a private research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, with its main campus in Los Angeles County, California. Pepperdine's main campus consists of 830 acres (340 ha) overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu, California.
Pepperdine was founded in 1937 by George Pepperdine, a businessman and philanthropist. The university was originally located in Los Angeles but moved to its current location in Malibu in 1952. Pepperdine's motto is "God, service, and learning," the university is committed to providing students with a high-quality education grounded in Christian values.
Pepperdine offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through five schools: Seaver College (liberal arts), Caruso School of Law, Graziadio Business School, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and School of Public Policy. The university is also home to the Pepperdine University Seaver College School of Education and Psychology, which offers online graduate degrees in education and psychology.
What is the acceptance rate of the Pepperdine University?
The acceptance rate for international students at Pepperdine University is 50%. The tuition fees for international students at Pepperdine University are as follows:
- Tuition: $65,990 per year
- Room and board: $23,270 per year
- Campus life fee: $252 per year
- Wellness fee: $500 per year
- Books and supplies: $1,000 per year
- Personal expenses: $1,500 per year
The total cost of attendance for international students at Pepperdine University is about $92,012 per year. Pepperdine University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Pepperdine was ranked #175. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, Pepperdine was ranked #491-500.
Top Reasons to Study in the Pepperdine University
- Beautiful campus: Pepperdine University is on a stunning 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The campus is home to various gardens, fountains, and walkways.
- Strong academics: Pepperdine University is a highly-ranked university with a solid academic reputation. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, law, education, and psychology.
- Pepperdine University is committed to providing students with a global perspective. The university offers a variety of study abroad programs and courses that focus on international issues.
- Small class sizes: Pepperdine University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, which means that students can get to know their professors and get involved in their research.
- Active student life: Pepperdine University has a vibrant student life with various clubs, organisations, and activities. Students can participate in intramural sports, Greek life, and various cultural and religious organisations.
- Location: Pepperdine University is in Malibu, California, a beautiful beach town just south of Los Angeles. Students easily access the beach, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
50%
Application Fee
$65 - $160
How to Apply at Pepperdine University
The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.
Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions
- Application: You can apply through the Common Application from their official website.
- The application fee is $65 for international students.
- Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
- Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
- English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE
- Personal statement/Essay writing
- Two letters of teacher recommendation
- International Financial Aid Statement of Intent
Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions
- Application: You can apply through the Common Application on their official website.
- The application fee is $65 for international students.
- Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
- Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
- English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE
- Personal statement/essay writing
- Transfer Report Form
- Letter of recommendation
- Financial documentation
Documents Required to Apply to Pepperdine University
Undergraduate Students
- Complete the Common Application from their official website
- Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
- SAT/ACT scores
- Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.
- Personal statement/Essay writing
- Two letters of recommendation
- Financial documentation
- Resume
- Additional Documents:
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
- I-20 Form
- Passport
- Visa
Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students
- Complete the Common Application from their official website
- Official transcripts from all previous from your high school or college attended
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume (Relevant work experience)
- Additional Documents:
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
- I-20 Form
- Passport
- Visa
All documents must be in English or have an official English translation
Exams Accepted By Pepperdine University
Undergraduate Students
- Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
- English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.
Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students
- Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
- English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE English Test scores.
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
- Pepperdine Wave Shuttle: The Pepperdine Wave Shuttle is a free shuttle service that operates on campus and to nearby locations. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening.
- Metro Bus: The Metro Bus is a public bus system that serves the Los Angeles area. A Metro Bus stop is located at the corner of Malibu Canyon Road and Civic Center Way, just outside of the Pepperdine campus.
- Taxi: Several taxi companies operate in the Malibu area. Taxis can be hailed on the street or called in advance.
- Ride-hailing services: Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Malibu. These services can be used to get around town or to travel to other parts of Los Angeles.
- Bicycle: Biking is a popular way to get around Malibu. Several bike paths connect the Pepperdine campus to other parts of town.
- Walking: Walking is another excellent way to get around Malibu. The Pepperdine campus is relatively small, so walking from one end of campus to the other is easy.
Services offered by the university
- Academic advising: Pepperdine offers academic advising to all students, from first-year to graduate. Academic advisors can help students choose courses, develop a degree plan, and stay on track to graduation.
- Career services: Pepperdine's Career Services office offers various services to help students find jobs and internships. These services include resume writing, interview skills training, and job search assistance.
- Financial aid: Pepperdine's Financial Aid office helps students apply for financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships. The office also offers counselling and workshops on financial aid topics.
- Health services: Pepperdine's Health Services office provides students medical, dental, and mental health services. The office also offers health education and prevention programs.
- Residence life: Pepperdine's Residence Life office provides housing and dining services to students. The office also offers programs and activities to help students connect with their peers and build community.
- Student activities: Pepperdine's Student Activities office provides a variety of activities and events for students to participate in. These activities include clubs, organisations, intramural sports, and cultural events.
- Technology services: Pepperdine's Technology Services office provides computer and network support to students, faculty, and staff. The office also offers training on how to use technology resources.
Student life at Pepperdine University
- Attend sporting events: Pepperdine University has a variety of intercollegiate sports teams, including men's and women's basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball. Students can also participate in intramural sports.
- Go to the beach: Pepperdine University is in Malibu, California, a beautiful beach town. Students can go to the beach to swim, surf, sunbathe, or just relax.
- Explore Los Angeles: Los Angeles is a central metropolitan area with much to offer. Students can visit museums, see shows, go shopping, or just walk around and explore.
- Get involved in student organisations: Pepperdine University has over 200 student organisations, so there is something for everyone. Students can join clubs and organisations related to their interests, such as academics, religion, hobbies, or social justice.
- Attend cultural events: Pepperdine University hosts various cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, plays, and lectures. These events are a great way to learn about different cultures and meet new people.
- Relax and have fun: Students also need to relax and have fun. There are many ways to do that at Pepperdine University, such as hanging out with friends, watching movies, or playing games.
On campus accomodation at Pepperdine University
- Seaver College Residence Halls: These residence halls are located on the main campus and are home to first-year students. They offer a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, triples, and quads.
- Drescher Campus Apartments: These apartments are located on the main campus and are home to upper-division students. They offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
- Caruso Commons: This is a graduate student housing complex on the main campus. It offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
- Off-Campus Faculty and Staff Housing: This housing is available for faculty and staff members who live on campus. It offers a variety of room types, including singles, doubles, and apartments.
Housing Cost
The cost of on-campus housing at Pepperdine University varies depending on the type of housing and the number of roommates. For example, a single room in a Seaver College Residence Hall costs $14,300 per year, while a one-bedroom apartment in Drescher Campus Apartments costs $19,500 per year.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
- Number of faculty members: Pepperdine University has over 1,000 full-time faculty members.
- Tenure-track faculty: About 60% of Pepperdine's faculty members are tenure-track.
- Average years of experience: The average Pepperdine faculty member has 13 years of teaching experience.
- The highest degree held: Pepperdine faculty members hold the highest PhD degree.
- Fields of study: Pepperdine's faculty members represent various academic disciplines, including business, law, education, psychology, and the arts.
- Awards and honours: Pepperdine's faculty members have received numerous awards and honours, including the Fulbright Scholarship, the Guggenheim Fellowship, and the MacArthur Fellowship.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
Internship opportunities at Pepperdine University
- Academic internships allow students to work with faculty on research projects or gain teaching or advising experience.
- Career-related internships allow students to gain experience in their chosen field. Internships are available in various fields, including business, law, education, and psychology.
- On-campus jobs allow students to work in various departments on campus, such as the library, the student union, or the dining hall.
- Off-campus jobs allow students to work in the surrounding community, such as retail, food service, or hospitality.
Placement of Pepperdine University
Job placement
According to Pepperdine University's Career Center, 93% of graduating seniors had a job offer within six months of graduation.
Hiring companies
Pepperdine University graduates work for various companies, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and nonprofits. Some of the top hiring companies for Pepperdine graduates include:
- KPMG
- Deloitte
- EY
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Amazon
- Apple
- Microsoft
Salaries
The median starting salary for Pepperdine University graduates is $60,000. However, salaries vary depending on the field of study and the company. For example, the median starting salary for business graduates is $65,000, while the median starting salary for law graduates is $120,000.
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Last updated August 14, 2026