Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate 2025: 62.9%

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Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate 2025

Quick Answer

Pepperdine University has an acceptance rate of approximately 62.9% for the 2025 academic year, making it a selective private institution in Malibu, California. With a total annual tuition of $69,918 and an average net price of $58,098 after financial aid, Pepperdine offers a premium education with strong post-graduation outcomes—graduates earn a median of $82,939 ten years after enrollment.

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Acceptance Snapshot

Pepperdine University admitted approximately 62.9% of applicants in the 2025 admissions cycle, according to data current as of April 2026. While this acceptance rate is higher than many elite private universities, Pepperdine remains competitive and selective in its admissions process. The university’s acceptance rate reflects its position as a well-regarded institution that attracts strong applicants from across the country and internationally.

The acceptance rate provides insight into institutional selectivity but does not capture the full picture of Pepperdine’s admissions landscape. Prospective students should view this metric alongside standardized test scores, GPA requirements, and other factors that influence admissions decisions.

SAT & ACT Scores

Data on specific SAT and ACT score ranges (25th–75th percentile) for Pepperdine’s 2025 admissions cycle was not available in the provided dataset. Prospective students are encouraged to visit Pepperdine’s official admissions website or contact the Office of Admission directly for current middle 50% test score ranges. This information is essential for self-assessment and understanding whether your profile aligns with admitted students’ credentials.

Tuition & Costs

Pepperdine University’s tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year is $69,918 annually. Because Pepperdine is a private institution, tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Cost of Attendance Overview:

  • Annual Tuition: $69,918
  • Average Net Price (after aid): $58,098
  • Median Student Debt: $23,510

The average net price of $58,098 represents what students pay on average after accounting for institutional grants and scholarships. However, net price varies significantly based on family income and financial circumstances. Students with greater financial need may qualify for larger aid packages, while those from higher-income families may pay closer to the full sticker price.

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Financial Aid Overview

Pepperdine commits to meeting demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The average net price of $58,098 indicates that most students receive some form of aid, reducing the burden from the full $69,918 tuition. This figure suggests that the typical student pays approximately 83% of the sticker price after grants and scholarships.

Students should complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile to be considered for institutional aid. Pepperdine’s financial aid package may include merit scholarships, need-based grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. The median student debt of $23,510 upon graduation reflects borrowing patterns among Pepperdine graduates and suggests moderate debt loads for many students.

For specific information about aid eligibility, application deadlines, and financial aid packages, contact Pepperdine’s Office of Financial Aid directly.

Graduation Rates

Pepperdine University reports a completion rate of 84.22%, meaning approximately 84 out of every 100 students who enroll graduate within a standard timeframe. This strong graduation rate exceeds the national average for four-year institutions and reflects Pepperdine’s commitment to student success, academic support services, and retention initiatives.

High graduation rates like Pepperdine’s indicate robust academic advising, accessible student services, and an engaged campus community that supports students from enrollment through degree completion.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Pepperdine graduates earn a median of $82,939 ten years after initial enrollment, according to College Scorecard data current as of April 2026. This figure represents earnings for the typical graduate and reflects the earning potential across all majors and career paths pursued by Pepperdine alumni.

Post-graduation earnings vary by field of study, with graduates in engineering, business, and STEM fields typically earning higher salaries than those in humanities or social sciences. The $82,939 median demonstrates strong return on investment for a Pepperdine degree and positions graduates competitively in the job market.

Data on Pepperdine’s top majors by degrees awarded was not included in the provided dataset. To learn about the most popular programs and degree offerings at Pepperdine, prospective students should visit the university’s academic programs page or contact the Office of Admission. Pepperdine offers undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple schools, including the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, the Graziadio Business School, and others.

Demographics

Demographic enrollment data for Pepperdine University was not available in the provided dataset. For current information on student body composition by race, ethnicity, gender, and other demographic categories, visit Pepperdine’s official institutional research website or contact the Office of Institutional Research. Understanding campus diversity is an important factor for many students evaluating fit.

FAQ

What is Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate for 2025?

Pepperdine’s acceptance rate for the 2025 admissions cycle is approximately 62.9%, meaning roughly 63 out of every 100 applicants receive an admission offer. While this rate is higher than some elite private universities, Pepperdine remains selective and competitive.

How much does it cost to attend Pepperdine University?

Annual tuition at Pepperdine is $69,918 for the 2025–2026 academic year. However, the average net price after financial aid is $58,098, meaning most students pay less than the sticker price. Actual out-of-pocket costs vary based on family income and individual financial circumstances.

What is the median salary for Pepperdine graduates?

Pepperdine graduates earn a median of $82,939 ten years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard data. Earnings vary by major and career field, with STEM and business graduates typically earning higher salaries.

What is Pepperdine’s graduation rate?

Pepperdine has a completion rate of 84.22%, meaning approximately 84% of students graduate within the standard timeframe. This rate exceeds the national average and reflects strong student support and retention initiatives.

How much financial aid does Pepperdine provide?

The average net price of $58,098 indicates that most admitted students receive financial aid reducing the full tuition cost. Pepperdine offers need-based grants, merit scholarships, federal loans, and work-study. Exact aid amounts depend on individual circumstances and are determined through the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

How selective is Pepperdine University?

With a 62.9% acceptance rate, Pepperdine is moderately selective compared to highly selective institutions with sub-20% acceptance rates. However, admitted students typically have strong academic credentials, and the university considers essays, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities alongside grades and test scores.

What is the typical student debt at Pepperdine?

The median student debt for Pepperdine graduates is $23,510, suggesting moderate borrowing levels. Many students graduate with no debt, while others borrow more depending on their family’s financial circumstances and the aid package offered.

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Data Sources

All statistics and figures in this article are sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, with data current as of April 2026. Acceptance rates, tuition figures, net price, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings reflect the most recent data available from these official federal sources.

Important Note: College data changes annually. Prospective students should verify current acceptance rates, tuition costs, financial aid policies, and other figures directly with Pepperdine University’s Office of Admission and Office of Financial Aid to ensure they have the most up-to-date information for their application and enrollment decisions.