Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate 2026: 62.9%

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Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate for 2026 stands at approximately 62.9%, making it a selective but accessible institution for qualified applicants. With an annual tuition of $69,918 and an average net price of $58,098 after financial aid, Pepperdine offers a private university education in Malibu, California. Graduates earn a median of $82,939 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes across disciplines.

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Acceptance Snapshot

Pepperdine University admitted approximately 62.9% of applicants for the 2026 academic year, as of April 2026. This acceptance rate indicates a selective admissions process, though notably higher than many peer institutions in Southern California. The university maintains a total enrollment of 3,553 students, preserving an intimate learning environment despite its competitive admission standards.

The acceptance rate reflects Pepperdine’s commitment to enrolling a diverse cohort of academically prepared students while maintaining manageable class sizes and strong student-faculty interactions. Students interested in applying should understand that while the acceptance rate suggests reasonable odds, admitted students typically demonstrate strong academic credentials and meaningful extracurricular involvement.

SAT & ACT Scores

Note: Detailed SAT and ACT percentile data for the 2026 admission cycle was not available in the current dataset. Prospective students should visit Pepperdine’s official admissions website or contact the admissions office directly for current standardized test score ranges and testing policies.

Tuition & Costs

Pepperdine University charges $69,918 in annual tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting the institution’s private status. This tuition figure covers instructional costs and access to university facilities and services.

Total Cost of Attendance Components:

  • Tuition: $69,918
  • Average Net Price (after financial aid): $58,098

The average net price represents what students typically pay after grants and aid are applied, providing a more realistic picture of out-of-pocket expenses than sticker price alone. This means the average student reduces their annual cost by approximately $11,820 through financial aid packages.

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Financial Aid Overview

Pepperdine’s average net price of $58,098 indicates that the university distributes substantial financial aid to its student body. This figure demonstrates the institution’s commitment to making a Pepperdine education financially accessible to students across various income levels.

The median student debt upon graduation stands at $23,510, suggesting that many students graduate with manageable loan obligations. This debt level is comparable to or lower than many private universities, particularly given Pepperdine’s tuition costs and the earning potential of its graduates.

For specific information about aid eligibility, grant amounts by income bracket, and scholarship opportunities, prospective students should consult Pepperdine’s financial aid office, as detailed aid distribution data was not available in the current dataset.

Graduation Rates

Pepperdine University reports a completion rate of 84.22%, indicating strong student retention and graduation outcomes. This rate—representing students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe—exceeds the national average for four-year institutions and reflects the university’s supportive academic environment and student success initiatives.

The high completion rate suggests that admitted students find sufficient academic support, financial resources, and community engagement to persist through degree completion, a key indicator of institutional effectiveness.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Pepperdine graduates earn a median of $82,939 ten years after initial enrollment, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (data as of April 2026). This figure reflects strong return on investment and demonstrates that Pepperdine’s education translates into meaningful career earnings across its graduate population.

This earnings figure positions Pepperdine competitively among private universities and suggests that the investment in tuition yields substantial long-term financial benefits for graduates across various majors and career paths.

Note: Detailed enrollment data by major was not available in the current dataset. Prospective students interested in specific degree programs should visit Pepperdine’s academic colleges and departments online or contact the admissions office for current information about popular majors and program-specific outcomes.

Demographics

Note: Comprehensive demographic breakdown by race, ethnicity, and gender was not included in the current dataset. For detailed enrollment demographics and diversity statistics, prospective students should consult Pepperdine’s official institutional research pages or contact the admissions office directly.

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FAQ

What is Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate?

Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate for 2026 is approximately 62.9%, according to data current as of April 2026. This acceptance rate indicates a selective admissions process where the university admits fewer than two-thirds of applicants, though the rate is more accessible than many comparable private institutions.

How much does it cost to attend Pepperdine University?

Annual tuition at Pepperdine is $69,918 for all students. However, the average net price—what students actually pay after financial aid—is $58,098, representing an average reduction of approximately $11,820 per year through grants and aid.

What do Pepperdine graduates earn after college?

According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Pepperdine graduates earn a median of $82,939 ten years after initial enrollment. This strong earnings outcome reflects the value of a Pepperdine degree across various career fields.

How much debt do Pepperdine graduates have?

The median student debt at Pepperdine upon graduation is $23,510. This relatively moderate debt level, combined with strong post-graduation earnings, suggests favorable loan repayment prospects for most graduates.

What is Pepperdine’s graduation rate?

Pepperdine University reports an 84.22% completion rate, meaning that approximately 84% of students graduate within the standard timeframe. This rate exceeds national averages for four-year institutions and indicates strong student success and retention.

How many students attend Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University has a total enrollment of 3,553 students, maintaining an intimate campus community despite its selective admissions standards and strong academic reputation.

Is Pepperdine University selective?

Yes, Pepperdine is a selective institution with a 62.9% acceptance rate. While this rate is higher than some elite universities, it still indicates that the university carefully evaluates applications and admits fewer than two-thirds of applicants, making admission competitive.

Data Sources

All statistics in this article are sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, with data current as of April 2026. Prospective students and families should verify current tuition, financial aid, and admission requirements directly with Pepperdine University’s official admissions and financial aid offices, as institutional data is updated regularly and policies may change.