Pepperdine University is a private, Christian research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is located in Malibu, California, on a beautiful 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Pepperdine has over 7,600 students enrolled in five colleges and schools: Seaver College (liberal arts), the School of Law, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the Graziadio Business School, and the School of Public Policy.
Pepperdine is known for its high academic standards, its commitment to Christian values, and its beautiful campus. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, law, education, psychology, public policy, and the liberal arts. Pepperdine also has a strong focus on experiential learning, and many students have the opportunity to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and other hands-on experiences.
Courses, Fees, Eligibility
| Course | Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Seaver College (liberal arts) | Undergraduate: $78,360 | High school diploma or equivalent |
| School of Law | Graduate: $70,760 | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university |
| Graduate School of Education and Psychology | Graduate: $67,480 | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university |
| Graziadio Business School | Graduate: $70,760 | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university |
| School of Public Policy | Graduate: $67,480 | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university |
University Ranking
Pepperdine University is ranked #55 among national universities in the 2022-2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. Pepperdine is also ranked highly in other rankings, such as:
- Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges: #161
- Money’s Best Colleges for Your Money: #172
- Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education U.S. College Rankings: #178
- Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck Colleges: #104
Pepperdine is also ranked highly in specific academic programs, such as:
- Business: #12 in Study Abroad (tie)
- Education: #26 in Best Colleges for Veterans (tie)
- Law: #14 in Trial Advocacy (tie)
- Psychology: #228 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
Important Dates
Fall Term:
- August 15: Classes begin
- September 30: Fall Break
- November 23-24: Thanksgiving Break
- December 23: Classes end
Winter Term:
- January 7: Classes begin
- January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (no classes)
- February 19: Presidents’ Day Holiday (no classes)
- March 22: Spring Break
- April 12: Classes end
Spring Term:
- April 13: Commencement
- May 16: Classes begin
- June 13: Classes end
Admission Process
- Complete the Common Application: Pepperdine applicants submit their applications through the Common Application. The Common Application is available each year on August 1.
- Submit the Pepperdine Writing Supplement: In addition to the Common Application, Pepperdine applicants must also submit a Pepperdine Writing Supplement. The Pepperdine Writing Supplement is a short essay that asks applicants to reflect on their personal and academic goals.
- Submit official transcripts: Pepperdine applicants must submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges they have attended.
- Submit standardized test scores: Pepperdine is test-optional, so applicants do not have to submit standardized test scores if they do not want to. However, if applicants do submit standardized test scores, Pepperdine considers SAT and ACT scores.
- Submit letters of recommendation: Pepperdine applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers or other academic references.
- Submit a resume or CV: Pepperdine applicants may submit a resume or CV to highlight their extracurricular activities, work experience, and other accomplishments
Cut Offs
| Pepperdine University | Cut Offs |
|---|---|
| SAT Score (Middle 50%) | 1220 – 1370 |
| ACT Score (Middle 50%) | 26 – 31 |
| GPA (Middle 50%) | 3.3 – 3.6 |
| Acceptance Rate | 42% |
Placement
- Pepperdine University graduates are highly sought-after by employers. The university’s career services office offers a variety of resources to help students find jobs and internships, and Pepperdine graduates have a strong track record of success in the job market.
- According to Pepperdine’s 2022 Career Outcomes Report, 90% of Pepperdine graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The median base salary for full-time MBA graduates was $72,500, and the median base salary for full-time undergraduate graduates was $55,000.
- Pepperdine’s alumni network is also strong. Pepperdine graduates are encouraged to stay connected with the university, and the alumni network offers a variety of resources and opportunities for graduates.
- Overall, Pepperdine University has a strong track record of placement. Pepperdine graduates are highly sought-after by employers, and they have a strong track record of success in the job market.
Here are some specific examples of Pepperdine graduates who have gone on to successful careers:
- Mark Zuckerberg: CEO of Meta
- Jamie Dimon: CEO of JPMorgan Chase
- Ken Jeong: Actor and comedian
- Elisabeth Holmes: Founder and former CEO of Theranos
- Kevin McCarthy: U.S. House Minority Leader
- Melinda French Gates: Philanthropist and former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Scholarships
- Regents Scholarship: This is the highest honor bestowed upon entering freshmen and transfer students. Regents Scholars are selected based on their academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to Christian values.
- Blanche E. Seaver Scholarship: This award is given to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and promise. Seaver Scholars are selected from the top 10% of the incoming freshman class.
- George Pepperdine Achievement Award: This scholarship is awarded to students who display academic achievement and overall strength as an applicant. The George Pepperdine Achievement Award is renewable for up to four years at Pepperdine.
- Departmental Scholarships: Many of the departments at Pepperdine offer scholarships to students who demonstrate strong talent in the areas of music, art, theatre, debate, and science, among others.
- Private Scholarships: There are also a number of private scholarships available to Pepperdine students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on specific criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, or extracurricular involvement.
Notable Alumni
- Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines
- Jim Barksdale, former CEO of Netscape
- Steve Case, co-founder of AOL
- John C. Bogle, founder of Vanguard Group
- Robert Herjavec, investor on Shark Tank
- Terry Benedict, filmmaker
- Kimberly Yee, former U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia
- Alan Beard, former NBA player
- Kimberly Guilfoyle, former Fox News host
- Bill Walton, NBA Hall of Famer
- Ted Turner, media mogul
FAQs?
Tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $81,702. Approximately 92% of students at Pepperdine receive some form of financial assistance.
Admission requirements vary by program, but all applicants must submit an application, transcripts, test scores, and a personal statement.
Pepperdine has a diverse student body, with students from all over the United States and from many countries around the world. The university also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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