At a Glance
Pepperdine University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Malibu, CA. Approximately 3,553 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 63% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 1 mile from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 49 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Location
Malibu, CA
Campus Identity
Pepperdine University is a mid-size private nonprofit university in Malibu, CA. Approximately 3,553 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 63% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 1 mile from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 49 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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Campus Lifestyle
Pepperdine University is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NCAA D1 athletics and a greek life dominant Greek scene. The campus is 1 miles from Amarillo Beach, CA and 49 miles from Mt. Waterman Ski Lift, LLC.
Athletics
NCAA D1
West Coast
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Beach Access
1 miles
Amarillo Beach, CA
Weather
Hot Climate
63°F avg school-year
Greek Life at Pepperdine University
At Pepperdine University, 22% of men are in a fraternity and 33% of women are in a sorority. That is a substantial Greek presence: large enough to shape the social scene without being the only way into it. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.
22%
Men in fraternities
33%
Women in sororities
Greek Life Dominant
Greek life scale
Nearby Ski Resorts
Pepperdine University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Mt. Waterman Ski Lift, LLC, 49 miles away. All are within 64 miles of campus.
California
California
California
Beach Town
Students at Pepperdine University are less than a mile from Amarillo Beach, CA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.
Amarillo Beach, CA
Ocean access within 0.6 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Malibu, CA
Malibu has a warm climate, with winters averaging 56°F in Dec and summers peaking around 79°F in Aug.
Station: WOODLAND HILLS PIERCE COLLEGE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Pepperdine University in CA earns a composite safety score of 52/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $69,918 |
| Fees | $252 |
| Room & Board | $21,750 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $91,920 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
78 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pepperdine University located?
Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA. The main campus address is 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University has an acceptance rate of 63%, making it moderately selective. Out of 11,526 applicants, 7,245 were admitted in the most recent year. 3,553 enrolled.
How many students attend Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University enrolls 3,553 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What ACT score do you need for Pepperdine University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Pepperdine University scored between 29 and 32 on the ACT, with a median of 31. About 10% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Pepperdine University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Pepperdine University charges $69,918/year in tuition. Including room and board ($21,750/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $59,702/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $58,098/year — what students actually pay. Use Pepperdine University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Pepperdine University?
The undergraduate application fee at Pepperdine University is $65. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Is Pepperdine University a Division I (D1) school?
Yes. Pepperdine University is an NCAA Division I school, part of the West Coast. Division I is the top tier of NCAA athletics, home to the largest programs, athletic scholarships, and nationally televised games.
What percentage of students at Pepperdine University are in Greek life?
At Pepperdine University, 22% of men are in a fraternity and 33% of women are in a sorority. That is a substantial Greek presence: large enough to shape the social scene without being the only route into it. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.
Is Pepperdine University the right fit for me?
Whether Pepperdine University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (63% admit rate), avg net price ($58,098/year after aid), campus culture in Malibu, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Pepperdine University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Pepperdine University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Malibu, CA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- West Coast
- School Year Weather
- Hot · 63°F avg
- App Fee
- $65
- On Campus Safety Score
- 52/100
- Nearest Airport
- Santa Monica, CA (SMO) · 15 mialso VNY (17 mi), LAX (18 mi)