Pepperdine University
Malibu, United States
Pepperdine University
Malibu, United States
Founded
1937
Institution Type
Private Research University
Total Students
9,500+
Acceptance Rate
63%
Discover Pepperdine University: Overview & History
Discover Pepperdine University: Overview & History
Pepperdine University is a private research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, situated on an 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Malibu, California. Founded in 1937 by entrepreneur George Pepperdine, the university is composed of an undergraduate liberal arts school (Seaver College) and four graduate schools: the Caruso School of Law, the Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Public Policy.
Originally established as George Pepperdine College in South Los Angeles, the institution achieved university status in 1970 and expanded to its iconic Malibu campus in 1972. Today, courses are taught at the main Malibu campus as well as graduate campuses across the United States, Latin America, and Europe, offering students a truly global educational experience.
In 2025, Pepperdine earned the Research 2 (R2): High Research Activity designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university maintains a strong commitment to combining rigorous academics with spiritual exploration and a life of purpose, guided by its motto: Freely ye received, freely give.
Key Milestones
- 1937: George Pepperdine College founded in South Los Angeles with 167 inaugural students from 22 states and two countries.
- 1970: Achieved university status as graduate and professional schools were added to the institution.
- 1972: Opened the new 830-acre Malibu campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, becoming the university's main campus.
- 2025: Earned the Carnegie R2: High Research Activity designation, recognizing significant research output and doctoral programs.
Academic Structure & Schools at Pepperdine
Academic Structure & Schools at Pepperdine
Pepperdine University is organized into five distinct schools, each offering specialized programs that combine academic excellence with the university's Christian mission. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and a semester-based academic calendar, students benefit from personalized attention and close mentorship from faculty members.
Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Pepperdine's undergraduate liberal arts college offers over 40 majors and minors, emphasizing a well-rounded education with a required general studies program. Seaver College also operates international programs in locations including London, Florence, Heidelberg, Lausanne, Buenos Aires, and Kyoto.
- Business Administration
- Communication
- International Studies
Graziadio Business School
Founded in 1969, the Graziadio Business School enrolls approximately 2,000 students in full-time and part-time degree programs. The school has graduated more than 47,000 alumni and is recognized for its MBA and executive education offerings.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Management and Leadership
- Master of Science in Applied Finance
Caruso School of Law
Located on the Malibu campus, the Caruso School of Law enrolls about 500 students and is accredited by the American Bar Association. Its Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution is consistently ranked as one of the top dispute resolution programs in the country.
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)
- LLM in Dispute Resolution
Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP)
GSEP offers master's and doctoral programs including EdD, PsyD, and PhD degrees, with an enrollment of approximately 1,600 students. Its programs are accredited by the APA and prepare graduates for careers in education, psychology, and counseling.
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
School of Public Policy
The School of Public Policy enrolls approximately 70 graduate students in a two-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. It is the most research-oriented school at the university and offers joint degree programs with the law school and business school.
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- MPP/Juris Doctor Joint Degree
- MPP/MBA Joint Degree
International Programs
Pepperdine operates international campuses and study abroad programs across six continents, allowing students to spend a semester or full year studying overseas. Locations include London, Florence, Heidelberg, Lausanne, Buenos Aires, and the newest program in Kyoto, Japan launching in fall 2026.
- Year-in-Florence Program
- London Internship Program
- Heidelberg Semester Program
Pepperdine University Admission Requirements
Pepperdine University Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Application PlatformCommon Application
- SAT Score (Mid-50%)1290–1450
- ACT Score (Mid-50%)29–32
- Average GPA3.61
- Application FeeUSD 70
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeRequired from accredited institution
- Letters of Recommendation2–3 required (varies by program)
- TOEFL/IELTSRequired for non-native English speakers
- Standardized TestsGRE/GMAT varies by program
- Statement of PurposeRequired for all graduate programs
Binding Early Decision and non-binding Early Action deadline. Early Decision includes an exclusive USD 2,000 scholarship. Decisions released by January 10.
Regular Decision deadline for first-year and nursing applicants. Admission decisions released by April 1.
Priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA to receive maximum consideration for need-based financial aid and scholarships.
National Candidates Reply Date. Admitted students must confirm enrollment and submit their deposit by this date.
Tuition, Fees & Scholarships at Pepperdine
Tuition, Fees & Scholarships at Pepperdine
As a private university, Pepperdine charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. The university offers substantial financial aid, with 92% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance including need-based grants, merit scholarships, and student loans.
| Cost Category | Undergraduate (Annual) | Graduate (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 72,672 | USD 44,056 |
| Room & Board | USD 22,480 | Varies by program |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 |
| Personal & Transportation | Varies | Varies |
| Total | ~USD 96,152 | Contact university for estimate |
Need-Based Financial Aid
Pepperdine awards need-based grants and scholarships to eligible students based on demonstrated financial need as calculated through the FAFSA. Approximately 54% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid.
- Average Need-Based Award: USD 41,568
- Students Receiving Aid: 92% of undergraduates
- Average Net Price: USD 52,098
Merit-Based Scholarships
Pepperdine offers merit-based scholarships recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and special talents. These awards do not require demonstration of financial need and are based on the strength of the student's application.
- Early Decision Scholarship: USD 2,000 exclusive award
- Eligibility: Based on academic achievement and application strength
- Average Total Aid Package: USD 44,096
Pepperdine's Malibu Campus & Facilities
Pepperdine's Malibu Campus & Facilities
Pepperdine's 830-acre main campus in the Santa Monica Mountains is widely regarded as one of the most scenic college campuses in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Bay, and Catalina Island. The campus features Mediterranean Revival architecture with white stucco walls, red tile roofs, and large tinted windows.
The heart of campus features Seaver College academic buildings, Payson Library, and the iconic Phillips Theme Tower surrounded by lush landscaping with ocean panoramas.
Home to Pepperdine Waves basketball and volleyball, Firestone Fieldhouse anchors the university's athletic facilities alongside tennis courts and swimming pools.
Completed in 1973, Stauffer Chapel serves as the spiritual center of campus life, hosting weekly convocations, worship services, and special ceremonies.
Housing & Dining
On-Campus Housing
Pepperdine offers a variety of residence halls and apartment-style housing on the Malibu campus. Most undergraduate students live on campus, fostering a close-knit residential community.
- Traditional residence halls for first-year students
- Suite-style and apartment housing for upperclassmen
- Rockwell Towers and other named residence halls
Dining & Recreation
The campus provides multiple dining options and recreational facilities to support student well-being. The Howard A. White Center (HAWC) serves as the main hub for student recreation.
- Multiple dining halls and cafes across campus
- Howard A. White Center (HAWC) for recreation and fitness
- Weisman Museum of Art and Cultural Arts Center
Student Life at Pepperdine University
Student Life at Pepperdine University
Student life at Pepperdine is shaped by its stunning coastal setting, close-knit community, and commitment to Christian values. With a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 3,553 students, Pepperdine fosters meaningful connections through clubs, spiritual programs, community service, and athletics.
Malibu, California: Life Beyond Campus
Malibu, California: Life Beyond Campus
Living in Malibu
Malibu is a scenic beachside community in Los Angeles County known for its world-famous beaches, celebrity culture, and natural beauty. Located along 21 miles of Pacific coastline, Malibu offers students easy access to outdoor recreation, entertainment, and the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, with Beverly Hills just 24 miles away.
Beaches & Outdoor Recreation
Malibu's coastline features iconic beaches including Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach. Students enjoy surfing, hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, and exploring the natural beauty of the region year-round.
Proximity to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is approximately an hour's drive from campus, providing access to world-class museums, entertainment, dining, internship opportunities, and a thriving professional job market.
Mediterranean Climate
Malibu enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making outdoor activities possible throughout the year.
Cultural & Entertainment Hub
The greater Los Angeles area offers unmatched cultural attractions including Hollywood, the Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and a thriving music and film industry that creates unique internship and career opportunities.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where Pepperdine Graduates Work
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
OISS provides visa guidance, cultural adjustment support, and orientation programs for international students. F-1 international students are required to purchase the university's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
International students must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to fully fund the cost of attendance for the first 12 months of their academic program. Federal financial aid is not available for international students.
Pepperdine partners with Interstride, a platform supporting international students with job searches, networking, and immigration guidance. Career services are available to all enrolled students and alumni.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Pepperdine University: Worldwide Rankings
Pepperdine University: Worldwide Rankings
Pepperdine University is recognized as one of the top national universities in the United States. In the 2025-2026 cycle, Pepperdine achieved the highest position of any Protestant Christian university in the U.S. News & World Report national rankings. The university's Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution and Graziadio Business School receive particularly strong program-level recognition.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Best Undergraduate Teaching | U.S. News & World Report | #39 |
| Best Colleges for Veterans | U.S. News & World Report | #27 |
| Dispute Resolution | U.S. News & World Report | #1 |
| Part-Time Law Program | U.S. News & World Report | #52 |
Features
Pepperdine makes a distinction between simply making our campus "greener" and making our campus sustainable. While protecting the environment constitutes a large part of sustainability, it is by no means the full picture. The idea of sustainability itself has grown to encompass a wide and varied range of definitions and goals. The oldest and most widely known definition we have comes from the Brundtland Report, written in 1987, which states that sustainability is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."\n\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - November
Location
24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263
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