Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · private nonprofit

Official site ↗

Admissions

Admit rate49.9%
Applicants
Middle-50% SAT1250–1450
Middle-50% ACT26–32
Avg GPA
Test policy
Avg net price / yr$45,409
Grad rate85%
Median earnings (10 yr)$82,939
Sourcescorecard_bulk · 2025

Application requirements

Early Decision2025-11-03
Early Action2025-11-03
Regular / Rolling2026-01-15
Application fee$70 (US) · $70 (intl)
Personal essayRequired
Test policysometimes required
Teacher recommendations1

Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.

Supplemental essays

~500 words each.

  1. Pepperdine is a Christian university where all are welcomed and encouraged to challenge each other in the pursuit of truth. Students, faculty, and staff members from all backgrounds participate in conversations of faith inside and outside of the classroom. Considering how Pepperdine is a Christian university, why are you interested in attending, and how would you contribute to conversations of faith on campus? (300-500 words)

Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).