Pepperdine University Admission
Application Fee
$65
Graduate Application Fee
$65
Acceptance Rate
50.00%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
11.99%
Freshmen Enrollment
942
SAT Scores
1,360
For the 2022-2023 admission, a total of 11,466 students have applied and 5,585 students have allowed to admit to Pepperdine University (Acceptance rate: 48.71%). Pepperdine's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 16.87 % where 942 students have finally enrolled out of 5,585 admitted students.
Pepperdine acceptance rate is lower (tighter to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as Vanderbilt University and Carnegie Mellon University, its acceptance rate is much higher (very easy to get in) (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 10.40%).
Pepperdine enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is much higher (highly eager to enroll) (average yield is 49.00%).
How to Apply to Pepperdine University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply Pepperdine. Pepperdine offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.pepperdine.edu/admission |
|---|---|
| Online Application | https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/application/undergraduate |
| Financial Aid | www.pepperdine.edu/admission/financialaid |
| Net Price Calculator | https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/npc |
| Veterans Tuition | www.pepperdine.edu/registrar/veterans |
| Athletic | pepperdinewaves.com/sports/2018/6/15/sports-compliance-spec-rel-prospective-student-athletes-html.aspx?id=42 |
| Disability Service | www.pepperdine.edu/student-accessibility |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at Pepperdine and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2023, the average SAT score at Pepperdine University is 1,360 and the average ACT score is 30. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Pepperdine University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,519). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | 1,360 | 30 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,519 | 34 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California | 1,178 | 75 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Pepperdine University, 152 students submitted SAT scores (16% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,360 and it is higher (competitive score) than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 650 | 700 | 730 |
| Mathematics | 635 | 690 | 750 |
| Total | 1,285 | 1,390 | 1,480 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: December 11, 2023)
At Pepperdine University, 127 students submitted ACT scores (13% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 30 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 28 | 31 | 32 |
| English | 28 | 32 | 34 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 28 | 31 |
Pepperdine Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Pepperdine University. The school requires 5 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Recommendations, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Legacy status.
2 items are Considered if submitted - Admission test scores, and Personal statement or essay.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Not Considered |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Not Considered |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |