Pepperdine University’s Acceptance Rate, GPA, Requirements, and Scholarships

Pepperdine university’s acceptance rate makes the school more irresistible to apply. Also because Pepperdine has outstanding academic programs and opportunities. More or less, the school has a wide range of extracurricular activities and a beautiful campus. Thus, making Pepperdine one of the best schools in California. Hence, anyone who has the opportunity to attend this Pepperdine would truly have a great academic experience.

However, California has one of the best public Ivy higher education institutions in the US. Thus, it is no new that any school produced by the state is highly esteemed. Meanwhile, Pepperdine is a Christian university dedicated to the highest standards of educational excellence and Christian values. More or less, they help strengthened and prepare students to continue lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

Meanwhile, we’ve written this article to answer some posing questions like; what is Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate? I want to enroll in Pepperdine but I don’t know what is required? Also, are there scholarships for me if I become a student at Pepperdine University? Is the Pepperdine University acceptance rate favorable?

So, here at Xscholarships answered all these questions and included other queries that you may need to know. Thus, our group of professionals carefully researched all about Pepperdine University. Hence, you can learn them on a single slide. Therefore, carefully read this article so as not to miss any vital information about Pepperdine University.

About Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is a private based research University located in Malibu California. Thus, Pepperdine University recognition for offering liberal art programs. The school has an affiliation with the Churches of Christ. Hence entrepreneur George Pepperdine established the school in 1937. Meanwhile, the school started in South Los Angeles before it expanded to Malibu. Currently, Pepperdine has its main campus in Malibu. Also 4 graduate campuses in Southern California, and a center in Washington, DC. It also has international campuses in London and four other countries.

Furthermore, Pepperdine has an undergraduate liberal arts school popularly called Seaver College. Also, it has four graduate colleges named below;

  • The Caruso School of Law
  • The Graduate School of Education and Psychology
  • The Graziadio Business School
  • The School of Public Policy

Pepperdine is considered one of the most beautiful college campuses in the world. Thus, in terms of architecture and scenery. Hence it is described to look more like a beach resort than a private university.

In addition, U.S. News & World Report rated the school as the 50th best national university. Also, the 20th in undergraduate teachings and the 24th best college for veterans in the 2020 ranking. Pepperdine had also ranked number 1 in the Institute of International Education’s 2015 Open Doors Report. Having 86.5% of all undergraduate students studying abroad in the 2013-2014 academic year.

Lastly, the school of Law at Pepperdine has its position at 47th in the US. Among the top 100 law schools in the US by the News & World Report 2021 rankings. Thus, it has major recognition in entertainment law. Hence its dispute resolution program ranks number 2 in the nation.

What Is Pepperdine University’s Acceptance Rate?

Pepperdine University has a rather smooth and comfortable enrollment process. So if you seek an easy-going school with a decent application process, then Pepperdine is for you. Meanwhile, the school has a low acceptance rate as Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate is 36%. Thus, students are to put extra effort to get into the school as it shows their competitive nature.

So, this Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate means that the school rejects more students than it admits. Hence, this makes it necessary for you to have an extremely good set of scores and a firm academic background.

ALSO CHECK OUT:  Lambton College Tuition 2022: Scholarships and Cost of Living

Furthermore, every year Pepperdine accepts closely 13,000 applications for less than 1,000 spaces of acceptance. Thus, this growing number of applicants and increasing popularity make the admission process more selective. Hence, the competitive nature of the school with Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate being low shows how strong the education is.

Additionally, the school boast of a seamless online enrollment process. Also, it involves an application fee and requires transcripts for application. Instances of such transcripts include ACT/SAT reports, high school transcripts, etc.

You’d also love to read NYU Steinhardt’s Acceptance Rate, Tuition, and Scholarships

How Much Does It Cost To Study At Pepperdine University?

It is great if we consider the cost of studying at Pepperdine University. Thus, knowing the quality of education and academic benefits therein. So, it is necessary to know how much it is worth. Therefore, below we tabled down several costs you will incur as a student of Pepperdine. Hence, these are both direct and indirect costs. But we start from an overview table before the breakdown.

Flat-rate tuition (12-18 units per semester)$62,390
Room & Board (double occupancy room, meal plan E)$18,560
Wellness Fee$500
Campus Life Fee$252
Loan Fees$66
Books and Supplies$1,000
Transportation$1,000
Personal Expenses$1,500
TOTAL$85,202

Direct Costs

The direct cost includes educational costs you’d incur directly from the school. Therefore, they are easily determined as the school has provided it. Thus, they consist of tuition, board and room, wellness fee, and campus life fee. So below is an example of the expense direct cost of Pepperdine.

Direct Costs For An Academic Year

Flat-rate tuition (12-18 units per semester)$62,390 / year
Room & Board (double occupancy room, meal plan)$18,560 ($14,450 Lovernich + $4,110 standard meal plan)
Wellness Fee$500
Campus Life Fee$252 / year
TOTAL$81,702 / year

Meanwhile, a student can incur an additional cost of health insurance if it is not already covered by family or group health coverage. The cost is approximately $1, 373 every semester. Also, students can ensure additional miscellaneous fees/charges. Thus, instances of such fees include private voice/music instruction, registration adjustment fees, parking tickets, etc.

Furthermore, several programs of study have their respective tuition fee. But this is concerning the number of credit units the courses hold. Hence this is then used to determine their tuition fee. So below we’ve provided the tuition fee concerning the credit unit weight of each program. Also, we provided a residency coat of the school hostel.

UnitsTuition Cost
1-11$1,955 per unit per semester
12-18$31,195 flat-rate per semester
19+$31,195 flat-rate, plus $1,955 per unit over 18 units per semester
Room and Board per SemesterCost
Residence Hall (double occupancy)
(With basic Meal Plan E plan)
$9,280

Indirect Costs

In addition to the school’s direct costs, every student will incur indirect costs while attending Pepperdine. Hence, the indirect costs include fees incurred by buying books, transportation, etc. Thus below are the estimated fee student will incur in indirect costs.

Estimated Indirect Costs For An Academic Year

Books and Supplies$1,000
Transportation$1,000
Personal Expenses$1,500
TOTAL$3,500

However, indirect cost is not directly charged to the student account. Also, individual expenditures for indirect costs differ per student. But, the financial aid budget includes the above amounts in deducing the financial assistance award.

What Are The Requirements To Enroll In Pepperdine University?

Merely judging by Pepperdine university’s acceptance rate, you’d discover that the admission process will be rigorous. Thus, the admission team will carefully review each student’s educational record, test scores, GPA, and types of classes.

ALSO CHECK OUT:  Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate 2022-2025

Furthermore, the admission process at Pepperdine is focused on seeing students’ worth. Rather than just consider the whole number of applications. To stand out in your application, you have to have n interesting essay and a letter of recommendation. Also, the letter of recommendation must be from science, math, history, English, religion, foreign language teacher, or counselor.

Importantly, students have to participate in extracurricular activities to give the university an idea of their passion and abilities. Thus, Pepperdine seeks students that align with their core values of service, purpose, and leadership. So, you can demonstrate an activity where you have played a leadership role. More or so, impacted the community.

Meanwhile, the interviewer will ask how you relate to the core components of the school’s mission statement. Also, what excites you about the school, and if you have any other information to share. After that, the evaluator will report that they treat as another letter of recommendation.

So, below is an overview of the application requirements needed to enroll in Pepperdine.

  • Filled online application form, or Common Application form, as specified by the program.
  • Personal essays.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • SAT or ACT scores.
  • Official high school transcript and school report.
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (Necessary only for international applicants)
  • Program-specific transcripts

GPA Requirements To Study At Pepperdine University

To be accepted to Pepperdine, you have to aim above-average GPA in your score. Thus, The school reports an average GPA range of about 3.6 – 3.9. Hence, this means that you have to earn mainly As and Bs in your classes to be on the same consideration level with other applicants.

So, you can make yourself stand out by receiving top grades in challenging courses. AP and IB classes show the admissions board that you can deal with college-level assignments. The admissions board will be glancing at both the rigor of the class plan and the score you receive.

The high GPA of accepting students implies the difficulty of the curriculum. Pepperdine wants to admit pupils who will succeed at the school. Grades are not the only factor in the application, but higher GPAs and test scores direct to better opportunities for admittance.

SAT & ACT Requirements

The average SAT score of Pepperdine students varies from 1230 to 1450. On the other hand, students who submit ACT results score between 27 to 32. 

Pepperdine students are in the top 15% of ACT test-takers on average. If you wish to submit ACT scores, make sure your scores compare with prior class averages. For both the SAT and ACT, Pepperdine does not need the writing part

In addition, the admissions office will evaluate the highest score from each category. For some applicants the application process is test-optional. Pepperdine is highly competitive, eligible students may not be admitted if other sectors of their application are deficient. 

Additionally, applicants below the ACT or SAT range can still be assessed if they show convince. Consider retaking the exam or giving rise to other aspects of your application standing out outside of the average scores.

Check Out the Top Universities that Accept Spring Transfers

Scholarship Opportunities At Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University provides myriads of financial aid and scholarship programs to assist students to get an easy education while studying. Also, apart from the scholarship programs directly provided by the school. Several organizations and firms affiliated with the schools provide scholarship programs for bright students. Meanwhile, below we’ve provided some of the scholarship opportunities available at Pepperdine University.

#1. Special Achievement Scholarships

Many of the departments at Pepperdine provides scholarships to students who show strong talent in some areas. Hence, areas which include art, music, athletics, theatre, science, debate, etc. Thus, for many divisional scholarships, the student has to obtain a certain number of units in their major. Also, maintain a specific GPA to be qualified. So, if you have an interest in applying for a special achievement scholarship for your major. Then, you’d have to contact the appropriate academic division considering application requirements and deadlines in the school.

ALSO CHECK OUT:  Harvard University Acceptance Rate 2022

#2. Foster Youth Horizon Scholars Program

This is another wonderful scholarship program in the school. Hence, Pepperdine’s Foster Youth Horizon Scholars Program supports former and current foster youth. Through committed professionals who provide services motivating students to become self-supporting. Also, to become role models, successful professionals, and conscious community leaders. While fulfilling their objectives and dreams in higher education.

#3. Church of Christ Scholarships

Pepperdine is also devoted to offering church-related scholarship aid to students from the Church of Christ tradition. Hence, there are two Christian scholarship opportunities for students here. For students who show active participation in their home Church of Christ gathering.

So below we’ve listed them;

  • Christian Leadership Award ($5,000)
  • Pepperdine Legacy Partners (PLP) Helen Young Scholarship ($5,000)

However, to apply for any of these scholarships, you’d have to apply using the steps below. While you can check their respective deadlines from the school’s official website already provided above.

STEP 1: Submit the general Pepperdine admission application by the November 1 deadline for fast action or January 15 deadline for normal decision admission.

Next, submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for fast action on February 15 for Regular Decision admission.

Lastly, After you submit your application, you will receive access to the Pepperdine Application Portal. So, here you can petition a Church of Christ recommendation. Thus, your recommender will then accept an email with a link to fill out your recommendation.

Other Scholarship Opportunities At Pepperdine University

So, below we’ve provided extra scholarship opportunities available in the school students can tap into. Meanwhile, to get full details about the scholarship program, you are to check the school’s official website. You will also see how to enter each opportunity there. So they include;

  • Academic/Merit Scholarships
  • Pepperdine Grant
  • Brenden Mann Foundation Scholarships
  • Outside/Private Scholarships
  • Pepperdine University Restricted Scholarships
  • Frank James “Buddy” Vinci and Ellsworth Scholarship

Also Read: Top Universities that Accept Spring Transfers

Conclusion

Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate has demonstrated how selective the school can be during the admission process. Therefore, as an aspirant, you have to up your game and ensure to get a high SAT/ACT score to make you outstanding during admission processing. Thus, the school is well known for its liberal arts programs. So if you are enrolling in any program related to this academic field in the school. Then you are making the right choice for yourself.

Hence, we hope this article was helpful and answered your queries relating to Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate and requirements. Still, if you have any unanswered questions, reach out to us via our various channels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperdine University’s Acceptance Rate and Requirements

What are the most popular majors at Pepperdine?

Pepperdine is a liberal arts university with excellent programs across all the academic offerings. The largest academic divisions at Seaver College are the Business Division, Communication Division, Social Science Division, and the Natural Science Division. We currently offer 45 majors and 40 minors across 8 academic divisions.
The top 5 majors by several students are:
Business Administration
Psychology
Biology
Sports Medicine
Economics

Does Pepperdine offer interviews as part of the application process?

Yes, Pepperdine offers evaluative interviews for students applying for Fall 2021. Visit the Admission Interviews webpage for additional interview information and FAQs. If you are applying for Fall 2021, you can schedule your interview online. 

How long will Pepperdine be test-optional?

Pepperdine is test-optional for students who are applying from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023.

Who can apply without a test score?

All students have the option of applying without submitting test scores or applying without submitting test scores. For more information about submitting test scores and the application process.

What is the cost of tuition?

Tuition and Room and Board for the 2019-2020 academic year are $71,562. Approximately 88% of students at Pepperdine receive some form of financial assistance.

READ ALSO: Free Accredited High School Diploma Online for Adults

COPYRIGHT WARNING! Contents on this website may not be republished, reproduced, redistributed either in whole or in part without due permission or acknowledgment. All contents are protected by DMCA.

The content on this site is posted with good intentions. If you own this content & believe your copyright was violated or infringed, make sure you contact us at [xscholarshipc(@)gmail(dot)com] and actions will be taken immediately.

Photo of author

Martin Uwakwe

As an SEO Strategist, Web Analytics Expert, and Content Developer with over 7 years of experience, I'm passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to optimize online visibility, drive organic traffic, and boost search rankings. My track record includes successfully optimizing and analyzing hundreds of e-commerce websites, managing multi-million-dollar marketing budgets for maximum ROI, and crafting engaging content that resonates with audiences. With proficiency in SEO, data analysis, web optimization tools, and content creation, I'm dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.