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Pepperdine University

Malibu, California · Private Non-Profit

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$64,934

Acceptance Rate

50%

Graduation Rate

84%

Annual Tuition

$66,742

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Pepperdine University earn a median of $82,939 ten years after entry — 53% above the national median. Acceptance rate 49.9%, average SAT score 1384, in-state tuition $66,742.

At a Glance

Total Students

3,629

Retention Rate

86%

Faculty Ratio

13

Financial Aid

38%

Median Debt

$23,510

Campus Setting

Suburban

Institution Type

Private Non-Profit

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,384

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

650–710

SAT Math (middle 50%)

640–740

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

29–32

Institution Overview

Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit institution with 3,629 students. The university has an acceptance rate of 49.9% and a graduation rate of 84.4%. The retention rate is 86%. The in-state tuition is $66,742, and 38.4% of students receive financial aid.

One year after graduation, Pepperdine alumni earn $49,653, with earnings increasing to $64,934 after five years and $82,939 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $23,510.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$50k

1 YEAR

$65k

5 YEARS

$83k

10 YEARS

Top 10% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Pepperdine University alumni earn a median salary of $49,653. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $64,934, and after ten years, the median salary is $82,939. The median debt for Pepperdine graduates is $23,510.

Pepperdine University has a student body of 3,629 students and an acceptance rate of 49.9%. The graduation rate is 84.4%, and the retention rate is 86%. The in-state tuition is $66,742, and 38.4% of students receive financial aid.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 658 / yr
Median Salary $112,068

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Graduates 279 / yr
Median Salary $84,954

Psychology, General

Graduates 190 / yr
Median Salary $47,132

Law

Graduates 138 / yr
Median Salary $79,243

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Graduates 109 / yr
Median Salary $45,988

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies

Graduates 94 / yr
Median Salary $58,929

Dispute Resolution

Graduates 86 / yr
Median Salary $64,096

Educational Administration and Supervision

Graduates 86 / yr
Median Salary $107,137

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 67 / yr
Median Salary $34,388

Human Resources Management and Services

Graduates 62 / yr
Median Salary $113,702

International/Global Studies

Graduates 53 / yr
Median Salary $36,920

Economics

Graduates 47 / yr
Median Salary $54,267

Political Science and Government

Graduates 43 / yr
Median Salary $42,306

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

Graduates 42 / yr
Median Salary $62,726

Biology, General

Graduates 40 / yr
Median Salary $20,031

Public Policy Analysis

Graduates 26 / yr
Median Salary $63,804

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 25 / yr
Median Salary $48,398

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

Graduates 20 / yr
Median Salary $23,182

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Graduates 20 / yr
Median Salary $33,228

Journalism

Graduates 10 / yr
Median Salary $42,536

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Campus Location

Malibu, California

Malibu, CA 90263

Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California. The campus is in a suburban setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pepperdine University has an acceptance rate of 49.9%.