Pepperdine University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Pepperdine University
Perched above the Pacific, this Malibu campus makes every walk to class feel bright and wide open. Pepperdine is known for discussion-driven courses that link ethics to real-world work in business, communication, psychology, the arts, and public policy. Students find modern classrooms and labs, a sunlit library, fitness facilities, counseling and health care, tutoring and advising, plus faith-informed spaces reflecting the university's Christian roots. The vibe blends purpose with an easygoing, neighborly feel. And the sunsets? Hard to ignore.
Life here leans outdoors, with surf breaks, mountain hikes, intramurals, concerts, student media, and service projects. Career prep shows up in mentoring, a steady internship culture, and connections across Greater Los Angeles in entertainment, nonprofits, finance, and civic life. Malibu offers quiet beaches and small-town calm, while the city sits just down the highway. A hillside flag display and a strong study-abroad tradition give the place a distinctive heartbeat.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Pepperdine University offers 71 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,334 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Psychology (4 programs, 1,175 graduates), Business (9 programs, 975 graduates), Law (4 programs, 291 graduates), Education (8 programs, 196 graduates) and Interdisciplinary (7 programs, 190 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Psychology (4 programs, 1,175 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology | 788 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
42.2801 |
| General Psychology | 290 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis | 96 |
|
Master's
|
42.2814 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2804 |
Business (9 programs, 975 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 635 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52.0201 |
| Management Science | 108 |
|
Master's
|
52.1301 |
| International Business and Trade | 72 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1101 |
| Organizational Leadership | 50 |
|
Master's
|
52.0213 |
| Human Resources Management | 40 |
|
Master's
|
52.1001 |
| Finance, General | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Human Resources Development | 22 |
|
Master's
|
52.1005 |
| Real Estate | 13 |
|
Master's
|
52.1501 |
| Accounting | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
Law (4 programs, 291 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | 197 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
22.0101 |
| Advanced Legal Research and Studies | 87 |
|
Master's
|
22.0201 |
| American Legal Studies | 5 |
|
Master's
|
22.0203 |
| International Business and Trade Law | 2 |
|
Master's
|
22.0210 |
Education (8 programs, 196 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 100 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development | 53 |
|
Master's
|
13.1299 |
| Urban Education and Leadership | 21 |
|
Master's
|
13.0410 |
| Instructional Technology | 9 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0501 |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching | 9 |
|
Master's
|
13.1401 |
| Chemistry Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1323 |
| Learning Sciences | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.0607 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
Interdisciplinary (7 programs, 190 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dispute Resolution | 134 |
|
Master's
Other Award
|
30.2801 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
30.1901 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.0801 |
| Global Studies | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.2001 |
| Sustainability Studies | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.3301 |
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.9999 |
| Natural Sciences | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.1801 |
Communication (5 programs, 104 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations and Advertising | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0999 |
| Advertising | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0903 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0100 |
| Public Relations and Advertising | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0900 |
| Journalism | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0401 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 91 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Science and Government | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 70 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Arts (10 programs, 60 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts and Media Management | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.1001 |
| Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0599 |
| Film and Media Studies | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0601 |
| Art Studies | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Playwriting and Screenwriting | 7 |
|
Master's
|
50.0504 |
| Art History and Conservation | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
| Theatre Design and Technology | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0502 |
| Acting | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0506 |
| Music | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Theatre Directing and Production | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0507 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 48 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 48 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Pepperdine University.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pepperdine University
How much does it cost to attend Pepperdine University?
The annual tuition at Pepperdine University is $66,742 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $93,512 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $23,270 and books and supplies $1,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Pepperdine University offer?
Pepperdine University offers 71 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (4 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (9 programs)
- Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice (4 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (8 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (7 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University has an 49.9% acceptance rate and a 11.8% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 12,457
- Students admitted: 6,210
- Students enrolled: 732
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $32,986 and average loans of $8,877.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,377
- State/Local grants: $8,800
- Institutional grants: $30,613
- Federal loans: $5,304
The university supports 855 students with grants and 412 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Pepperdine University graduates?
Pepperdine University graduates earn a median salary of $64,934 after 6 years and $82,939 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $55,698 (25th percentile) to $126,331 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $137,800 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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