Pepperdine University
Malibu, California · Private
Pepperdine University admitted 69% of 13,445 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1240–1410 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 85% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Pepperdine University
Enter a score to see whether Pepperdine University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (69%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Pepperdine University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $70, and Pepperdine University accepts the Common App fee waiver. Pepperdine University asks for the Common App personal essay and one teacher recommendation.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Pepperdine University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Pepperdine University offers early decision but didn’t report how many early applicants it admitted.
Pepperdine University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
1,303 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 812 took it, and 670 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Pepperdine University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Religion
Important
- Recommendations
- Volunteering
Considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- First generation
- Work experience
Not considered
- Class rank
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.57 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $93,512 a year. After grants, students paid $52,216 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate?
Pepperdine University admitted 69% of applicants: 9,331 of 13,445 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Pepperdine University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Pepperdine University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1240 to 1410, with a median around 1340. A score at or above 1340 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Pepperdine University’s application fee?
The application fee is $70 for 2026–27, and Pepperdine University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Pepperdine University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Pepperdine University asks for the Common App personal essay and one teacher recommendation.
Does Pepperdine University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Pepperdine University asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one essay, 300–500 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
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