Pepperdine University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Pepperdine admits a majority of applicants, but the students who submit scores are aiming high, with the middle SAT range at 1300–1440. Since it is test-optional, your goal is to submit a score only if it lands near the upper half of that range.
⬡ LangSmith596414cf-eaeb-4b17-a737-668fdd39056aData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Pepperdine University facts and stats
Pepperdine University enrolls 3,553 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Pepperdine has an 88% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 83%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
⬡ LangSmithd4bacb8f-6fb5-4cb1-9d1a-a93285e8e217Malibu, CA
How do your scores compare at Pepperdine?
Key Pepperdine University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Pepperdine, take your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes, with October typically the last retake that can arrive in time for the November 1 Early Action deadline.
⬡ LangSmith48aa7791-9eea-46b3-8ca3-969ae3221021Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Pepperdine University?
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What you'll actually pay
Pepperdine’s tuition and fees are $69,918, and 56% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $7,158. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
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Pepperdine’s estimated total cost of attendance is $91,668, including $69,918 in tuition and fees and $21,750 for room and board. Financial aid is common, with 56% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $44,096. The average merit award is $7,158. Graduates leave with an average debt of $16,500.
⬡ LangSmithdaef4d73-93f3-4db1-8329-8e5ba18e32edStudent life at Pepperdine University
61% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 22% of men join fraternities.
Similar schools
University of the Pacific
Stockton, CAAcceptance rate: 71.3%
SAT: 1190–1468
ACT: 23–32
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CAAcceptance rate: 62.4%
SAT: 920–1200
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CAAcceptance rate: 77%
SAT: 1220–1430
ACT: 25–32
Biola University
La Mirada, CAAcceptance rate: 74.8%
SAT: 1160–1360
ACT: 24–30
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