Private not-for-profit

Medium

West Coast Conference

Pepperdine University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1300 to 1440

ACT Range29 to 32

Average GPA3.61

Acceptance Rate62.9%

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.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Pepperdine University facts and stats

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Malibu, CA

Undergrad Enrollment3,553

Freshman Retention88%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio12:1

Graduation Rate83%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Pepperdine?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key Pepperdine University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 15

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

Tuition and Fees$69,918

Room and Board$21,750

Average Merit Award$7,158

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid56%

Average Aid Package$44,096

Average Debt at Grad$16,500

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.