Pepperdine University Admission
Acceptance Rate
62.86%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
11.64%
Freshmen Enrollment
843
SAT Scores
1,370
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 11,526 students have applied and 7,245 students have allowed to admit to Pepperdine University (Acceptance rate: 62.86%). Pepperdine's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 11.64 % where 843 students have finally enrolled out of 7,245 admitted students.
Pepperdine acceptance rate is higher (easier to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as Tufts University and Northeastern University, its acceptance rate is much higher (very easy to get in) (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 18.19%).
Pepperdine enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is much higher (highly eager to enroll) (average yield is 42.97%).
How to Apply to Pepperdine University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply Pepperdine. Pepperdine offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.pepperdine.edu/admission |
|---|---|
| Online Application | https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/application/undergraduate |
| Financial Aid | www.pepperdine.edu/admission/financialaid |
| Net Price Calculator | https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/npc |
| Veterans Tuition | www.pepperdine.edu/registrar/veterans |
| Athletic | pepperdinewaves.com/sports/2018/6/15/sports-compliance-spec-rel-prospective-student-athletes-html.aspx?id=42 |
| Disability Service | www.pepperdine.edu/student-accessibility |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at Pepperdine and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at Pepperdine University is 1,370 and the average ACT score is 31. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Pepperdine University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,482). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | 1,370 | 31 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,482 | 33 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California | 1,178 | 75 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Pepperdine University, 149 students submitted SAT scores (18% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,370 and it is higher (competitive score) than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 650 | 680 | 710 |
| Mathematics | 640 | 690 | 740 |
| Total | 1,290 | 1,370 | 1,450 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Pepperdine University, 84 students submitted ACT scores (10% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 31 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in California. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 29 | 31 | 32 |
| English | 30 | 33 | 35 |
| Mathematics | 27 | 28 | 32 |
Pepperdine Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Pepperdine University. The school requires 5 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Recommendations, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Legacy status.
2 items are Considered if submitted - Admission test scores, and Personal statement or essay.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Not Considered |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Not Considered |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |