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Pepperdine University

24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263, USA

Pepperdine University award
Pepperdine University award
US ranking
position: 1128
Tuition & fees per year: $72,672
Acceptance rate: 50.00%
Median alumni salary: $49,653
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1350 SAT, 28 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does Pepperdine University offer in terms of athletics?

Pepperdine University competes at the NCAA Division I level, primarily as a member of the West Coast Conference. The university offers a range of varsity sports that include both men's and women's teams.

Men's sports at Pepperdine consist of basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and track and field. For women, the university sponsors teams in basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and beach volleyball. This variety provides student-athletes with multiple opportunities to participate in competitive collegiate athletics across different disciplines.

The athletic programs emphasize both competitive success and the development of student-athletes' skills and character. Facilities supporting these sports are designed to foster high-performance training and development. Pepperdine's basketball teams, for example, benefit from strong traditions and regularly compete at a high level within their conference.

Overall, Pepperdine's athletic offerings are structured to cater to students interested in balancing rigorous academic lives alongside involvement in NCAA Division I competition.

What student groups and Associations are available at Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and causes. Among the groups available are the Pre-Med club, which supports students pursuing medical careers; the Climbing Club for those interested in outdoor and climbing activities; Nourish, an organization likely focused on food or wellness initiatives; Waves of Silence, which advocates on specific social issues; and the Food Recovery Network, dedicated to addressing food waste and hunger.

Participation in social organizations is notable, with approximately 22% of male students and 33% of female students engaging in such groups. Given the total undergraduate population of 1,371 men and 2,019 women, these numbers reflect an active involvement among a significant portion of the student body in extracurricular activities.

Who studies at Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University enrolls a moderately sized student body with a total of 847 new students in recent admissions, including 732 freshmen and 115 transfer students. Compared to other institutions, these figures place Pepperdine slightly below average in terms of incoming class size.

The university draws a diverse group regarding residency status. While the in-state student population ranks in the lower 35th percentile, representing about 55% of students, out-of-state students make up 34% and are comparatively stronger, situating Pepperdine in the top 40% nationally for out-of-state enrollment. U. S. students overall constitute nearly 89% of the population, a proportion that is above average, sitting in the top 45% of institutions. International students come from 11 different countries, a notably high figure that ranks in the top 15% for diversity of foreign representation.

A wide age range characterizes the student body, with undergraduates predominantly aged 18 to 21. Specifically, 1,538 students are aged 18-19, and 1,616 are 20-21 years old, while smaller numbers fall into younger and older brackets. Graduate students show greater age diversity, with many between 25 and 49 years old, including over 700 students aged 40 to 49. This reflects a substantial presence of mature learners alongside younger cohorts.

Ethnic diversity at Pepperdine University is broadly average compared to other universities. Hispanic students account for 690 of the student body, white students number 1,556, and Asian students amount to 520, placing them near the median ranges nationally. African American students total 130 and fall in the lower third in terms of representation. The student population also includes individuals identifying with two or more races, about 261 students, a figure that is above average. Smaller groups include Native American and Pacific Islander students, each around a dozen individuals.

How does student life look like at Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University offers a campus life enriched with various cultural and artistic opportunities. Students can engage with campus newspaper activities, participate in drama productions, join the campus radio station, or take part in the university chorus. The presence of a campus TV station adds another dimension to student media involvement, though there is no campus band available.

For student well-being, the university provides access to a health clinic and psychological counseling services, supporting both physical and mental health needs on campus. Additionally, there is a veterans affairs office to assist veteran students. However, there is no designated legal services or women's center on campus.

The university occupies a sizable campus spanning 830 acres, which offers ample space for academic, extracurricular, and recreational activities. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 12: 1, reflecting moderate class sizes and potential for personalized interaction with instructors.

Pepperdine University also maintains NCAA membership, indicating active participation in collegiate athletics, which can be an integral part of the student experience.

What libraries are available to students at Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University offers extensive library resources through a total of six libraries, which is considered very high compared to other institutions, placing it in the top 5% nationally. The primary facility is the Payson Library, supported by five additional libraries that collectively enhance academic research and study opportunities. These libraries provide both physical and digital access, ensuring comprehensive availability of resources for students.

The collections include approximately 324,000 books, which is average in volume and falls near the midpoint nationally. Additionally, the university maintains around 100 subscriptions and over 61,600 digital subscriptions, both classified as average and situated below the 50th percentile. Students can also access a collection of about 600,000 ebooks and 127 databases, also reflecting average availability for a university of this scale.

Library services include study rooms and staffed assistance from trained personnel, enhancing the support available to students. Although all-day access is not provided, the facilities operate during established hours with a weekly total of 96 service hours. There is also access to shared collections, further expanding the materials students can utilize for their academic endeavors.

Pepperdine University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

8976

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

840

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

399 full time, 504 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Pepperdine University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Payson Library

Number of libraries on campus

6

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Pepperdine University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Pepperdine University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Pepperdine University Location & Map