Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University's tuition is higher than the average private university, but it offers need-based financial aid to legacy students, athletes, and students with minority status. Non-need-based aid is also available for artistic, athletic, and academic merit, as well as religious affiliation with the Churches of Christ. The university also provides unlimited tuition assistance to veterans through its participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Admission to Pepperdine is rated as "more selective," with the university considering the full range of academic, personal, and professional backgrounds of each applicant. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or the foreign equivalent is required. The admission process is holistic in nature.

Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to high academic standards and Christian values. The university fosters an academic culture created by nationally esteemed faculty through scholarship and teaching. Small class sizes and mentorship opportunities are common, with professors often inviting students to their homes for dinner or hosting Bible study groups.

Pepperdine University prepares students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership, offering career resources such as self-assessments, career research, and assistance with resumes and cover letters. The university also provides internship connections, networking opportunities, and job search assistance. Undergraduate students are often employed, accepted to grad school, volunteering, or in the military six months post-graduation.

Pepperdine University offers a close-knit, intimate campus environment with a strong religious ethos and culture. While not a party school, it has a large Greek presence, with around 30% of undergraduate women pledging to a sorority. The campus provides outdoor recreation opportunities and community service opportunities through the Hub for Spiritual Life.

Pepperdine's Malibu Campus has often been threatened by brushfires, and the university prepares for these by clearing brush 200 feet from all buildings. The university has also developed plans with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to shelter faculty, staff, and students in place.

Pepperdine University offers several research programs, including the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) and the Cross-Disciplinary/Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Program (CDIUR). These programs provide students with opportunities to engage in research studies and collaborate with faculty from diverse disciplines.

Pepperdine University attracts students from across the United States and internationally, with 11% international students contributing to a globally diverse campus community. The university offers international programs in locations including Pepperdine’s newest international campus, Château d'Hauteville in Blonay – Saint-Légier, Switzerland.