For most people, college is one of the most important stages in life. Before deciding which colleges to apply to, there are several factors to consider, such as the programs offered, the school’s reputation, cost, and location. The principal school this article will cover is Pepperdine University. You may be wondering, Is Pepperdine a good school?
There are various theological colleges in the US that students may choose to apply to. In order to make your decision, you should compare what each school has to offer. Continue reading for all you need to know about Pepperdine University’s popular majors, merit and need-based financial aid options, student enrollment, the application process, and Pepperdine reviews.
Pepperdine Profile
- Campus Location(s): Malibu, California
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $59,702
- Annual Graduate Tuition: $37,300
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university founded in 1937 by George Pepperdine. The school offers 87 academic programs from undergraduate to graduate levels through five colleges, including a large liberal arts school. Pepperdine also features highly-ranked international programs, small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, and a strong alumni network that is strengthened through events hosted by Seaver College.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the private university had a student enrollment of 9,554 in 2020. The school’s student body includes 47 percent Christians from other religious bodies, six percent Christians from the Church of Christ, and 13 percent atheists. The school holds and practices Christian values that are also encouraged in its students.
Where Is Pepperdine?
Pepperdine is located in Malibu, California with campuses in West Los Angeles, Calabasas, and Irvine. The Calabasas, Irvine, and West Los Angeles campuses are smaller, focus more on graduate students, and host a handful of full and part-time programs.
The Malibu campus is the central campus and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. It is home to Seaver College, the primary college for liberal arts education and natural science programs, as well as the Caruso School of Law, School of Public Policy, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the Graziadio Business School.
What Is Pepperdine Known For?
Pepperdine is known for its beautiful campus overlooking the coastline, one of the country’s best law programs, a well-respected psychology program, and a great college for veterans. The university is also known for its Christian-based instruction, and degree recipients of Pepperdine have established a strong alumni network.
Is Pepperdine Ivy League?
No, Pepperdine is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League is an association of eight schools formed in the 1950s. The universities are among the oldest, most prominent, and well-known in the United States. There are eight Ivy League schools, and while some schools meet the criteria for membership, the Ivy League is not accepting new members.
How Big Is Pepperdine?
Pepperdine is a small school with a student enrollment of just over 10,400, including undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree-seeking students. The national university serves 3,708 undergraduates and 6,738 graduate students. These students are spread across all four campus locations.
Is a Degree From Pepperdine Good?
Yes, a degree from Pepperdine is a very good degree, especially for Christians who want to attend a faith-based school. The school is ranked by most of the country’s important ranking bodies, ranking 49th in the top national universities by US News & World Report. Employers respect these rankings, so degree recipients are sure to have a competitive advantage in the industry.
How Much Does Pepperdine Cost?
Pepperdine costs $59,702 annually for undergraduates and $37,300 annually for graduate students. While this is a general fee, each college and program has its own unique cost. For instance, the Master of Science in Applied Finance program at Graziadio Business school costs $87,285 annually, while the Master of Science in Human Resources program costs $63,820.
To determine the exact cost of the program of your choice, it is recommended that you check the program’s website and find the department’s fees.
Pepperdine Financial Aid
Pepperdine provides various financial assistance options to both graduate and undergraduate students. These options include federal and state loans, private loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships. Some of these options include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans, and the California Grant (Cal Grant). The scholarship options available to students are listed below.
Pepperdine Scholarships
- Regents’ Scholars Program. This award is for newly admitted freshmen students who stand out in academic achievements at the time of admission. The areas of consideration for this award are GPA, course rigor, and overall university fit. There are two scholarships available in this program.
- George Pepperdine Achievement Award. This scholarship is available to first-year students who have demonstrated academic achievement at the time of admission. It is a merit award that can be renewed yearly as long as students continue to meet the minimum 2.0 GPA requirement.
- Christian Leadership Award. Pepperdine University offers two Christian scholarship awards to students who demonstrate active participation in their home Church of Christ congregation. Students are awarded $5,000 and will have to follow certain specific steps to be considered.
- Pepperdine Legacy Partners (PLP) Helen Young Scholarship. This is the second Church of Christ scholarship awarded by the school. It awards students $5,000 each year as long as they continue to meet the necessary requirements.
- Brenden Mann Foundation Scholarships. This scholarship awards students up to $10,000 annually. It is limited to undergraduate students in their freshman or sophomore years that demonstrate an interest in Jewish-Christian relations. Awarded students will participate in coursework, events, and summer programs with the Glazer Institute.
Pepperdine Rankings
You may be wondering, what is Pepperdine known for? This section covers the different Pepperdine rankings from respected ranking bodies. The school appears on US News & World Report rankings, Times Higher Education rankings, Center for World University Rankings, and QS World University rankings. Find out more about the top Pepperdine reviews below.
Pepperdine US News & World Report Rankings
Pepperdine University is highly ranked in multiple categories by US News & World Report. It is ranked 49 for National Universities, 23 for Best Colleges for Veterans, 13 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, 47 for Best Value Schools, 169 for Top Performers on Social Mobility, and number 12 for Study Abroad. It is not ranked in the best global universities category.
Pepperdine Times Higher Education Rankings
Pepperdine University is only ranked in one category by Times Higher Education, and that is number 175 in the US College Rankings 2022. It has an overall score of 59.5 and is ranked based on resources, engagement, outcomes, and environment.
Pepperdine Center for World University Rankings
Pepperdine is ranked in five categories by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). It ranks 878 in the world category, 202 in the national category, 92 in the quality of education category, 76 in the alumni employment category, and 159 in the quality of faculty category. It has an overall score of 71.
Pepperdine QS World University Rankings
QS Top Universities is a world-renowned university ranking organization. Pepperdine ranks 131 to 140 in the US UNI (universities) category. It is ranked based on research, learning experience, diversity and internationalization, and employability. It scores the highest in the overall learning experience.
Pepperdine Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
Pepperdine has not been ranked by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (AWRU).
Top Programs at Pepperdine
Aside from having one of the most beautiful college campuses, Pepperdine University offers various academic programs from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to continuing education and doctorate programs. Continue reading below for an overview of Pepperdine’s most popular part and full-time programs.
Bachelor’s Degrees at Pepperdine
Pepperdine is mostly known for having multiple psychology programs, but it also offers various programs in other fields, including information technology, business, and accounting.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
The BS in Business Administration degree at Seaver College aims to prepare students for careers in accounting, business, and management. It also prepares students for a graduate MBA. It will build their foundation in liberal arts, accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The undergraduate study requires students to complete 128 credits in four years.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Mathematics
This Seaver College undergraduate program will build students’ skills in computer science and math to enable them to apply them in real life. Students in this four-year program will learn through a combination of coursework, internships, and a capstone project. Those who complete this program will be prepared to join the workforce and pursue a graduate degree.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
This bachelor’s psychology program is designed to teach students about human behavior and mental health. Major courses covered in this program explore topics like family therapy, social psychology, and psychopharmacology. Students will participate in research, supervised fieldwork, and a capstone project. This program also prepares students for a graduate degree.
Master’s Degrees at Pepperdine
Below are some of the top master’s degree programs offered at Pepperdine. The private university has a broad program offering at this level, including graduate business programs, psychology programs, and law programs offered by the highly respected Caruso School of Law.
Executive Master of Business Administration
This Graziadio Business School program aims to give working professionals advanced training in business management and leadership to help them upskill in the field. The practical skills gained from this MBA program will ensure graduates are capable of making well-informed business decisions. It requires a total of 45 units and can be completed in 19 months.
Master of Laws (LLM)
This is an advanced law degree program that provides excellent legal training to seasoned law practitioners looking to advance in the field. It requires applicants to have a JD and features seven specializations, including dispute resolution, international commercial arbitration, international commercial law, and dispute resolution. The department also offers a handful of partial and full-ride scholarships.
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Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy
This family therapy program is offered in daytime, evening, and online learning formats. There is also a specialized degree option for students interested in working with Latinx communities. The program will prepare students to practice as professionals in the field through clinical and practice-based courses of study. The 62-unit program can be completed in two years.
Other Top Programs at Pepperdine
The following section includes additional programs offered at Pepperdine beyond the bachelor’s and master’s levels. These programs include dual degree programs, doctoral degrees, certificate programs, and continuing education programs.
Joint MBA/Master of Public Policy Program
This is a joint degree program that combines a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Policy. Students will be completing courses from both colleges. The program can be completed in three years and requires a minimum of 85 units, which includes 38 units from the public policy curriculum and 47 units from the business administration curriculum.
PhD in Global Leadership and Change
This doctoral program prepares students to become leaders and make valuable changes in strategies and policies in government, private, and academic institutions. The degree can be completed in four to five years and consists of coursework, dissertation and research work, and international travel. It is a highly selective program that requires 68 units per term.
Cyber Risk Professional Program
This is a four-week, online-hybrid continuing education program designed to prepare students to work as cyber security professionals. The curriculum is designed by the school faculty and a group of industry professionals. It is open to IT professionals with relevant skills as well as business executives who want to understand the cyber security field.
How to Apply to Pepperdine
- Complete and submit the Common Application. The first step required to apply to Pepperdine is the completion and submission of the application through the Common Application. Common Application is a college application that allows prospective students of a college to apply through the platform. It only applies to member colleges.
- Submit additional required materials. Future students must submit all additional required documents as requested by the program they’re applying for, such as official transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay or statement. Graduate students will have to submit their GRE/GMAT scores and resumes.
- Pay the application fee. Undergraduate students will need to pay a $65 application fee while completing the Common Application. Graduate students will have to pay their application fee after submitting all required documents. Some students may qualify for an application waiver which would omit them from paying all or part of the fee.
- Monitor your application and wait for a decision. The last step after completing the application process is to wait for your acceptance decision. You can do this by checking your application or email regularly. While waiting, you can connect with a current student or alumni to learn more about the school or program.
How Much Do Pepperdine Graduates Earn?
According to PayScale, Pepperdine graduates earn an annual average salary of $78,000. This amount may differ based on various factors like degree level, program, industry, company, experience level, and skills.
Is Pepperdine a Good College?
Yes, Pepperdine is a good college because it offers students academic excellence combined with religious values. The school also ranks well and appears on the most recognized rankings in the country. A degree from this school will certainly be respected by employers in the labor market. In addition, Pepperdine is an even better choice for Christians who want an education in an environment where they feel safe to practice their religion and still receive excellent instruction.
Is Pepperdine a Good School? FAQ
Yes, Pepperdine is an elite school. While it is not on the same level as Ivy League colleges, it offers similar academics and values as other top schools in the country. It is also featured on most university rankings in the US.
No, Pepperdine is not hard to get into, but it is not easy to be accepted, either. The school has an acceptance rate of 53 percent, which is higher than some schools and lower than most. However, with a good academic standing and all the necessary documents as proof, you can easily get into Pepperdine University.
Yes, it is worth it to go to Pepperdine, especially if you are a Christian who wants a quality education in both academia and religion. The school offers standard teaching in both areas to ensure students are prepared to join the workforce while maintaining their spirituality and values.
Yes, Pepperdine is very religious. It is committed to ensuring students get educational value while maintaining their Christian values. It combines academic and spiritual teaching to strengthen student beliefs while preparing them to work as top professionals in their fields.
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