Pepperdine Academic Calendar

Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, California, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university typically divides its academic year into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer term. The Fall semester generally begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in early January and ends in late April or early May. The Summer term, often split into multiple shorter sessions, runs from May through July. A distinctive feature of Pepperdine’s calendar is its alignment with Christian holidays, reflecting the university’s faith-based mission, which includes extended breaks for Christmas and Easter.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30); includes orientation for new students.
• Labor Day Holiday: Early September 2025 (likely September 1); campus closure observed.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025; extended holiday period for students and faculty.
• Fall Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10–15); marking the end of the semester.
• Spring Semester Start: Early January 2026 (around January 5–10); following winter break.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (likely March 15–22); often aligned with Easter celebrations.
• Commencement: Late April or Early May 2026 (typically around May 1–5); ceremonies for graduating students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025; non-binding option with decision notifications by mid-January 2026.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026; standard application deadline with notifications by early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: February 15, 2026; recommended for timely consideration of scholarships and grants.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026; required to secure a spot for the incoming Class of 2030.
• International Student Application Deadline: January 15, 2026; additional time needed for visa processing.

Pepperdine University’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems in the United States, particularly with breaks corresponding to major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The university’s scheduling offers some flexibility for international students, with early application deadlines and summer sessions that can accommodate varying academic timelines. Additionally, the faith-based emphasis on holidays like Easter may provide unique cultural experiences for students. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect typical scheduling for institutions in California and should be verified closer to the time through official university communications.