Pepperdine Acceptance Rate

Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, California, is known for its scenic campus and competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Pepperdine reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 49.0%, reflecting a moderately selective process. This rate is influenced by factors such as a growing applicant pool, increased interest in the university’s strong programs in business and law, and broader application trends favoring West Coast institutions. While Pepperdine publishes some admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, detailed breakdowns for specific categories like early action or international students are not always publicly available.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 49.0% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 12,000 applicants and around 5,880 admitted students, consistent with recent years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Based on historical trends, early applicants may see a slightly higher acceptance rate, estimated at 50-55%, due to demonstrated interest.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Historically, international admissions are more competitive, with an estimated rate of 40.0%, reflecting a smaller admitted cohort relative to domestic applicants.

Over the past few years, Pepperdine’s acceptance rate has hovered around 40-50%, indicating sustained competitiveness amid rising application numbers. The university’s emphasis on holistic admissions, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with its Christian mission, contributes to its selectivity. Compared to peer institutions like Loyola Marymount University or Chapman University, Pepperdine’s acceptance rate suggests a similar level of competitiveness among private universities in California. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Pepperdine admissions website at pepperdine.edu/admission or refer to the Common Data Set for historical trends.