CollegeCalcAI
SelectiveUpdated for the 2025-2026 cycle

Pepperdine University acceptance rate and admissions profile

Pepperdine University is a private university in California with a 35% acceptance rate, which makes it selective. Here is what it looks for, where it sits among California schools, and how to estimate your own odds with CollegeCalcAI.

Acceptance rate
35%
Selective
Admitted SAT (75th pct)
1400
of admitted students
Type
Private
California
Selectivity in state
#14
of 61 in CA
Get your real chances at Pepperdine University
CollegeCalcAI computes a personalized acceptance estimate from your GPA, scores, and activities. Free, no account.
Open the calculator

What Pepperdine University looks for

What Pepperdine University weighs most heavily in its admissions review, modeled from its selectivity and profile.

Rigor of secondary school record
Very important
Academic GPA
Very important
Class rank
Important
Standardized test scores
Important
Application essay
Important
Recommendations
Important
Interview
Considered
Extracurricular activities
Important
Talent / ability
Considered
Character / personal qualities
Important
First-generation status
Considered
Alumni / legacy relation
Considered
Geographical residence
Considered
Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
Considered
Level of applicant interest
Considered

SAT score positioning at Pepperdine University

How common SAT scores sit relative to the admitted middle. This is context, not a probability — your full profile determines the real estimate.

SATWhere it sits at Pepperdine University
1600Above the admitted 75th percentile
1500Above the admitted 75th percentile
1400In the competitive admitted range
1300Below the middle, makes the rest of the profile matter more
1200Well below the admitted range
1100Well below the admitted range

How Pepperdine University compares in California

Pepperdine University ranks #14 most selective of 61 schools in California in our database.

California Institute of Technology
3%acceptance · CA
Stanford University
4%acceptance · CA
Pomona College
7%acceptance · CA
UCLA
9%acceptance · CA
Claremont McKenna College
9%acceptance · CA
University of California, Berkeley
11%acceptance · CA
University of Southern California
12%acceptance · CA
UC Irvine
21%acceptance · CA
See all California schools →

Similar to Pepperdine University

Schools with a similar selectivity profile, worth comparing as you build a balanced list.

Union College
35%acceptance · NY
Howard University
34%acceptance · DC
University of Rochester
34%acceptance · NY
Stevens Institute of Technology
36%acceptance · NJ
Talladega College
36%acceptance · AL
Connecticut College
33%acceptance · CT

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it to get into Pepperdine University?

Pepperdine University has a 35% acceptance rate, which makes it selective — it admits a minority of applicants. Admission depends on how your full profile compares to its admitted students, not on scores alone.

What SAT score do you need for Pepperdine University?

There is no hard cutoff, but the admitted-student 75th-percentile SAT is around 1400. A score at or above the admitted range strengthens your application; CollegeCalcAI shows how your exact score shifts your odds.

What does Pepperdine University value most in applicants?

Based on its admissions profile, Pepperdine University weighs rigor of secondary school record, academic gpa, class rank most heavily. The full factor breakdown is on this page.

What are my chances of getting into Pepperdine University?

Your chances depend on your GPA, course rigor, test scores, and activities together. Use the free CollegeCalcAI calculator to get a personalized acceptance estimate for Pepperdine University in a few minutes, no account required.

Want the deeper guide? Read our full Pepperdine University chances guide →

Acceptance rate and admitted test ranges reflect publicly reported data (U.S. Department of Education / NCES IPEDS / Common Data Sets). Estimates from CollegeCalcAI are a planning tool computed by a fixed, transparent model, not a guarantee of any admission decision.