About Pepperdine University
Preparing students for lives filled with purpose, service, and leadership is the heart of Pepperdine University’s mission. Pepperdine University is a private Christian university in Malibu, California that offers significant degree options. Consider a graduate or undergraduate degree in schools of business, education, psychology, law, liberal arts, and public policy.
Pepperdine University online degrees are available for many graduate programs. Courses are flexible and convenient while featuring the same academically solid curriculum as on-campus courses. Students will complete meaningful projects and fieldwork in addition to synchronous and asynchronous classes.
Pepperdine University Online Benefits:
- 13:1 student-teacher ratio
- Several permanent campuses around the world
- Alums offer student mentoring each year
Accreditation & Licensing
Pepperdine University is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Churches of ChristEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 3,949 ; Graduate: 7,841Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 4% ; Graduate: 47%Graduation Rate:
83%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$82,939Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$23,510Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
90%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$34,751Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesOnline Programs offered by Pepperdine University
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
At Pepperdine, coursework often feels clear and manageable. Many classes have about 20 students, with some closer to 40. That size can make weekly pacing easier and help students stay on track.
The path can get more complex during practicum planning, especially if planning starts late. This can be tougher for out-of-state students who may need to find placements themselves. Early planning helps protect time and keep progress steady.
Cost is a big part of the decision. Annual tuition is listed at $69,918, and many families view that as high. Cost can feel heavier if classes seem repetitive or very self-directed, especially later in the program.
At Pepperdine, support is strongest in direct contact with professors. Faculty are known for making time to help, and replies can come quickly. In some cases, students hear back the same day from the clinical team. In daily coursework, this gives students a clear place to turn when they need help.
Support is less consistent with practicum logistics. Guidance on practicum requirements may come later than expected. Help finding sites outside California can also be limited. Overall, Pepperdine offers strong one-on-one support in classes, with more uneven guidance on major practicum steps.
Pepperdine uses live Zoom classes in some graduate tracks. Instructors in those classes include licensed professionals. That adds real-time contact, not just solo coursework. Class sizes are often small, so instructor access is more direct.
Online pace and structure can vary by course. Some classes feel clear and engaging. Others can feel repetitive or self-taught. Practicum planning is a key part of online fit. Some learners must find their own practicum sites, which adds schedule pressure.
Classes at Pepperdine are often small and discussion-friendly. Many run around 20 students, with some around 40. That size helps professors know students by name. Faculty access is a real strength in daily class life.
Teaching quality is not identical across departments. Some courses move fast. Some feel repetitive or too self-directed. Department differences can shape professor experience and course design. The overall classroom picture is strong contact with professors, with uneven execution in parts of the curriculum.
Pepperdine offers close professor contact in small classes. Many classes are around 20 students. Some are closer to 40. Students often feel known by instructors.
Live Zoom teaching appears in some graduate settings. Cost is the biggest note. Tuition is high, and value feels uneven. Some courses feel repetitive or self-taught.
Support is solid in daily class communication. It is less consistent in practicum logistics, especially for out-of-state placement planning. Overall, Pepperdine is a mixed but readable fit. It works best for students who want faculty access and community. It is harder to frame as uniform value across programs.
Pepperdine offers close professor contact in small classes. Many classes are around 20 students. Some are closer to 40. Students often feel known by instructors.
Live Zoom teaching appears in some graduate settings. Cost is the biggest note. Tuition is high, and value feels uneven. Some courses feel repetitive or self-taught.
Support is solid in daily class communication. It is less consistent in practicum logistics, especially for out-of-state placement planning. Overall, Pepperdine is a mixed but readable fit. It works best for students who want faculty access and community. It is harder to frame as uniform value across programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperdine University
Is Pepperdine University accredited?
Yes. Pepperdine University is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How many online programs does Pepperdine University offer?
Pepperdine University offers 33 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Pepperdine University offer?
Pepperdine University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Pepperdine University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Pepperdine University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Pepperdine University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Pepperdine University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Pepperdine University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Pepperdine University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is Pepperdine University military friendly?
Pepperdine University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Pepperdine University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Pepperdine University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Resume/CV, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Pepperdine University accept life experience credit?
Pepperdine University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Pepperdine University programs fully online or mixed?
Pepperdine University includes Mostly Online and 100% Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Pepperdine University offer?
Pepperdine University has online program options in areas such as Education, Psychology & Human Services, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Pepperdine University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Pepperdine University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Pepperdine University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Pepperdine University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Pepperdine University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Pepperdine University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Pepperdine University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Pepperdine University is featured in 18 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Pepperdine University is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
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