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Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University campus in Malibu, CA

Pepperdine at a Glance

 

Academics

Pepperdine University boasts top-ranked graduate and undergraduate programs, with separate schools dedicated to business, education and psychology, law, liberal arts, and public policy. At Pepperdine, we engage in the pursuit of knowledge at its highest level and provide an array of practical, hands-on opportunities that bring it down to earth.

 

5

Separate Graduate and Undergraduate Schools

87

Degree Programs
University Wide

13:1

Student-Teacher Ratio
University Wide

#76

in National Universities
U.S. News & World Report

#55

Best Value
U.S. News & World Report

 

 


 

Locations

Our stunning 830-acre Malibu campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is just 29 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. Three additional campuses throughout Southern California offer convenient classes for graduate students. And if you like to travel, Pepperdine has six permanent campuses around the globe and a range of international internships and programs on six continents.

#19 of 100

Most Beautiful College Campuses
Bestcollegereviews.org

Among the Top 20

Most Beautiful Campus
The Princeton Review

Vista shot of Pepperdine campus

 


 

International Programs

country map with 7 international program location markers

Among the Top

in the nation for undergraduate students who study abroad
Institute of International Education


#11

Most Popular Study Abroad Program
The Princeton Review

#12

Study Abroad Program
U.S. News & World Report


 

Athletics

Becoming a Pepperdine Wave is a student-athlete's dream. Our NCAA athletic program is composed of eight men's and nine women's Division I teams.

pepperdine waves jersey icon

17 NCAA Division I Teams

trophy icon

Esports Winner of West Coast Conference Preseason Invitational Championship

26

National Championships

352

All-Americans

91%

NCAA Student-Athlete Graduation Success

8

Olympic Gold Medals


 

Spiritual Life

Founded in the Church of Christ tradition, Pepperdine University proudly upholds Christian values with the belief that they complement and support the pursuit of knowledge. At Pepperdine, students of all faiths are encouraged to explore their spirit.

  • Student-Led Ministries
  • Prayer and Unity Gatherings
  • Hub for Spiritual Life

religious breakdown pie graph image

Student Body Breakdown


  •  
    Other Christian (47%)
  •  
    Church of Christ (4%)
  •  
    None (13%)
  •  
    Unstated (27%)
  •  
    Jewish (2%)
  •  
    Other (6%)

 

students outside on the Pepperdine cement sign

Community Belonging

Pepperdine embraces students of all cultures, ethnicities, and identities. We believe that a broad range of diverse perspectives enriches the quality of our learning, scholarship, and leadership. Students are engaged and inspired through our Intercultural Affairs Office programs, which strengthen a community of respect, equity, and understanding.


Percent of Surveyed Students Who Agree/Strongly Agree That . . . *

  • Respect for diversity is a core value of faculty | 88%
  • Students from diverse backgrounds are valued | 91%
  • Students from diverse backgrounds engage with one another productively | 90%

*Pepperdine University OIE Student Success Survey, 2019

Wellness Resources

We don't just care about our students; we care for them. Pepperdine's Student Health Center, Office of Student Accessibility, Counseling Center, and new Resilience-Informed Skills Education program are just some of the services that we provide to further our students' wellness and keep them on the path to success.

9.8% of students use counseling services during school year

Career Resources

Each of our five schools has a staff devoted to the development of students' careers. We help students decide the direction they want to follow and devise specific strategies for the achievement of their postgraduate goals.

briefcase vector icon

92%

Undergraduate students employed, accepted to grad school, volunteering or in military six months post graduation

Career Center Offerings:

  • Self Assessments
  • Career Research
  • Assistance with Resumes and Cover Letters
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Internship Connections
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Job Search Assistance

 

Service

Helping others is part of our mission. Pepperdine offers students myriad ways to be of service right here in Southern California, as well as around the world, sponsoring a variety of transformative service opportunities abroad.

Jumpstart logo

Waves of Service Logo

Step Forward Day logo

Vector illustration of hands raised with heart background


Community Engagement and Service:
1,997 unique volunteers for 2019–2020

Three students outside holding cleaning supplies


 

Sustainability

Due to our commitment to sustainability, the Princeton Review recognizes Pepperdine on its list of green colleges.




65%

of Malibu campus preserved in native state


97%

of on-campus irrigation is recycled water


50%

of Pepperdine's energy comes from renewable sources


16

electric vehicle charging stations provided free to Pepperdine community


 

Arts

Explore culture without leaving the campus at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts' three theatres and the Weisman Museum of Art. Of course, Los Angeles also offers countless prestige entertainment options. And you don't have to major in theatre to explore your dramatic side; everyone is welcome to audition for University performances.

Students dancing and smiling in a group on stage

Annual Student Performances

  • 4 Plays
  • 1 Opera
  • 1 Vocal Variety Show
  • 1 Dance Variety Show

3

Theatres

1

Museum

30+

Professional Presentations/Year

$10

Student Tickets

Alumni

An alumni network with more than 25 regional chapters and 40 affinity programs in the US and abroad offer a bevy of ways to stay connected. And while you're a student, alumni volunteers provide guidance, insights, and professional entrées to help you succeed while in school and launch your career.

Over 136,000 Pepperdine Alumni

  • More than 135 alumni events per year
  • About 1,500 alumni offer student mentoring
  • More than 7,500 on PeppConnect virtual networking platform