If you’ve dreamed of studying on the beautiful Malibu coast, you are likely wondering, “Is Pepperdine University hard to get into?”
For years, Pepperdine’s Seaver College was considered a highly selective institution. However, recent data reveals a significant shift in admission trends. In this post, we break down the Pepperdine acceptance rate, historical trends, and what these numbers actually mean for your application strategy.
The Current Acceptance Rate (2024–2025)
As of the most recent admission cycle (Fall 2025), Pepperdine University has become significantly more accessible.
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Current Acceptance Rate: 62.86%
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Application Total: 14,239 students applied
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Admitted Students: 9,592 students were offered admission
Compared to peer institutions, this rate places Pepperdine in the “somewhat selective” category. To put it in perspective, Pepperdine is currently easier to get into than the University of San Francisco (61.7%) and roughly in line with the national average for private universities .
A Decade of Data: How Acceptance Rates Have Changed
One of the most important factors to understand is the volatility of the admission rate over the last decade. Pepperdine has not always been this accessible.
Historically, during the mid-2010s, Pepperdine was a reach school for many. In the 2019-2020 cycle, the acceptance rate dropped to a low of 31.72% , making it extremely competitive .
However, that trend has reversed dramatically. Here is a look at the 11-year trajectory:
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2015-2016: 38.1%
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2019-2020 (The Low Point): 31.7%
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2021-2022: 53.0%
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2024-2025 (Current): 62.9%
Why the sudden jump?
While Pepperdine remains a top-tier school, the sharp increase in the acceptance rate is largely due to a decrease in the total number of applicants combined with the university maintaining a stable class size. Fewer students are applying, but the university still needs to fill its seats, leading to a higher likelihood of acceptance for those who do apply.
Acceptance Rate by Gender
Interestingly, admission rates vary slightly based on gender. According to the most recent data, male applicants have a marginally higher chance of receiving an acceptance letter.
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Male Acceptance Rate: 64.7%
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Female Acceptance Rate: 61.8%
How to Read the 62.9% Statistic
While a 63% acceptance rate sounds high, it is important to understand context. The statistic represents the percentage of applicants who were admitted, but not all admitted students are academically equal.
Pepperdine uses a holistic review process. This means your GPA and test scores are the foundation, but they also want to see:
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Rigor of Curriculum: Have you taken AP, IB, or Honors courses?
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Faith & Service: Pepperdine is a Christian university. They look for demonstrated community service and leadership.
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Essays: Your personal statement matters significantly.
The “Middle 50%” Rule
Just because 63% of applicants get in does not mean it is a “safety school” for low GPAs. Most admitted students still have very strong profiles. While official data for 2025 is pending, historically the middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs well above a 3.6.
The Yield Rate (Enrollment)
Another critical number to look at is the Yield Rate—the percentage of accepted students who actually enroll.
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Current Yield: 11.64%
This is a very low yield rate for a university of Pepperdine’s caliber. It suggests that while many students are accepted, many choose to attend other universities (likely due to the high cost of tuition—around $66,000+ per year—or geographic location preferences). For you, the applicant, this means that if you demonstrate genuine interest and financial fit, you have a very strong chance.
Key Takeaways for Applicants
So, what does this mean for your application?
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It is a Buyer’s Market Right Now: With a 63% acceptance rate and an 11% yield rate, Pepperdine is actively looking for qualified students. If you have a B+/A- average, this is no longer a “reach” school; it is a “target” school.
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Demonstrate Interest: Because yield is low, showing the admissions office that Pepperdine is your first choice matters. Visit the campus, attend virtual events, or connect with your regional admissions counselor.
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Don’t Neglect the “Why Pepperdine” Essay: With stats becoming less of a barrier, the essay is your tool to prove you fit the unique, values-driven culture of the Malibu campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pepperdine harder to get into than UCLA?
No. UCLA typically has an acceptance rate around 9%, making it significantly more competitive than Pepperdine.
Does Pepperdine require SAT/ACT?
Pepperdine has a test-optional policy. If your score is above the average (usually 1250-1440 range), submitting it helps. If not, focus on your GPA and extracurriculars.
Is the acceptance rate different for graduate students?
Yes. The data above is specifically for Seaver College (Undergraduate) . Graduate programs like the School of Public Policy or Graziadio Business School have separate, often more competitive, admission requirements .
Conclusion
The Pepperdine acceptance rate has risen to 62.86% , making it a much more attainable goal for high school seniors than it was five years ago. However, don’t let the high percentage fool you into a sloppy application. Pepperdine is looking for students who fit their distinct mission: academic excellence intertwined with Christian faith and service.
If you have the grades and a heart for community service, now is the best time to apply to Pepperdine University.
