About

See what students say:

Academics

Pepperdine University is a Christian liberal arts school situated in picturesque Malibu, California. Many students say the “professors are the greatest strength of Pepperdine,” citing “mentorship [and] research collaboration” opportunities thanks to the small classes. Faculty “genuinely care about your individual success, both personally and academically.” One student says that it’s normal for “them to invite students to their homes for dinner or to host a Bible study group.” Professors are lauded as “very passionate” and “successful in their field.” Many professors take advantage of Pepperdine’s location with “field trips to the beach, lagoon, waste treatment plant, museums, and organizations in Los Angeles.” The great scenery doesn’t just include California: Pepperdine’s “absolutely fantastic” international programs are a draw for many, sending students to destinations like Argentina, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and England. “The Church of Christ mission is prevalent,” as all undergrads are required to take three religion courses.

Student Body

Pepperdine students rave about their “welcoming,” “caring,” and “tight-knit” community. “Everyone is genuinely interested in how to make the world better and people take up a real interest in each other,” says a student. “Everyone always has a smile on their face” and “in times of crisis the support system is tremendously helpful.” “Even though there is a large group of both the left and right,” one student says this is “the most open-minded student body.” Students find “diverse…personalities and ideas” but say the school would benefit from attracting more students who don’t exactly fit the “Christian, white, conservative,” and affluent background. Students are “taught to live life with purpose, service, and leadership.” Overall there’s a “mix of driven entrepreneurs and chill surfers,” and “you have your partiers and then you have the very religious” students.

Campus Life

Students take pride in their “academically rigorous and beautiful school.” They find Pepperdine’s campus to be “drop dead gorgeous” with an “amazing ocean view.” Its prime location in Southern California means there are plenty of options for activities outside of the classroom: students “surf, hike, [and visit] museums.” Of course, church is prominent here too. “We are…allowed to freely incorporate our faith into our education,” one student says. The school also features a Convocation Series, although some express concerns about that since it “is required [and] factors into [students’] GPA.” They still find other ways to connect with religious communities, though, often “doing [community] service in an off-campus location” with a religious affiliation. Evenings bring “a lot of events on campus either sponsored by clubs, athletics, [or] the student programming board,” but one thing undergrads would like to see more of is “school spirit at the athletic games.” Pepperdine has a dry campus, so students looking for that kind of nightlife spend “weekends…[taking] trips into L.A. [or attending] parties off campus.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Kacey Beltz
Campus Visit Operations Manager

Address
Office of Admission
24255 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90263-4392

Phone
(310) 506-4392

Email
admission-seaver@pepperdine.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Weisman Art Museum
Smothers Theatre
The Sandbar
Alumni Park
Payson Library

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Getty Center Museum
Santa Monica Pier/3rd Street Promenade
Universal City Walk
Hollywood
Dodger Stadium

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm
(310) 506-4392

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon?Fri; 10 AM, 1 PM, & 2 PM
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Sept-Nov. in locations throughout the U.S.

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department

Advance Notice
Other

Contact Email Address for Visit
athletics@pepperdine.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Los Angeles International Airport is 25 miles from campus. Rental cars, commercial shuttle service, and taxis are available at the airport. For Super Shuttle, call 213-338-1111; for Prime Time Shuttle, call 213-558-1606. Amtrak trains and Greyhound Trailways buses serve Los Angeles.

Driving Instructions to Campus
Take I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) W. to the end, where it becomes the Pacific Coast Hwy. (California Rte. 1). Continue for 14 miles, turn right onto Malibu Canyon Rd., then turn left onto Seaver Dr., which is the campus entrance. From the Ventura Freeway (U.S. Rte. 101), take the Las Virgenes exit; turn south onto Las Virgenes, which becomes Malibu Canyon Rd., and follow it through the canyon. Turn right onto Seaver Dr., which is the campus entrance.

Admissions

Applicants: 11,466
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Average HS GPA: 3.75






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