Pepperdine University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

The Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate is 49%, So for every 100 applicants,49 students get admitted. This means that it is a modertivley competitive University. Candidates must fulfill the specific course requirements to secure admission to Pepperdine University. While the acceptance rate is higher, it is suggested that the student applies early for higher chances of getting selected. The high acceptance rate can also be attributed to the fact the university generally waives off SAT and GRE requirements, if students have a good previous academic performance, and work experience, among others. It’s also important to note the University's other admission requirements.

To be admitted to Masters courses  at Pepperdine University, it is recommended to have a strong academic profile, including competitive scores in the GMAT or GREs.  However, the admission process at Pepperdine University takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. Lately students must .Official scores should be sent directly to Pepperdine University (Institution Code R4630) from the Educational Testing Services.

Pepperdine University admission deadlines vary depending on the intake the application type.Early action application are due on Nov 1, 2025, while regular decision applications have a deadlines of Jan 15, 2026 (tentative). However students who want to apply for spring enrollment the application deadlines is Jan 15, 2026 (tentative).

International students can get into the university with a 3.7 GPA, but the admission to Pepperdine University is a little difficult. As the university values various things such as leadership, Work experience, compelling essays, letters of recommendation, and performance in interviews. So overall the university just dosn’t see the GPA of the candidate but also sees an overall individuals performance. 

The cost of attending Pepperdine University can vary depending on the main factors, such as course level of study (UG and PG). However, International students considering this university could be a little higher than compared to US citizens. Pepperdine Universitry tuition fee for UG international students is  ( INR 32L- 55L) per annum, depending on the course. It’s (INR 9 L - 40L) for PG programs.

Pepperdine University welcomes international students from all over the world to study at their campus. The University has a diverse community of international students from over 70 countries, with a percentage of 5%. The University offers various UG and PG programs that have been redesigned to cater to the academic needs of international students. Lastly, the Pepperdine University is an inclusive and welcoming institution and provides a safe environment for international students regardless of their nationality, colour and background.

The admission decision at the Pepperdine University varies depending on the programme and the application volume received. Application takes 3-4 weeks from the date the application is received. The processing time may be extended if certain required documents still need to be included. Applicants can also check their status by contacting the University's admissions office for further information.

Below are the Pepperdine requirements for international students:

• Application Fee or fee waiver: Applicants must pay a USD 65 application fee through the common application (You can check out how you can waive application fees)

• LORs: The Letter of Recommendation must be from a core subject (math, science, English, history, foreign language, religion). Additionally, a recommendation from the school’s college counselor will add more value to your application. However, if the school doesn't have a counsellor, the students can get a recommendation from a school administrator like a principal or an academic advisor.  

• Transcripts:  the applicant should submit the school report and the official transcript, including all secondary school courses. The university also wants sixth-semester transcript (through grade 11) at the time of application. 

• Standardised Test Results: Pepperdine University has a long test-optional policy for the 2024 admission cycle. That means that applicants for UG admissions for fall 2024 enrollment can choose to apply with or without submitting ACT or SAT scores. The university has mentioned that there is no minimum score required for admission, Nor is there a score that will guarantee admission. However, checking their official website for an even better understanding is suggested. 

Postgraduate requirements:

• A statement of academic purpose (SOP)

• Applicants must have a list of all their prior colleges or universities, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. However, unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with the applicant's application.

• letters of recommendation, Applicants must enter the names of their recommender directly in the application, and they will receive a link to upload a letter on the applicant's behalf.

• Applicants must submit their Resumes and CV 

• A USD 65 application fee for PG applicants and USD 160 for Business school courses.

• A standardised test, although the graduate school does not have tests minimum for admission, individual departments may have minimum requirements. However, they need to give IELTS or TOEFL if the applicant is from a non-English speaking native country. However, there are other standardised examinations, such as GRE and GMAT, which are compulsory, however, might vary depending on the course the applicant chooses.

Pepperdine University application fee is USD 65 This fee is typically non-refundable and covers the cost of processing and viewing the applications. It is important to note that the Application fee differs from the other fees.  However, the application fee might vary depending on the intake, and it’s suggested that students should check the official for more information depending on the course and requirements.

Pepperdine University has a long test-optional policy for the 2025 admission cycle. That means that applicants for UG admissions for fall 2025 enrollment can choose to apply with or without submitting ACT or SAT scores. The university has mentioned that there is no minimum score required for admission, Nor is there a score that will guarantee admission. However, checking their official website for an even better understanding is suggested. 

Yes international students can surely apply to the Pepperdine University after 12th grade. However, they must have all the basic requirements ready with them. Mainly to avoid the last minute confusion and hassle. Secondly the university expects students to have a strong portfolio in which applicants are checked softskills and their marks.Hence it’s good to be prepared mentally before applying for Pepperdine University to increase the chances of acceptance rate. 

The Pepperdine University wants it’s applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.68-3.89. To be admitted to any programme at Pepperdine University, it is recommended to have a strong academic profile, including competitive scores in the GMAT or GREs.  However, the admission process at Pepperdine University takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process.

According to Pepperdine University the minimum GPA required from students is 3.68-3.89. But UC Berkely wants students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, now comparing both the universities its a little the easiest to get into UC Berkely than Pepperdine University.

Some of the tips for students starting their first-semester at the Pepperdine University campus are:

• Students who applied for Pepperdine University must be humble and should interact with as many people as possible. Mainly beacause, the more people you talk to the better knowledge you get. 
• Attend as many gathering and parties as much as you can. 
• Applicants should avoid missing classess, as 70% of learning comes from students going to classes. 
• Students can get invovlved with extracuricular activities, i.e joing university clubs, sports etc. This will also look good on a portfolio in the longer run.