Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Malibu, California
49.9% Acceptance Rate
Pepperdine University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
49.9%Acceptance Rate
3.74Avg GPA
1367Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$85,202Annual Cost
$82,939Grad Salary
19.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
49.9%
Avg GPA
3.74
Avg SAT
1367
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1250–1450
ACT Middle 50%
26–32
Need-Based Aid
19.6% receive Pell
Pepperdine University Pepperdine University, founded in 1937 in Malibu, California, is a prestigious private Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean offers undergraduate and graduate programs with particular strengths in law, business, and communication. Pepperdine maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and requires all students to complete religion courses. The campus features iconic Mediterranean-style architecture including the Phillips Theme Tower and the newly opened Hayden and Helene White Hall for business.
Pepperdine takes pride in its mission to combine academic excellence with Christian purpose. Campus life includes weekly chapel services, NCAA Division I athletics, and the renowned Pepperdine Waves ocean-view sports facilities. The university operates international campuses in six countries. Recent additions include the Mullin Town and Gown Club. Pepperdine's combination of academic rigor, stunning coastal location, and Christian values creates a transformative educational experience focused on purpose, service, and leadership.
Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate
At an acceptance rate of 49.9%, Pepperdine University rewards applicants who show real academic growth rather than a flawless transcript.
What Pfizer Admissions Looks For
- Solid, Not Perfect: A GPA trending upward matters more than one that's flat.
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 49.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Slightly below-average GPA? A strong test score or clear leadership track record can still keep you competitive.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.29
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Pepperdine University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Pepperdine University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of October 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 64 days left — Spring Admission
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Pfizer reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Spring Admission
October 1
Early Decision II (binding)
January 15
Decision by: February 1
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: April 1
Early Action (non-binding)
November 1
Decision by: January 10
Early Decision I (binding)
November 1
Decision by: January 10
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Pfizer GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Pfizer is 3.74. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.44 and 3.74? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.94–4.14.Pfizer GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.74 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.54 – 3.73
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.34 – 3.53
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.33
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Pepperdine values institutional fit and yield rates intensely; they want to ensure admitted students will enthusiastically adapt to the dry campus environment and mandatory convocation requirements.
- Letters of recommendation that emphasize a candidates personal character, integrity, and community service profile carry disproportionately high value during final holistic reads.
- The admissions committee protects its yield by frequently waitlisting high-scoring applicants who demonstrate zero personal interest or connection with the Malibu campus.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Pfizer
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Pepperdine University's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Pepperdine University (Pfizer) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Pfizer is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Pfizer Without SAT or ACT?
Pfizer considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Pepperdine University Average SAT Score: 1367
The average SAT score of admitted students at Pepperdine University is 1367 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1367 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean, without being in elite-tier territory.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1450 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Pepperdine University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1250, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Pfizer. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 680 | 620 | 740 |
| SAT Reading | 670 | 630 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1367 | 1250 | 1450 |
Below 1250, you're behind most admitted students; at 1450 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into Pepperdine University (Pfizer) with a 1450 SAT?
A 1450 SAT puts you ahead of most of Pfizer's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Pepperdine University (Pfizer) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Pfizer is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 26 | 30 |
| ACT English | 30 | 26 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 32 |
Can I get into Pepperdine University with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Pfizer's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Pfizer.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Pfizer
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Pfizer rewards consistency. Being a top-quartile applicant here doesn't just help admission odds — it's usually what unlocks the strongest scholarship offers too.
Christian Mission Context
Address your personal relationship with faith, service, and purpose directly inside the unique Pepperdine mission essay prompt. Clearly demonstrate how your values align with the universitys strict New Testament heritage and dedication to developing comprehensive servant leadership paradigms.
Seaver College Academic Fit
Clearly state your selected academic division within Seaver College and back it up with relevant high school coursework. For highly competitive divisions like Business Administration or Sports Medicine, ensure your foundational math profiles show exceptional upper-tier performance metrics.
International Program Intent
Highlight your long-term intent to participate in Pepperdines renowned global flagship international programs. Admissions officers look for globally minded students whose high school profiles show clear cross-cultural curiosity, linguistic exploration, or specialized international service records.
Demonstrated Interest Tracking
Engage in active communication with your regional admissions counselor throughout the cycle. Attend regional information sessions, execute an official campus visit if logistically viable, and ensure every optional digital connection touchpoint is fully completed to prove enrollment yield probability.
Expert Insight: Failing to deeply and respectfully engage with the specific religious and moral mission essay question will result in an immediate application drop, regardless of your academic data points.
Pfizer Profile
Full Name
Pepperdine University (Pfizer)
City
Malibu
State
California
ZIP Code
90263
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a Pfizer Degree Worth It?
At $85,202/year against a $82,939 median graduate salary, Pfizer is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $79,100, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.4%.
How much does a degree from Pfizer Cost?
The sticker price is $85,202/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
19.6% of students receive a Pell Grant and 38.4% take federal loans at Pfizer — file your FAFSA early and list Pfizer as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Pfizer Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $82,939 — about 104% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Pepperdine University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 1345 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pepperdine University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Emerson College | Boston, MA | 1359 | 32 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 1359 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pepperdine University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
Degree Programs at Pfizer
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pfizer Admissions
Pepperdine University graduates typically earn around $82,939 a year, on the higher end depending on industry.
At about $85,202 a year, Pepperdine University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
Pepperdine University's Pell Grant rate of 19.6% sits below the national average — merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 49.9%, Pepperdine University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Pepperdine University average a 3.74 GPA.
Pepperdine University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.44 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.34, Pepperdine University becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Pepperdine University — aim above 1367, ideally within the 1250–1450 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Pepperdine University is October 1 for Spring Admission applicants. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee is 70. Fee waivers may be available — check with admissions.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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