See what Students are Posting about Pepperdine University

Cost and Aid

High tuition and limited financial aid packages are frequently cited concerns. Students often mention that while Pepperdine sometimes offers merit aid, total costs can remain higher than public options like UCSD, UCI, or Boulder.

Some students suggest that unless strong scholarships are secured, it may be difficult to justify the price relative to similarly ranked or larger universities.

Conservative Culture

Several students mention the broader conservative culture on campus, particularly compared to more liberal private and public universities.

Discussions reflect a range of comfort levels, some students appreciate the traditional values environment, while others worry about fitting in if they lean more progressive socially or politically.

Religious Identity

Pepperdine's Christian affiliation is a major topic for prospective students. Some appreciate the religious environment and see it as aligning with their values, while others worry about restrictions such as chapel requirements and dry campus policies.

Students not seeking an overtly religious college experience express hesitation, though many note that religious expectations are present but manageable depending on the student's engagement.

Social Life

Pepperdine's social scene is described as quieter and more conservative compared to larger universities. Students note that parties are limited due to dry campus policies, and social activities often center around smaller groups, campus events, and local outings.

This social atmosphere is seen as a positive for students seeking a close-knit, low-key college experience, but a drawback for those looking for a more active party culture.

Academic Fit

Students choosing Pepperdine often prioritize small class sizes, personalized attention, and a quieter academic environment. Those preferring larger research universities or more independent campus cultures sometimes lean toward UC schools or other alternatives.

Career Concerns

Some students express concerns about post-grad opportunities, especially outside Southern California. Career discussions highlight that proactive networking may be more important at Pepperdine compared to schools with larger recruiting pipelines.

Students aiming for law school, business, or psychology frequently consider whether Pepperdine's professional resources align with their long-term goals.

Peer Comparisons

Pepperdine is often compared to schools like LMU, Baylor, and certain UC campuses. Students evaluate differences in culture, cost, professional network size, and location when making final decisions.

Pepperdine's small size is viewed as both a strength (close community) and a limitation (smaller alumni reach) compared to bigger private universities.

Campus and Location

The physical beauty of the Malibu campus is consistently praised. Students highlight the ocean views, clean facilities, and picturesque setting as major positives that contribute to overall quality of life.

However, some note that Pepperdine's location, while stunning, can also feel isolated and expensive relative to urban campus environments.