Pepperdine University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 5, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~49%
- Middle 50% ACT: 29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1330
- Average GPA: 3.8
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This becomes more of a reach. Focus on showing character, leadership, and service — Pepperdine values fit and mission alongside academics.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in a strong position for admission and solid merit aid. This is where Pepperdine can become a meaningful financial option.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in range for top automatic scholarships and possibly Regent-level consideration, but full tuition is still highly competitive and not guaranteed.
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📌 Pepperdine University at a Glance
🏆 Full Tuition Opportunity Available
Average Net Price
$42,050/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
8 opportunities
3 automatic · 5 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Available for top qualifiers
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Pepperdine University (Read This First)
- Top scholarship is invite-only: The full-tuition Regents’ Scholarship is not something you apply for — you must be selected and invited to interview.
- CSS Profile required for full aid consideration: Families need both FAFSA and CSS Profile, which can impact how much aid you actually receive.
- Automatic merit doesn’t mean “cheap”: Even with $15K–$25K per year, Pepperdine’s total cost is high — you need to run real net price numbers.
- Test-optional can affect scholarship strength: Strong scores can help maximize merit, even if not required for admission.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Pepperdine University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29; SAT: 1330.
Average net price? About $42,050/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Pepperdine University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$72,672 |
$72,672 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$22,480 |
$22,480 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$95,152 |
$95,152 |
Average Federal Net Price: $42,050 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Reciprocity & Regional Programs: As a private university, Pepperdine does not participate in WUE, NEBHE, MSEP, or any state “flagship match” programs.
All undergraduates pay the same tuition regardless of residency.
🎓 Before comparing offers, read our complete guide to
how financial aid and scholarships work at California private colleges
, including merit awards, CSS Profile schools, and net price differences.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
There’s no in-state discount — Pepperdine charges a single flat rate for full-time students enrolled in 12–18 credits per term.
How much does the average family really pay?
About $42,050 after scholarships and grants (based on the latest federal NCES data). Actual costs depend on GPA, demonstrated financial need, and scholarship eligibility.
Do I need special forms for scholarships?
Some institutional and departmental scholarships require both the CSS Profile and FAFSA to determine eligibility. Be sure to file both by Pepperdine’s posted deadlines.
Sources:
https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.htm
https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=121150
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?121150-Pepperdine-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
Blanche E. Seaver Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~Awarded to a subset of the top 8–10% of each admitted first-year class — the same applicant pool as the Regents Scholarship. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Coordinates with need-based aid in the overall package but applies only toward tuition charges. The award is prorated if your student drops below full-time (12–18 units), and total institutional + outside aid can't exceed Pepperdine's published cost of attendance. Combined with a Pepperdine Grant or restricted/private scholarships, families often see their net tuition drop substantially.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of two named scholarships inside the Regents Scholars Program (the other being the Regents Scholarship). Pepperdine publishes a single program-wide floor: Regents Scholars Program scholarships start at $20,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years or eight semesters total. Even though Pepperdine is test-optional for admission, SAT, ACT, or CLT scores must be submitted to be considered for either Regents Scholars Program scholarship. Recipients are notified at the same time as their admission decision and financial aid offer. Renewal requires a 3.25 Pepperdine cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment, and remaining off academic probation; a one-time appeal is available through the Academic Scholarship Appeal Form if a student falls below the GPA in two consecutive semesters.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Realistically, these are the very top admits — students sitting at the highest end of the unweighted recalculated GPA and SAT/ACT/CLT combination in an already highly selective applicant pool. If your student is in the strongest sliver of the top 8–10%, they're in the conversation. Course rigor and consistency across all four years of high school matter as much as raw numbers.
Automatic
Regents Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~Roughly the top 8–10% of each admitted first-year class — split between the Regents Scholarship and the Blanche E. Seaver Scholarship. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Layers with need-based aid (including the Pepperdine Grant) but applies only to tuition. Pepperdine prorates the award if enrollment drops below full-time (12–18 units), and combined institutional plus outside aid can't exceed the published cost of attendance. Outside private scholarships are welcome but must be reported to the financial assistance office so the package can be coordinated.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of two named scholarships inside the Regents Scholars Program (the other being the Blanche E. Seaver Scholarship). Pepperdine states the program-wide floor: scholarships start at $20,000 per year and renew for up to four years or eight semesters total, with the dollar amount staying constant year to year. Pepperdine is test-optional for admission, but SAT, ACT, or CLT scores must be submitted to be considered for the Regents Scholars Program. Renewal requires a 3.25 Pepperdine cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment, and disciplinary good standing; two consecutive semesters below 3.25 can be appealed once through the Academic Scholarship Appeal Form.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Think top of the top — roughly the highest 8–10% of each admitted first-year class, ranked on the strongest combination of unweighted recalculated GPA and SAT/ACT/CLT scores. Because Pepperdine admission is already highly selective, the bar inside this cohort is exceptional. AP/IB/honors rigor, upward trajectory, and a clean recalculated transcript move the needle alongside raw numbers.
Automatic
George Pepperdine Achievement Award
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~Merit budget is finite — most awards go to fall first-year entrants; spring entrants face significantly tighter availability. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Coordinates with need-based aid (including the Pepperdine Grant) in the overall package. Applies only to tuition charges and is prorated below full-time (12–18 units). Stays the same dollar amount year over year as long as renewal conditions are met, which is reassuring even as Pepperdine tuition rises.
💡
Strategic Detail
The George Pepperdine Achievement Award is Pepperdine's broader merit scholarship for first-year admits who display academic achievement and overall application strength but don't qualify for a Regents Scholars Program scholarship or a Pepperdine Grant. Pepperdine does not publish a specific dollar amount for this award on its public scholarship page — recipients learn the exact figure with their financial aid offer. The award is renewable for up to four years at the same dollar amount each year, contingent on maintaining a 2.0 Pepperdine cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment (12–18 units), and Satisfactory Academic Progress. The scholarship applies only to tuition and is prorated if enrollment drops below full-time. Merit funds are most plentiful for fall entrants; far fewer awards are available for spring admits.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong academic admits who don't quite reach the Regents Scholars Program cutoffs but show solid grades, rigorous coursework, and overall application strength. If your student is a clear academic admit but not in the top 8–10% by GPA + test combination, this is the merit award most likely to land. Apply early — Pepperdine explicitly says merit funds are limited for spring entrants.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Estimates are based on past student profiles and admissions data; Pepperdine does not publish official GPA/test cutoffs.*
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. All admitted students are automatically considered based on their admission application.
Does Pepperdine superscore the SAT or ACT?
Yes — highest section scores across test dates are used for merit awards.
Can I stack merit with outside awards?
Yes, but merit is only for tuition and total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
What happens if my GPA falls below the requirement?
Regents/Seaver require a 3.25; Achievement Award needs a 2.0 to renew.
Sources:
Regents & Seaver Scholarships – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/merit/
Deadlines & Eligibility – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/first-year-applicants/
Application Process FAQ – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/first-year-applicants/faq/
Merit Breakdown – https://collegereadyparent.org/pepperdine-university-scholarships/
Peterson’s/Scholarship Search – https://petersons.com/scholarship-search/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
These are university-level, cohort-style competitive scholarships open to incoming freshmen of any major. Both awards below are part of Pepperdine’s prestigious Regents Scholars Program and represent the highest levels of undergraduate merit recognition.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Note: The Regents’ and Blanche E. Seaver Scholarships are Pepperdine’s top merit awards. All applicants are automatically considered—no separate application required—but selection is extremely competitive.
Flagship/Competitive FAQs
Does Pepperdine offer a full-ride scholarship?
The Regents’ Scholarship covers full tuition, but not room/board. It’s Pepperdine’s most prestigious undergraduate award.
What’s the difference with Blanche E. Seaver?
It’s a selective partial-tuition scholarship for outstanding students below the Regents level—still elite, and part of the Regents group.
Are there separate applications or interviews?
No. All are automatic, considered as part of your freshman application.
When should students apply?
Submit your application by January 15 to be considered for all flagship merit awards at Pepperdine.
Sources:
Regents & Seaver Scholarships – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/merit/
Deadlines & Eligibility – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/first-year-applicants/
Seaver Competitive Awards – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/scholarships/
Peterson’s/Scholarship Search – https://petersons.com/scholarship-search/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond automatic merit, Pepperdine offers a handful of niche and need-based opportunities that can help reduce costs. These hidden gems often fly under the radar but can make a real difference for families.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
International Programs Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Priority: Sep 22
✓ Renews
👥 ~Number of scholarships varies with annual funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to reduce program costs for study abroad and may be combined with institutional and outside aid up to the cost of attendance for the term.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be accepted to a Pepperdine International Programs semester and then submit the IP scholarship application through the International Programs portal by the posted priority and final deadlines.
Selection criteria: Applications evaluated on financial need, academic standing, and commitment to the international program.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes multiple need- and merit-sensitive scholarships for Seaver students studying in Pepperdine’s international locations; specific award names and criteria vary by year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with financial need or strong academic standing who are committed to studying abroad through Pepperdine International Programs.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
All for Humanity Alliance Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$20,000
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Two $20,000 recipients and ten $1,000 recipients each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time scholarship that can be combined with Pepperdine merit, need-based aid, and external awards up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit an application and an original awareness video or related project on human trafficking through the All for Humanity Alliance portal by the February deadline.
Selection criteria: Judged on creativity, impact, and effectiveness of the project in raising awareness and advocating against human trafficking.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Program offers two large $20,000 scholarships and ten $1,000 awards annually for students engaging in anti-trafficking advocacy and education through creative projects.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Seaver and Caruso Law students who produce compelling advocacy work and demonstrate strong commitment to combating human trafficking.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Summer Undergraduate Research (SURB/SURP/CDIUR)
📅 Deadline: SURP/CDIUR: around Feb 11; SURB: around Feb 12 for summer research.
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited cohort of participants each summer; numbers depend on program funding. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers housing, stipend, and research expenses for one summer; may stack with merit and need-based aid, but students typically cannot receive multiple full summer stipends for the same period.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a summer research application for SURP, SURB, or CDIUR through the Seaver research portal with a faculty-mentored project description, budget (if required), and faculty support by the February deadlines.
Selection criteria: Reviewed on project quality, feasibility, and strength of faculty mentorship.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes several structured summer research programs (such as SURP and SURB) that provide on-campus housing, a living stipend, and research supply funding for full-time summer research.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Sophomores through seniors with strong faculty-mentored research proposals across disciplines.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Christian Leadership Award
📅 Deadline: Spring admits: around Nov 1; fall admits: around Feb 15.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Varies by year and available funds from Church of Christ and Pepperdine sources. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award may be combined with Pepperdine merit and need-based aid but is limited to tuition and total gift aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Eligible students submit a request for the Christian Leadership Award that includes a letter from a church leader verifying membership and leadership in a Church of Christ congregation by the term-specific deadline.
Selection criteria: Emphasis on church involvement, leadership, and alignment with Churches of Christ affiliation.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount varies and can reach a substantial portion of tuition for qualifying students; renewal depends on continued membership and good standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active members of Churches of Christ with demonstrated leadership and service in their congregations.
App Required
I’m First Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Opens around Mar 30 and closes around Jun 30 for the upcoming fall.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Number of awards per cohort depends on available funding. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award is applied in addition to existing merit and need-based aid, up to the total cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
First-generation admitted students apply through the I’m First or Pepperdine first-gen scholarship process, completing an application and any required essays between the posted opening and closing dates.
Selection criteria: Selection based on first-generation status, financial need, and strength of personal statements.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Total scholarship value is $4,000 over four years, disbursed as $1,000 per year for eligible first-generation students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming first-generation freshmen who submit strong applications and maintain full-time enrollment and good standing.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Amounts reflect most recent summaries as of fall. Students should verify award cycles and dollar amounts each cycle.
- Departmental/practice-based scholarships may have separate deadlines; see Financial Aid or Faculty for the most current info.
- Pepperdine promotes a variety of outside scholarships from national philanthropic organizations (UNCF, Soros, etc.). Check the university’s suggestions for more details.
Hidden Gem FAQs
Do these require separate applications?
Yes, most do—including study abroad, ROTC, research, and leadership awards.
Can they stack with merit?
Typically yes, unless exceeding cost of attendance. Need-based and research stipends usually stack with merit.
How selective are research stipends?
They require a clear project and faculty support, but Pepperdine funds many strong proposals each cycle.
What about ROTC?
Pepperdine supports off-campus cadets with priority registration and stipends. ROTC deadlines are determined by the national application cycles.
Sources:
International Programs Scholarships – https://community.pepperdine.edu/seaver/ipadmissions/apply/
SURP/SURB Details & Deadlines – https://community.pepperdine.edu/seaver/research/
ROTC Scholarship Timing – https://goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html
I’m First Scholarship – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/first-gen/
Christian Leadership Award – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/financial-aid/churchesofchrist/
All for Humanity Alliance – https://pepperdine.edu/all-for-humanity/
🎖️ Honors at Pepperdine
Pepperdine does not have a single, centralized Honors College. Instead, it offers two distinct honors-style opportunities: the Great Books Colloquium, which replaces portions of the general education core with a four-course seminar sequence, and several Departmental Honors Programs (such as Biology, Chemistry, and Sports Medicine) that culminate in a thesis defense. Both options provide small classes, faculty mentorship, and transcript/diploma recognition.
What a Typical Pepperdine Honors Student Looks Like:
Students usually have a strong high school GPA (3.8+), rigorous coursework (AP/IB/Honors), and a demonstrated love for reading, research, or creative inquiry. Departmental honors students also show initiative in lab work or faculty-mentored projects.
Perks of Pepperdine Honors Programs:
- Small seminar-style classes with intensive faculty engagement
- Core curriculum credit through the Great Books Colloquium
- Faculty-mentored thesis projects in Departmental Honors Programs
- “Honors in [discipline]” notation on transcript and diploma
- Enhanced preparation for graduate or professional school
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students self-select into the Great Books Colloquium during freshman registration, or apply to Departmental Honors as posted with GPA and faculty recommendations.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. The Great Books sequence fulfills core requirements, and Departmental Honors is integrated into upper-division coursework.
Are there extra scholarship dollars tied to Honors?
Pepperdine does not advertise separate Honors scholarships. However, students in these programs often compete successfully for research stipends and study abroad scholarships.
What deadlines should we know?
Great Books enrollment usually occurs at freshman registration. Departmental Honors deadlines vary by division but are typically posted each cycle.
Sources:
Great Books Colloquium – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/humanities/programs/great-books/
Departmental Honors Overview – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/naturalscience/programs/honors-program/
Biology Honors – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/naturalscience/programs/biology/honors/
Chemistry Honors – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/naturalscience/programs/chemistry/honors/
Sports Medicine Honors – https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/naturalscience/programs/sportsmed/honors/
Seaver College Academic Catalog – https://catalog.seaver.pepperdine.edu/
⭐ College Specialty
Pepperdine is often recognized for weaving together rigorous academics with a values-driven, faith-based mission. Parents should know that while it’s a smaller private university, Pepperdine has national recognition in a few standout areas that can shape career opportunities and graduate school paths.
Best Known For:
Pepperdine’s International Programs rank among the nation’s strongest, consistently landing in the top 20 for study abroad participation (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). Nearly 70% of undergraduates study abroad—far above the national average.
- Business (Graziadio School): Ranked among the Best Graduate Business Schools by U.S. News (2025), with a strong reputation in Southern California for leadership development and entrepreneurship.
- Undergraduate Teaching: Pepperdine has been nationally ranked by U.S. News for Best Undergraduate Teaching, highlighting its emphasis on faculty-student mentorship.
- Sports Medicine & Natural Sciences: Well-regarded regionally for programs in Sports Medicine, Biology, and Chemistry, with strong pre-health and pre-med pathways tied to research and faculty mentorship.
- Law (Caruso School of Law): Nationally ranked for dispute resolution and trial advocacy programs, adding a unique cross-school pipeline for interested undergrads.
Note: Pepperdine is classified as an R2: High Research Activity university (not R1), but it maintains strong undergraduate research programs with funding for summer fellowships.
Final Thoughts
Pepperdine’s price tag can look intimidating, but when you break it down, there are multiple ways families bring the cost within reach. Automatic merit, hidden gem opportunities like study abroad funds and research stipends, and ROTC pathways all add up. Even without a formal Honors College, Pepperdine’s Great Books and departmental honors programs give motivated students small classes and strong mentorship. If your student is considering Pepperdine, be sure to run the numbers with both merit and need-based aid in mind—and don’t forget to complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile so you don’t miss out on available scholarships.
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