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Pepperdine University Reviews

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Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Pepperdine University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Pepperdine University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Pepperdine University reviews, or contribute your own Pepperdine University review if you're a current student there.

  • 33 out of 34 people found this review useful.

    Rachael from Spokane, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Bang for the buck

    definitely an expensive school! but they're pretty good about financial aid and it's well worth it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be ready for the crazy pepperdine hills and steps! It's intense at first but it helps combat the freshman 15. Also be sure to get involved in something when you're there, there's lots of fun stuff that some people miss out on.
    Great for these types of students

    Any students that love the beach, like having a small high school-ish atmosphere, fashionable (no one wears just sweats and t's to class), students that want to study abroad, people who like hills and stairs (!), want to avoid a crazy party scene or just keep the parting on the down low, like going to a required number of Chapels and taking religion classes, and people who like the california life style.

  • 18 out of 19 people found this review useful.

    Brianna from CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Pepperdine definitely has some amazing teachers who are willing to go the extra mile for their students. If you put forth the effort, they will certainly reciprocate and work just as hard to make your time in class well spent. My best professor so far was the one who intimidated me from the first day. But I quickly learned that once I proved I was willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and better myself, he guided me with some of the most valuable advice I have ever received.
    Am enjoying being here

    The people here are amazing! Everyone is incredibly gracious and open to forming meaningful and lasting relationships. Never did I imagine finding so many best friends who comfort, encourage, and accept me the way Pepperdine students have. The campus is the perfect environment to learn and experience the person you were meant to become while being surrounded by motivating people.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would encourage students to have an open mind when coming to Pepperdine and to be grateful! It is a beautiful school with incredible students and faculty. I have found that the more involved and open I have become to new experiences have made my time much more enjoyable. You will definitely meet students who insist on maintaining the too cool for school attitude. But I have found that there are way more students who appreciate everything Pepperdine has to offer, and seek out the good in their studies, lectures, and relationships. Truly take advantage of the wonderful professors and their willingness to help you. Pepperdine is an amazing environment that encourages its students to explore and learn about themselves while still challenging and motivating them to be the best possible version of themselves.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who aren't afraid to take on challenging experiences, willing to explore religion and their faith, comfortable at a smaller populated school, open to some of the conservative values taught.

  • 12 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Jessica from California

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    My high school teachers told me college would be more difficult than high school. The same amount of effort you put into getting an A in high school equals a B in college. The academics at Pepperdine are rigorous, but it is important to be challenged. The teachers are distinguished and always willing to help you out if you're having trouble. It's not hard to develop a relationship with the teachers because of the usually small class sizes. I enjoy the learning atmosphere at Pepperdine.
    Am enjoying being here

    I can say without a doubt that I love being at Pepperdine! The people I have encountered are genuine and friendly. Of course, no campus is without it's snobs and major partiers, but there are not a problem at Pepperdine. Pepperdine is a dry campus and the RAs (Residential Advisors) do a good job at keeping it that way. My RAs are wonderful and I feel just as comfortable with them as I do with everyone else. The ocean view from most of campus is definitely a plus!
    Bang for the buck

    It is expensive. However, the education you will receive at Pepperdine is worth it. Pepperdine also does a good job with awarding scholarships and grants. If that is not enough for you, there is an ocean view from most of campus. (I have a view from my bedroom window). People pay millions for the views that you will have at Pepperdine. The suite-style dorms are also nice because you have less people to a bathroom than other colleges, if that's important to you. Everything on campus in within walking distance too.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come to Pepperdine!!! Pepperdine has it all: an excellent academic program, national recognition, great scholarships and grants, distinguished teachers, amazing peers, a comfortable campus, and ocean and mountain views. P.S. Girls, the guys are far from eye sores. Guys, come on, these are girls at a school by the beach! Need I say more?
    Great for these types of students

    Bookworms, Surfers, Those Looking to Study Abroad, Those Who Want to Keep Off the Freshmen Fifteen, Just About Everyone

  • 11 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Ryan from Malibu, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Going to a liberal arts school means you will take a number of diverse classes that not only tailor to your major but will make you a more rounded student. I am an International Business major but aside from the business courses I take speech class, humanities, biology and religion to name a few. As for my business courses I learn a lot. Only professors will be teaching you, you will never have a teachers aid or some random person without a degree teaching you. The classes can be very vigorous but I can assure you that they are all relevant classes that will definitely help you in your career. Being so close to Los Angeles Pepperdine often plays hosts to a number of important figures in each persons major so that students can learn first hand about their area of study. I have learned a lot from Pepperdine and I am very pleased with the level of education I have received.
    Am enjoying being here

    Honestly I am in love with Pepperdine. Yes, the campus is amazing and you cannot beat living on PCH but there are many other qualities that are worthy of mention. The staff at Pepperdine is extremely helpful and they truly care about you. Going to a small school allows you to feel at home and part of a family that wants to see you succeed. It is not your typical college experience, it is much better than the typical experience. We have fraternities and sororities, have awesome sport teams, school spirit and a student body that works hard and plays hard.
    Bang for the buck

    Pepperdine gives about 80% of the student body financial aid which means that 80% of Pepperdine students are really receiving a bang for their buck. Although 50,000 a year is expensive, in the long run I truly do believe it is worth it. Going to a smaller school opens up a number of doors for you since you are seen as a person and not as an ID number. I can say that I have defiantly received my moneys worth at Pepperdine but I have heard some complaints about it. Some of my friends that pay full tuition do complain that they are not receiving enough for the amount they pay.
    Tips for prospective students

    Put that you are church of christ on your application, get involved at Pepperdine it will make your experience 100% better and live campus its a lot more fun.
    Great for these types of students

    Pepperdine is perfect for these types of students who are:
    -Leaders
    -Hard working
    -religious/like to party (there are two types of crowds at Pepperdine so pick which one you want to be in, you can be in both as well)

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Aaron from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The education here at Pepperdine University is top of the line. All of our professors are very knowledgeable about their subject and are involved with their students. The smaller campus size makes classes much more personal. Professors provide plenty of opportunities for students to get to know them better which sets up future recommendation prospects. Within my first year of Pepperdine I had met with most of my professors for lunch and had even gone to some of their homes for tea. Pepperdine has so many majors to choose from. Throughout a typical student experience at Pepperdine so many different situations inspire students to change their major to things that mean something in their life. There are numerous scholarships, honor societies, and leadership opportunities available to those students who excel in academics. Pepperdine also has phenomenal graduate schools. A downside to Pepperdine academics is that, at times, it can get a little overwhelming depending on how many units a student takes, but that is to be expected at a school of its caliber. Pepperdine is highly selective of its students.
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love this university. I would not change schools for the world. Pepperdine has so much to offer from the beautiful 180 degree view of the pacific ocean, to athletics, student activities, leadership roles, religion, international programs, and so much more. Some of the downsides to Pepperdine are that convocation and religion classes are required. It's not as bad as it may seem as religion is never forced on students. Another downside is many students at Pepperdine go Greek but it is not as big of a deal here. Greek life is responsible for most of the social events on and off campus and it's definitely here for anyone interested. Pepperdine administration doesn't particularly care for Greek life and there is no housing. Being a dry campus hinders Greek life from being like typical schools, and that may or may not be a bad thing depending on who you are, but definitely it's worth looking in to. Also, Pepperdine has a NO TOLERANCE dry campus policy. NO ALCOHOL. POINT BLANK. There are also some other rules that are pretty silly in most students eyes but the good outweigh the bad at Pepperdine. Pepperdine understands that we are adults and we understand that Pepperdine is a private institution. Just keep it (whatever it is) off the campus and detached from Pepperdine's name and you will be fine. Pepperdine is also not very handicap friendly as there are a lot of hills and stairs but they offer great programs to supplement that so a disability should not be a problem. Other than that Pepperdine is amazing. Being 5 minutes from the beach all the time is exactly as awesome as it sounds!
    Bang for the buck

    At Pepperdine you definitely get your money's worth. Everything at Pepperdine is pretty high quality. Even the name carries a sort of prestige that can be noticed in simple conversations. It is fairly expensive to go to Pepperdine and to live either on campus or off but it is worth it in the long run. The money you spend to attend Pepperdine will be returned to you in the form of a highly respectable degree and memories to last a lifetime. Pepperdine also does a really good job of finding financial aid for students who cannot afford to attend because it is such a pricey school. If you demonstrate a willingness to learn and excel while at Pepperdine, Pepperdine will accommodate you, however, I still wouldn't mind if Pepperdine were a little cheaper.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just keep an open mind going in to Pepperdine. Whatever predispositions you had towards Pepperdine before you crossed that gate and passed the theme tower should be dropped. I made assumptions about Pepperdine freshman year and had I not had an open mind I would have missed out on so much that Pepperdine had to offer. Aside from the simple classes, clubs, and organizations students sign up to be a part of, many students learn just from interacting with each other. That is where the true beauty lies at Pepperdine. Just do not be afraid to be yourself. You will be shocked at what you find. Try everything. Go everywhere. Talk to everyone.
    Great for these types of students

    Pepperdine is great for optimistic, enthusiastic, outgoing students that are serious about life but understand the importance of interpersonal communication. Pepperdine is big on vocation and calling in life no matter what your background is. Pepperdine is not just about making the best grade that you can, it's about learning the heart of issues and actually being involved mentally. If you believe that school is more than just a grade then Pepperdine is for you.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Sharon from Malibu, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Attend the classes, sit near the front, take legible notes, participate in class, and do the work. The amount you learn and the grade you receive depends on the effort you put in. General education classes tend to be easier so you may not need to try as hard. Speaking to the professors during office hours helps get you better grades and establish great relationships.
    Am enjoying being here

    Faculty and students are all incredibly friendly and helpful. It's a beautiful, safe campus and the beach is literally right across the street. The study abroad program (intended for sophomore year) is well-organized and a must-do for Pepperdine students.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a pricey school in an expensive location (Malibu, CA), but Pepperdine does offer good financial aid and may even come out to be cheaper than UC's. It's a small university without the cut-throat competition and allows you to establish close relationships with faculty (for future letters of recommendation). It also offers some great help with internships, jobs, and scholarships.
    Tips for prospective students

    Beware of the endless stairs and hills. I suggest preparing for Pepperdine with Stairmaster. Sunscreen is also recommended. Having a car is useful as it tends to be a little dead on weekends. If not, no problem. You will most likely be friends with someone who does. Participate in the study abroad program in Argentina (the best one), China, Germany, England, Italy or Switzerland. It will change your life and Pepperdine does a great job with providing you with the classes you need. It is a Christian school, so it is a dry campus sand dorms are not co-ed. Most students are pretty open-minded and easy to get along with.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who love the beach and can walk up stairs and hills with no problem. It's a school that stresses the importance of community service, so students who love to volunteer will find countless opportunities.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Acamy from North Las Vegas, NV

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors here know what they're talking about! If you have question on anything, don't hesitate to raise your hand! Sometimes the classes move fast, but there is plenty of help wherever you need it. It's easy to get behind, though. It is also very easy to get to know your professors. They actually WANT to get to know you! They'd rather know you a little better than just your name and face in class.
    Am enjoying being here

    At first, I was extremely reluctant to come to Pepperdine because of how expensive it was. I have no regrets in coming here. Pepperdine has been the best experience of my life. The people you meet here are the kinds of people I want to keep in my life. The spiritual vibe is amazing. I came to Pepperdine without having a solid religion of my own. By the third month I was there, the church took me in like one of their own. It was a life-changing experience. I love it. The professors are extremely supportive. If you need help. want advice, or just want to talk, they'll be more than happy to converse with you!
    Bang for the buck

    Pepperdine is expensive, but don't fret! Pepperdine gives excellent financial aid packages! If the financial aid isn't enough, you can talk to the financial aid adviser and they may be able to work something out. They are extremely supportive! The education you get here is worth it!
    Tips for prospective students

    Do not be reluctant to come just because of finances! If there's a will there's a way! I honestly didn't even come visit the school and get a tour before I decided on attending. Don't feel bad if you can't either. It's a beautiful campus! The pictures don't even give it justice! Once you get to Pepperdine, get involved! You'll meet so many new people! If you're into sororities/fraternities, go for it! I've heard both good things and bad things, but each person is different! Talk to the workers! They'll love you! Whenever you get a chance to go to the beach, GO! Also, prepare yourself for walking up thousands of stairs. The hills aren't as bad as the stairs. People say you get used to them, but I still haven't! I'm an incoming sophomore now. Get to know all of your professors so that they can write you recommendation letters if you need them.
    Great for these types of students

    Pepperdine is a diverse school, believe it or not. I honestly think that it's great for any kind of student. They have a very good Pre-Med program here. That's what I'm doing. It's great for students who are thinking about going abroad. The abroad programs here are great! I went to Fiji, and it was the best experience of my life.

  • 1 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Alexandria from Spokane Valley, WA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    Of course it's beautiful, as everyone says, but I kind of got a bad taste in my mouth when I visited for some reason. Yes, campus is gorgeous, and very close to the beach, but I'm not sure if I would mesh well with the student body. I had breakfast in Malibu and the people I encountered there might have swayed my view of the kind of people who would be at Pepperdine. The whole tour just left me unenthusiastic, but afterwards I talked with some students who weren't affiliated with the tour and they made me feel much more at ease. They seemed less artificial and more down to earth than lots of other people I'd met.
    Bang for the buck

    Very pricey, but a great school

  • 2 out of 15 people found this review useful.

    Aloha, OR

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    This is an awesome school. I am so excited to be attending this fall.

  • Jen from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    pepperdine's location is amazing, the weather is always beautiful, and the people are too. the school is small and intimate which can be good or bad. the quality of life here is great.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you like a fast-paced lifestyle, pepperdine is probably not your best option. not much goes on around here, but that does not mean the people are boring. we're all involved in countless activities and we're really community-oriented and friendly. just don't expect a party every night.
    Academic Rigor

    pepperdine can be as hard or as easy as you make it. if you want to get a lot out of your education and challenge yourself, pepperdine offers very rigorous courses that make your college experience worthwhile. on the flip side, if you're just trying to scrape by with a degree from a fairly prestigious school without putting in too much work, you can find those types of classes as well.
    Dorm Life

    dorms have restrictions regarding members of the opposite sex, alcohol, etc, but overall they are spacious and people enjoy the sense of community they provide.
    Food and Dining

    there is only one cafeteria, but it is pretty good. it always has grill items, but mixes it up with international food, all-american dishes, etc.
    What to do for fun

    la is not too far, but malibu itself really only offers the beach. there isn't too much excitement in our backyard, so you have to seek it out.
    Campus Safety

    very safe! i leave my laptop unattended in the library all the time. crime is virtually nonexistent here.

  • Lindsay from San Antonio, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Its extremely welcoming and warm for new comers. It's not a real college experience . Its a great school regardless of some of its downfalls.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be well rounded in all aspects of your life.
    Academic Rigor

    Some GEs are even tough. It really depends on the teacher you have.
    Dorm Life

    The freshman dorms are okay, but they are lacking and need to be revamped.
    Food and Dining

    The cafe food is not terrible, but there is def. room for improvement.
    What to do for fun

    surfing, beach volleyball, and sun bathing.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition is extremely high.

  • Brittany from Malibu, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Pepperdine is a great place to go for you to learn and prepare for whichever career you choose. The professors are the best; they are super accessible and a majority of professors are kind. Programs are in lace for students to actually meet with professors for lunch or dinner on campus and the school sponsors the meal and it is a great way to connect with your professor and talk about any academic challenges or class expectations. The majority of class sizes are small so there is less time for distractions during lecture. When you focus on your academics, you will find that Pepperdine truly has the resources to help you succeed.
    Am enjoying being here

    The view of Malibu is amazing! When you get tired of studying or you need to relax, there is plenty of ways to hike down the hill to the ocean with your friends. Originally a Texan, I love how the ocean is so vast and majestic looking in the evening. Pepperdine is just like a movie; and at dusk, you can see the sun set over the ocean from almost anywhere on campus. And as a Zoey 101 fan, it is also pretty awesome to know Seaver campus was the set of Pacific Coast Academy (PCA).
    Bang for the buck

    Yes, many people talk about the tuition. Pepperdine is a bit pricey but the quality of the education is priceless. The school does so much for the students to keep up your spirits. For instance, one of the coolest things that Pepperdine does is the way they bring puppies and dogs to campus for students to pet before finals. The dogs are a great way to cut out on stress and relax before finals.
    Tips for prospective students

    Focus, focus, FOCUS. Pepperdine is an academically focused campus. If your goal is to succeed academically and Pepperdine is your dream school, then be sure to focus now on your studies and you will reach your goals. My senior year of high school was spent having fun and applying for colleges; mostly because the years leading up to that were focused on academics. The best ways to get ready for Pepperdine is through exercise. Pepperdine is on a hill so the most likely method of travel is walking. And if you own a car, you should try and bring it to school. Malibu is a nice area, and the surrounding area has plenty of fun things to do so the best advice to give any students thinking about Pepperdine is to bring a car.
    Great for these types of students

    Students pursuing pre-med, psychology, business or any advertising degrees will be best prepped at Pepperdine. As a psych/pre-med student, I enjoy Pepperdine and all the preparation that comes with studying for medical school. The students at Pepperdine are mostly laid back because of the strong liberal arts concentration at Pepperdine.

  • Catherine from Malibu, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am in Great Books, which teaches you not only the literature itself but also much indeed about life, friends, overcoming your fears, standing up for what's right, and who you really are. GE's are great too -- I'm a freshman, so I haven't taken classes for my major yet, but so far I am very happy with the quality of my classes.
    Am enjoying being here

    Being Christian, I have found a HUGE, diverse community of like-minded individuals ready to welcome me. For anyone Christian, Pepperdine will most likely prove a home away from home. For anyone not Christian, I think Pepperdine will still prove to be such. The student body is overwhelmingly friendly, there are groups to serve any interest (and no barriers to starting groups), you're in a beautiful area of Southern California removed from Los Angeles, but at the same time it's not far, if that's your scene.
    Bang for the buck

    I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my scholarship. It's pricey, but Financial Aid IS generous -- so if you're applying, don't let the price tag stop you.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you value community as much as learning, Pepperdine is probably a great place for you. If you value learning and intellectualism above relationships with others, you might not find what you are looking for here. If you are looking to slide through college and not work hard, Pepperdine probably isn't right for you, either. But if you want to commit yourself to becoming a well-rounded person prepared, as we say in the Mission Statement, for a life of purpose, service, and leadership, you will love it here.
    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing, friendly, committed to their studies and to serving others

  • Kristin

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors are passionate about what they teach, and are available after classes for extra help if necessary. The courses are demanding, but not overly difficult.
    Am enjoying being here

    Pepperdine's campus is absolutely beautiful, and everybody is pretty friendly. There is definitely a sense of community, and is the perfect school for someone who doesn't want a tiny school, but still wants that sense of community. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in clubs, groups, and other extra curriculars as well.
    Bang for the buck

    Since Pepperdine is in Malibu, it can be kind of pricey. That being said, it is definitely worth the amount to come here. It seems like a majority of the campus has been renovated over the past few years, so the campus does not have that old, outdated feel to it at all.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared to work in classes, even with the beach so close to you. Also, Pepperdine requires students to attend weekly Convocation events, but there is a large variety of events to choose from so it is not too difficult to reach the required amount of Convos every semester. Pepperdine also has amazing study abroad opportunities that allow you to study for a semester, the year, or during the summer in England, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Argentina, China, and even a program in Washington, D.C.
    Great for these types of students

    There are students from pretty much every stereotype at Pepperdine: bookworms/nerds, jocks, surfers, religious people, the typical Malibu Barbie, etc.

  • Austin from Seattle, WA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    I visited the campus last summer and words don't even do it justice... I agree with others in that Pepperdine has one of the most beautiful college campuses around.
    Bang for the buck

    Pepperdine offered me great financial aid, and cut my costs to roughly the same as all of the other schools I applied too.