Biola University vs. Pepperdine

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Pepperdine University is in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Pepperdine University 12:1.

Biola University vs. Pepperdine Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Pepperdine? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Biola University than Pepperdine ($34,082 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 39.6% lower than at Pepperdine University ($13,130 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 42.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $20,934 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.7% higher at Pepperdine than at Biola University (about $20,934 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at Pepperdine University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 7% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($28,817 vs. $26,927).

Biola University vs. Pepperdine Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or Pepperdine? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Pepperdine and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 100 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Pepperdine University 1290/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Pepperdine University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Pepperdine - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 11.6% at Pepperdine.

Biola University vs. Pepperdine Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Pepperdine? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Pepperdine University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $22,800 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($253 vs. $268).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.