Pepperdine vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with American University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Pepperdine based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 8,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); American University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; American University 10:1.

Pepperdine vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or AU? 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 American University than Pepperdine ($39,676 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 17.3% lower than at Pepperdine University ($17,982 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 19% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $11,147 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19% higher at Pepperdine than at American University (about $11,147 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at American University (91% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 35% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($36,349 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine or AU? 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 AU and Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is the same as at AU (1370).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at AU (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; American University 1280/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at AU (3.7).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 15.6% at AU.

Pepperdine vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and AU? 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 American University's (77%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.