Pepperdine vs. Bentley

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Bentley University in Waltham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Bentley based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 5,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Bentley University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bentley University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Bentley University 12:1.

Pepperdine vs. Bentley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Bentley? 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 Bentley University than Pepperdine ($45,802 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bentley University are 7.4% lower than at Pepperdine University ($20,140 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 14.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $8,918 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.6% higher at Pepperdine than at Bentley University (about $8,918 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at Bentley University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bentley University students is 25.1% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($33,673 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Bentley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 10 points higher than at Bentley (1360).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Bentley University 1280/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Bentley University 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Bentley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Bentley Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than Bentley (45.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 21.3% at Bentley.

Pepperdine vs. Bentley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Bentley? 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).

• Bentley University's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Pepperdine University's (81%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Pepperdine graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $71,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pepperdine University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Bentley graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Pepperdine graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bentley graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.