Pepperdine vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Pepperdine vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Calvin University? 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 Calvin University than Pepperdine ($25,231 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 44.3% lower than at Pepperdine University ($12,120 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 77.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $30,568 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.7% higher at Pepperdine than at Calvin University (about $30,568 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Pepperdine University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 8.2% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($29,123 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 160 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Pepperdine vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Calvin University? 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 Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $24,700 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pepperdine University graduates have a $449 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Pepperdine graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.