Pepperdine vs. Creighton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Creighton University in Omaha, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Creighton University based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 8,581 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Creighton University is in Omaha, NE (Large City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Creighton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Creighton University 11:1.

Pepperdine vs. Creighton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Creighton 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 Creighton University than Pepperdine ($32,636 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Creighton University are 37.2% lower than at Pepperdine University ($13,652 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Creighton University (about $21,062 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $48,856.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Pepperdine than at Creighton University (about $21,062 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $48,856.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Creighton University than at Pepperdine University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Creighton University students is 14.8% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($30,913 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Creighton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 30 points higher than at Creighton University (1340).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Creighton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Creighton University 1243/1428.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Creighton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Creighton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Creighton University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Creighton University has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 17.9% at Creighton University.

Pepperdine vs. Creighton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Creighton 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 Creighton University's (77%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Creighton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $66,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Creighton University graduates have a $668 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($25,332 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Creighton University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($261 vs. $268).
• More Creighton University 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.