Pepperdine vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

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

Pepperdine University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Pepperdine vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Fairfield 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 Fairfield University than Pepperdine ($49,958 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 8.8% lower than at Pepperdine University ($19,838 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 19.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $11,568 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at Pepperdine than at Fairfield University (about $11,568 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Pepperdine University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pepperdine University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($26,927 vs. $26,274).

Pepperdine vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 40 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Fairfield University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

Pepperdine vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Fairfield 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Pepperdine University's (81%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Pepperdine graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $71,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pepperdine University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pepperdine graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.