Pepperdine vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

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

Pepperdine University is larger than Lehigh based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 7,692 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Pepperdine vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Lehigh? 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 Lehigh University than Pepperdine ($34,154 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lehigh University are 20.8% lower than at Pepperdine University ($17,220 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 7.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lehigh (about $4,938 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Pepperdine than at Lehigh University (about $4,938 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at Lehigh University (91% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 73.5% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($46,731 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 70 points higher than at Pepperdine (1370).
• Incoming Lehigh students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Pepperdine).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lehigh students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Pepperdine vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Lehigh? 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).

• Lehigh University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Pepperdine University's (81%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $17,500 more per year than Pepperdine graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $71,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $1,744 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($24,256 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.