Pepperdine vs. ONU

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than ONU based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 3,140 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Ohio Northern University is in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Northern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Ohio Northern University 13:1.

Pepperdine vs. ONU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University than Pepperdine ($25,941 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Northern University are 32.9% lower than at Pepperdine University ($14,604 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 75.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ONU (about $30,118 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.7% higher at Pepperdine than at Ohio Northern University (about $30,118 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Northern University than at Pepperdine University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Northern University students is 2.9% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($27,696 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. ONU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 80 points higher than at ONU (1290).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at ONU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Ohio Northern University 1175/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Ohio Northern University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; ONU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; ONU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ONU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• ONU has a higher acceptance rate (74.4%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 19.9% at ONU.

Pepperdine vs. ONU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University's (65%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $500 more per year than ONU graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $71,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pepperdine University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than ONU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Pepperdine graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ONU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More ONU 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.