Pepperdine vs. Saint Louis University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Louis University is larger than Pepperdine based on total student enrollment (17,059 students vs. 8,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Saint Louis University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Louis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Saint Louis University 9:1.

Pepperdine vs. Saint Louis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University than Pepperdine ($27,749 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Louis University are 29.7% lower than at Pepperdine University ($15,280 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 25.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Louis University (about $14,158 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.4% higher at Pepperdine than at Saint Louis University (about $14,158 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Louis University than at Pepperdine University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Louis University students is 65.8% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($44,657 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Saint Louis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 60 points higher than at Saint Louis University (1310).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Saint Louis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Saint Louis University 1200/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Saint Louis University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Saint Louis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Louis University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Saint Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 13.9% at Saint Louis University.

Pepperdine vs. Saint Louis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University's (61%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than Saint Louis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $61,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Louis University and Pepperdine graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Saint Louis University and Pepperdine graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Pepperdine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Louis University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 74%)

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.