Pepperdine vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Pepperdine based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 8,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

Pepperdine vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State University than Pepperdine ($14,704 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pepperdine University are 5.6% lower than at San Diego State University ($21,750 vs. $23,030).
• Pepperdine University is 701.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $61,190 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 227.8% higher at Pepperdine than at San Diego State University (about $48,590 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at San Diego State University (91% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pepperdine University students is 123.4% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($26,927 vs. $12,053).

Pepperdine vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State and Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 170 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

Pepperdine vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and San Diego State? 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 San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than San Diego State graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $10,651 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($15,349 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $110 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($158 vs. $268).
• More Pepperdine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 65%)

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.