Pepperdine vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Pepperdine based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 8,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Pepperdine vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or San Jose 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 Jose State University than Pepperdine ($13,892 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at San Jose State University are 3.6% lower than at Pepperdine University ($20,971 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 731.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $61,508 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 232.8% higher at Pepperdine than at San Jose State University (about $48,908 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at San Jose State University (91% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pepperdine University students is 118% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($26,927 vs. $12,353).

Pepperdine vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 240 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Pepperdine vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and San Jose 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 Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($15,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($155 vs. $268).
• More Pepperdine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 73%)

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.