Pepperdine vs. Scripps College

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Scripps College in Claremont, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Scripps College based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 1,137 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Scripps College is in Claremont, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Scripps College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Scripps College 10:1.

Pepperdine vs. Scripps College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Scripps College? 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 Scripps College than Pepperdine ($44,396 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pepperdine University are 1.7% lower than at Scripps College ($21,750 vs. $22,136).
• Pepperdine University is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Scripps College (about $3,968 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $65,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at Pepperdine than at Scripps College (about $3,968 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $65,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at Scripps College (91% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Scripps College students is 60.3% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($43,168 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Scripps College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Scripps College (1490) is 120 points higher than at Pepperdine (1370).
• Incoming Scripps College 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; Scripps College 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Scripps College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Scripps College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Scripps College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Scripps College students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than Scripps College (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 25.6% at Scripps College.

Pepperdine vs. Scripps College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Scripps College? 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).

• Scripps College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Pepperdine University's (81%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Scripps College graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $59,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Scripps College graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($14,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Scripps College graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($144 vs. $268).
• More Scripps College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.