Pepperdine vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Simmons University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pepperdine University is larger than Simmons University based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Pepperdine vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Simmons 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 Simmons University than Pepperdine ($28,691 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 19% lower than at Pepperdine University ($17,618 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 49.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $23,044 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.2% higher at Pepperdine than at Simmons University (about $23,044 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Pepperdine University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 30.4% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($35,123 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 60 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Simmons University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Pepperdine vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University and Pepperdine graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Simmons University and Pepperdine graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.