Pepperdine vs. SMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Methodist University is larger than Pepperdine based on total student enrollment (12,116 students vs. 8,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Southern Methodist University is in Dallas, TX (Large Suburban setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Southern Methodist University 11:1.

Pepperdine vs. SMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University than Pepperdine ($48,179 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Methodist University are 12.3% lower than at Pepperdine University ($19,064 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SMU (about $2,878 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Pepperdine than at Southern Methodist University (about $2,878 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $67,040.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pepperdine University than at Southern Methodist University (91% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Methodist University students is 39.3% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($37,520 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. SMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Methodist University (1420) is 50 points higher than at Pepperdine (1370).
• Incoming SMU 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; Southern Methodist University 1340/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Southern Methodist University 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; SMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; SMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at SMU (3.68).
• SMU has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 17.8% at SMU.

Pepperdine vs. SMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and SMU? 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 Southern Methodist University's (75%).
• Graduates from Southern Methodist University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Pepperdine graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,000 vs. $71,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Methodist University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SMU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More SMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.