Pepperdine vs. Wheaton College

Comparable Facts

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

Pepperdine University is larger than Wheaton College based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 2,874 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Pepperdine vs. Wheaton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Wheaton 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 Wheaton College than Pepperdine ($31,356 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheaton College are 40.2% lower than at Pepperdine University ($13,010 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 53.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheaton College (about $24,372 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at Pepperdine than at Wheaton College (about $24,372 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheaton College than at Pepperdine University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheaton College students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($27,987 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Wheaton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is the same as at Wheaton College (1370).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Wheaton College (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Wheaton College 1260/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Wheaton College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Wheaton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wheaton College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Pepperdine (3.74).
• Wheaton College has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 29.9% at Wheaton College.

Pepperdine vs. Wheaton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Wheaton 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).

• Wheaton College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Pepperdine University's (81%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than Wheaton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.