Pepperdine vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

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

Pepperdine University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pepperdine University 12:1; Whittier College 8:1.

Pepperdine vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine or Whittier 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 Whittier College than Pepperdine ($28,101 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whittier College are 21.5% lower than at Pepperdine University ($17,082 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 36.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Whittier College (about $18,568 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.2% higher at Pepperdine than at Whittier College (about $18,568 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whittier College than at Pepperdine University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 34.3% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($36,176 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pepperdine University (1370) is 130 points higher than at Whittier College (1240).
• Incoming Pepperdine students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Whittier College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32; Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Whittier College (3.61).
• Whittier College has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Pepperdine (62.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

Pepperdine vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine and Whittier 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).

• Pepperdine University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from Pepperdine University earn a median of about $24,300 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,700 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whittier College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Whittier College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($263 vs. $268).
• More Pepperdine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 69%)

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.