Invest in Your Future

A Pepperdine education is an investment in your future, and we're committed to making it accessible. Through generous merit scholarships, need-based financial assistance, and personalized guidance, we'll help your family explore every opportunity to make a Pepperdine education possible.

Tuition Rates

Direct education costs include tuition, food and housing, a wellness fee and a campus life fee. For the 2026-2027 academic year, typical direct costs are as follows:

Tuition Rates Cost Per Year
Flat-rate tuition $74,370
Housing & Food $20,490
Wellness Fee $580
Campus Life Fee $252
Total $95,692

For more information visit the complete cost of attendance page.

Affordability

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Affordability at Pepperdine is more than a consideration; it’s a priority. Through a combination of merit scholarships, need-based aid, and personalized financial guidance, we work to ensure that cost is not a barrier to joining our community. Many students receive substantial support through scholarships and grants, and our team is here to help you understand your options and make a Pepperdine education possible for your family.

 

 

The Pepperdine Promise

The Pepperdine Pact

A Pepperdine education is about more than earning a degree; it's about preparing for a life of purpose and impact. Through transformative learning experiences, personalized mentorship, global opportunities, undergraduate research, career development, and a vibrant Christian community, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive long after graduation. Explore the opportunities that make the Pepperdine experience unlike any other.

$38,000

Average Total Aid Package
$38,600 First Year
$24,000 Transfer

37%

of Seaver students utilized loans during the 2025/26 aid year.

98%

of new Seaver students will receive institutional merit scholarships and/or Pepperdine need-based aid.

Net Price Tools

The total cost of attendance listed is not necessarily what you will actually pay. By answering a few simple questions, the Net Price Calculator will present you with an estimate of your full-time 2026–2027 cost of attendance and financial aid eligibility at Pepperdine.

 

Pepperdine Tower
Financial Aid Checklist
  • Complete the Common Application
  • Submit your FAFSA
  • Submit Additional Materials
  • GPA verification form (CA Residents only)

 

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Understanding your financial aid options is an important part of the college journey. From merit scholarships to need-based assistance, we're here to help you explore the resources available and make an informed investment in your future.

 

 


I am in high school and applying to college for the first time.

 


I have graduated from high school and have completed college units.

 


I am not a US citizen or permanent resident.

 

 

Types of Scholarships and Aid

There are numerous scholarship opportunities available to Pepperdine students ranging from grant funds awarded based on the eligibility of your FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) to university and private funds based on specific criteria. Outside scholarships (from companies, non-profit organizations, high schools, and other entities) have their own application processes and eligibility requirements.

 

 

Helpful Links

 

 

Learn More About Financial Aid

Learn more about financial aid through our video series covering the questions we hear most often from students and families.

 

FAQs

  General Questions

What is the percentage of students receiving some type of financial assistance at Pepperdine University?

About 85-90%.

Does the financial assistance package increase each year as tuition and room and board increase?

Pepperdine institutional grant assistance does not increase to meet the higher costs of tuition, food and housing. Loan eligibility will increase as the budget increases, as long as the student qualifies. However, if the FAFSA is completed by the priority deadline and the student receives institutional need-based aid as an incoming student, they may also qualify for an additional institutional need-based grant in subsequent years.

What happens if I decide to live off-campus?

All first-year and new transfer students are required to live on campus. Students who decide to live off-campus must first obtain permission from the Housing and Residence Life Office. Your financial assistance award will be the same whether you live on or off campus. Students living at home will have a lower cost of attendance.

I'm thinking about dropping below 12 units. How will this affect my financial assistance package?

Financial assistance will be prorated to reflect the student's adjusted tuition charges. If the student drops below half-time (6 units), they may become ineligible for Federal/State grants and Federal Direct loans at which point the student's loans will enter the grace and/or repayment period.  Students can use the Proration Calculator to estimate costs for the semester.

What offices within Pepperdine must be notified when a student completely withdraws from the University?

Registrar, Housing and Residential Life, Office of Student Accounts, Office of Financial Assistance, and One Stop.

If the student's parents are divorced/separated, which parent must complete the FAFSA form and provide tax information?

The parent who provided the greater portion of the students financial support during the 12 months immediately prior to filing the FAFSA. If you need further clarification on custodial parent information, please click here.

What happens after I file the FAFSA? How does Pepperdine receive my information?

Approximately 2 to 4 weeks after you submit your FAFSA, you should receive a FAFSA Submission Summary by email or in the mail.  This report will reflect all the information you completed on the FAFSA and will enable Pepperdine to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.  Pepperdine will receive your FAFSA data electronically if you listed our school name and school code 001264 in the "College Code Section" of your FAFSA and if you correctly listed your name, Social Security Number, and date of birth as they appear on your Social Security card.

What if my  FAFSA Submission Summary doesn't have Pepperdine University listed as one of the schools to receive my information?

Add our Pepperdine University school code (001264) to your list of schools via FAFSA on the web before the following FAFSA Priority Deadlines:

  • October 15 - Spring Admission
  • November 1 - Early Action Fall Admission
  • February 15 - Regular Decision Fall Admission
  • March 15 - Continuing Students

What if the federal processor sends me an unprocessed or incomplete FAFSA Submission Summary?

This usually occurs if the processor was unable to read some of the information you submitted on the FAFSA, or if it was not electronically signed. You should go through the form and correct or complete all of the items you are requested to verify and submit the changes via FAFSA on the web. 

  Federal Work Study

How do I go about finding a Federal Work Study job?

Please go to the Student Employment Office located in Room 210 of the Tyler Campus Center (TCC) to review a list of available job openings. Job openings are also listed on their website.

Are there any jobs on campus that do not require Federal Work Study?

There are some jobs available which do not require a work study offer. Interested students should begin looking the first week of school, if not earlier, as these jobs fill up quickly. Please visit the Student Employment Office in person or online for more information.

Is Federal Work Study taxed?

Yes, it should be reported as income on a federal tax return.

Does the Office of Student Accounts include Federal Work Study when calculating the amount the student will owe?

No.

How does Federal Work Study funds get paid to the student account?

These funds are not directly deposited into your student account. You must obtain an approved Federal Work Study job. Then you will receive a paycheck every two weeks based on the hours worked.

  Loans

What are the loan limits for the Federal Direct Loans?

Dependent Students

Independent/Federal Direct PLUS Denial

First-Year $5,500 First-Year $ 9,500
Sophomore $6,500 Sophomore $10,500
Junior $7,500 Junior $12,500
Senior $7,500 Senior $12,500

 

What is the best method of accepting Federal Direct and Federal Direct PLUS loans?

Accept online through Wavenet.

What happens if a parent is credit denied for the Federal Direct PLUS Loan?

  • The parent may obtain a credit-worthy endorser to continue the Federal Direct PLUS Loan process.
  • If the parent opts not to obtain an endorser, the student may be eligible to borrow up to $4,000 for first-year/sophomores and $5,000 for juniors/seniors, depending on their financial assistance package and financial need.

Do all Pepperdine institutional loans require a co-signer?

Yes.

Are there private loans available to students to help bridge the gap between their financial assistance package and the total cost of attendance?

Yes, there are. Private loan information.

  Cal Grants

When does a student find out if they are eligible to receive the Cal Grant?

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will email notifications to the students. We will estimate a Cal Grant as part of the student’s financial assistance package if we determine eligibility. This award is not official until confirmation has been received by CSAC and we verify the student's financial information.

Are students required to complete the GPA Verification Form every year?

Students are only required to complete the GPA Verification Form initially when applying for a Cal Grant. Once they have received a Cal Grant, it will automatically be renewed each year, provided they complete the FAFSA, meet eligibility requirements, and maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA.

  Outside Scholarships

How does a student go about applying for outside scholarships?

We have a scholarship information page on our website that lists scholarship opportunities by application deadline. 

What should a student send us if they find out they are going to receive an outside scholarship?

The student should send us a copy of the letter received from the organization. Outside scholarships will be coordinated with requirements of need-based aid and cost of attendance. NCAA Athletes must also submit an NCAA Awarding Form with all Outside Scholarships.

  Departmental Scholarships

How does a student go about applying for departmental scholarships?

They should speak with the Divisional Dean of their major about scholarships.

How does a departmental scholarship affect a student's financial assistance package?

Scholarship and grant funds provided by the University will be processed based on the department's guidelines and any applicable federal and state regulations up to the cost of attendance. The scholarship will be applied to the student's federal unmet need and any remaining scholarship money will go to reduce their loans and/or work study.