Benefits of Applying Early Decision
- Guaranteed $25,000 annual merit scholarship
- Preferential consideration for admission
- Waived application fee
- Early access to campus (athletics games, gyms, housing, and more!)
- Entry into drawing for a free first-year parking pass
- Reduced stress so you can enjoy your senior year
How to Apply
To apply to Pepperdine, first-year students must submit a Common Application, high
school transcripts, and an academic recommendation letter. Test scores are optional,
but required for the Regents Scholars Program. Learn more about the application requirements
here.
When to Apply
| Applicant Decision Plan |
Application Deadline |
FAFSA Deadline |
Decisions Sent |
Enrollment Deadline |
Early
Decision I |
November 1 |
November 1 |
December 21 |
February 1 |
Early
Decision II |
January 15 |
January 15 |
February 1 |
March 1 |
FAQs
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding commitment to attend Pepperdine if admitted, so it's recommended
for highly interested students.
How do I pick a decision plan?
First, decide when you will be ready to apply. If your application and materials will
be ready by November 1, then we recommend applying for Early Decision I or Early Action.
If you need more time, then you can apply by January 15 for Early Decision II or Regular
Decision.
Second, consider whether Pepperdine is your top choice because Early Decision requires
you to enroll at Pepperdine if admitted. For highly interested students, Early Decision
offers many benefits! However, don’t forget that you can only apply Early Decision
to one school.
For additional help, check out the recording of our “Is ED For You” webinar or contact your Admission Counselor.
Who is eligible for Early Decision?
Early Decision I: All first-year applicants, except Nursing majors
Early Decision II: All first-year applicants, except Nursing and Fine Arts Division
majors
Please note that transfer students are ineligible to apply for Early Decision, and
Early Decision is only available for fall terms.
What is the admission timeline?
How do I apply for Early Decision?
On the Pepperdine University section of your Common Application, select “Early Decision I” or “Early Decision II” after entering your major. You
can find complete application instructions here.
How do I submit the Early Decision Agreement Form?
You must complete the Early Decision Agreement Form, including getting signatures from a parent/guardian and your school counselor. This
form can be submitted electronically through the Common Application, Scoir, or emailed
from your counselor to admission@pepperdine.edu. You can also mail a hard copy to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4392
If you do not submit this form in a timely manner, then your application will be changed
from Early Decision to another decision plan. This will result in losing the Early
Decision perks, including the $25,000 scholarship.
Can I change my application to Early Decision after submitting it for another plan?
Yes, you can change your application to Early Decision I or II for up to 1-2 weeks
after the application deadline. Please contact admission@pepperdine.edu, and we will update your application accordingly.