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Concordia University-Irvine vs Pepperdine University

Concordia University-Irvine is a private university in Irvine, CA. Pepperdine University is a private university in Malibu, CA. Pepperdine University admits about 63% of applicants and Concordia University-Irvine about 66%, making Pepperdine University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,115 a year at Concordia University-Irvine after aid, and about $58,098 at Pepperdine University. About 84% of students graduate at Pepperdine University, compared with 60% at Concordia University-Irvine. Ten years after enrolling, Pepperdine University alumni earn a median of about $82,939, against $65,083 for Concordia University-Irvine.

Concordia University-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Private

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Irvine, CA
Malibu, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,536
3,553
Acceptance rate
66%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1260
1290–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
29–32
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,115
$58,098
Full cost / yr
$58,682
$93,512
In-state tuition
$43,480
$69,918
Out-of-state tuition
$43,480
$69,918
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,431
$50,560
$30k - $48k
$26,012
$42,674
$48k - $75k
$22,202
$51,063
$75k - $110k
$26,339
$61,851
Over $110k
$31,967
$65,081
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
84%
Freshman retention
75%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,777
$64,934
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,083
$82,939
Median debt at graduation
$24,247
$23,510
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
20%
First-generation students
28%
18%
International students
3%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Concordia University-Irvine or Pepperdine University harder to get into?
Pepperdine University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 66% at Concordia University-Irvine. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Irvine or Pepperdine University?
Concordia University-Irvine is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,115 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $58,098 at Pepperdine University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Concordia University-Irvine and Pepperdine University?
Before aid, Concordia University-Irvine costs about $58,682 a year and Pepperdine University about $93,512. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Concordia University-Irvine or Pepperdine University?
Concordia University-Irvine. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $25,431 there, against about $50,560 at Pepperdine University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Concordia University-Irvine or Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University is the larger of the two, with about 3,553 undergraduates against 1,536 at Concordia University-Irvine.
Does Concordia University-Irvine or Pepperdine University have a better graduation rate?
Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 60% at Concordia University-Irvine.
Do graduates of Concordia University-Irvine or Pepperdine University earn more?
Pepperdine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,939 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,083 for Concordia University-Irvine. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Concordia University-Irvine and Pepperdine University require SAT or ACT scores?
Concordia University-Irvine is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Pepperdine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Concordia University-Irvine and Pepperdine University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1260 at Concordia University-Irvine and 1290–1450 at Pepperdine University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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