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Pepperdine University vs Pitzer College

Pepperdine University is a private university in Malibu, CA. Pitzer College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Pitzer College admits about 25% of applicants and Pepperdine University about 63%, making Pitzer College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $34,191 a year at Pitzer College after aid, and about $58,098 at Pepperdine University. About 84% of students graduate at Pepperdine University, compared with 83% at Pitzer College. Ten years after enrolling, Pepperdine University alumni earn a median of about $82,939, against $69,512 for Pitzer College.

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Malibu, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,553
1,227
Acceptance rate
63%
25%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1290–1450
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$58,098
$34,191
Full cost / yr
$93,512
$86,466
In-state tuition
$69,918
$65,192
Out-of-state tuition
$69,918
$65,192
Application fee
$65
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$50,560
$14,535
$30k - $48k
$42,674
$7,769
$48k - $75k
$51,063
$20,846
$75k - $110k
$61,851
$29,452
Over $110k
$65,081
$46,793
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
83%
Freshman retention
88%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,934
$51,784
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,939
$69,512
Median debt at graduation
$23,510
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
11%
First-generation students
18%
23%
International students
8%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 10

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 Pepperdine University or Pitzer College harder to get into?
Pitzer College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% of applicants, compared with 63% at Pepperdine University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Pepperdine University or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,191 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 Pepperdine University and Pitzer College?
Before aid, Pitzer College costs about $86,466 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, Pepperdine University or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,535 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, Pepperdine University or Pitzer College?
Pepperdine University is the larger of the two, with about 3,553 undergraduates against 1,227 at Pitzer College.
Does Pepperdine University or Pitzer College have a better graduation rate?
Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 83% at Pitzer College.
Do graduates of Pepperdine University or Pitzer College earn more?
Pepperdine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,939 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,512 for Pitzer College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pepperdine University and Pitzer College require SAT or ACT scores?
Pepperdine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pitzer College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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