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Pepperdine University vs Scripps College

Pepperdine University is a private university in Malibu, CA. Scripps College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Scripps College admits about 38% of applicants and Pepperdine University about 63%, making Scripps College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $36,294 a year at Scripps College after aid, and about $58,098 at Pepperdine University. About 85% of students graduate at Scripps College, compared with 84% at Pepperdine University. Ten years after enrolling, Pepperdine University alumni earn a median of about $82,939, against $77,539 for Scripps College.

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private

Scripps College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Malibu, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,553
1,113
Acceptance rate
63%
38%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1290–1450
1440–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$58,098
$36,294
Full cost / yr
$93,512
$87,564
In-state tuition
$69,918
$65,950
Out-of-state tuition
$69,918
$65,950
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$50,560
$6,948
$30k - $48k
$42,674
$4,522
$48k - $75k
$51,063
$15,831
$75k - $110k
$61,851
$36,472
Over $110k
$65,081
$54,572
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
85%
Freshman retention
88%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,934
$68,027
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,939
$77,539
Median debt at graduation
$23,510
$13,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
11%
First-generation students
18%
Not reported
International students
8%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 8

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 Scripps College harder to get into?
Scripps College is harder to get into. It admits about 38% 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 Scripps College?
Scripps College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,294 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 Scripps College?
Before aid, Scripps College costs about $87,564 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 Scripps College?
Scripps College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,948 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 Scripps College?
Pepperdine University is the larger of the two, with about 3,553 undergraduates against 1,113 at Scripps College.
Does Pepperdine University or Scripps College have a better graduation rate?
Scripps College has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 84% at Pepperdine University.
Do graduates of Pepperdine University or Scripps College earn more?
Pepperdine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,939 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,539 for Scripps College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pepperdine University and Scripps College require SAT or ACT scores?
Pepperdine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Scripps College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pepperdine University and Scripps College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1290–1450 at Pepperdine University and 1440–1540 at Scripps College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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