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Pepperdine University vs University of San Francisco

Pepperdine University is a private university in Malibu, CA, and University of San Francisco is a private university in San Francisco, CA. University of San Francisco is the more selective of the two, admitting about 62% of applicants against 63% at Pepperdine University. University of San Francisco is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $41,431 a year against $58,098 at Pepperdine University. About 84% of students graduate at Pepperdine University, compared with 71% at University of San Francisco. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Francisco alumni earn a median of about $89,812, against $82,939 for Pepperdine University.

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Malibu, CA
San Francisco, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,553
5,287
Acceptance rate
63%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1290–1450
1190–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$58,098
$41,431
Full cost / yr
$93,512
$80,141
In-state tuition
$69,918
$60,492
Out-of-state tuition
$69,918
$60,492
Application fee
$65
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$50,560
$31,537
$30k - $48k
$42,674
$33,207
$48k - $75k
$51,063
$34,315
$75k - $110k
$61,851
$38,933
Over $110k
$65,081
$52,497
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
71%
Freshman retention
88%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,934
$69,951
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,939
$89,812
Median debt at graduation
$23,510
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
28%
First-generation students
18%
28%
International students
8%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco harder to get into?
University of San Francisco is harder to get into. It admits about 62% 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 University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco is cheaper on average. Students pay about $41,431 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 University of San Francisco?
Before aid, University of San Francisco costs about $80,141 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 University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $31,537 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 University of San Francisco?
University of San Francisco is the larger of the two, with about 5,287 undergraduates against 3,553 at Pepperdine University.
Does Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco have a better graduation rate?
Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 71% at University of San Francisco.
Do graduates of Pepperdine University or University of San Francisco earn more?
University of San Francisco alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,812 ten years after enrolling, against about $82,939 for Pepperdine University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pepperdine University and University of San Francisco require SAT or ACT scores?
Pepperdine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of San Francisco is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pepperdine University and University of San Francisco look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1290–1450 at Pepperdine University and 1190–1390 at University of San Francisco. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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