University of California-Santa Cruz vs Pepperdine University
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, CA, and Pepperdine University is a private university in Malibu, CA. Pepperdine University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 66% at University of California-Santa Cruz. University of California-Santa Cruz is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,890 a year against $58,098 at Pepperdine University. About 84% of students graduate at Pepperdine University, compared with 75% at University of California-Santa Cruz. Ten years after enrolling, Pepperdine University alumni earn a median of about $82,939, against $68,396 for University of California-Santa Cruz.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Malibu, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,940
3,553
Acceptance rate
66%
63%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1290–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
29–32
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,890
$58,098
Full cost / yr
$41,179
$93,512
In-state tuition
$16,005
$69,918
Out-of-state tuition
$50,205
$69,918
Application fee
$80
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,717
$50,560
$30k - $48k
$10,613
$42,674
$48k - $75k
$14,418
$51,063
$75k - $110k
$18,986
$61,851
Over $110k
$33,323
$65,081
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
84%
Freshman retention
88%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,716
$64,934
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,396
$82,939
Median debt at graduation
$16,666
$23,510
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
20%
First-generation students
37%
18%
International students
3%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Nov 30
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.
- Is University of California-Santa Cruz or Pepperdine University harder to get into?
- Pepperdine University is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 66% at University of California-Santa Cruz. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of California-Santa Cruz or Pepperdine University?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,890 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 University of California-Santa Cruz and Pepperdine University?
- Before aid, University of California-Santa Cruz costs about $41,179 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, University of California-Santa Cruz or Pepperdine University?
- University of California-Santa Cruz. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,717 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, University of California-Santa Cruz or Pepperdine University?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is the larger of the two, with about 17,940 undergraduates against 3,553 at Pepperdine University.
- Does University of California-Santa Cruz or Pepperdine University have a better graduation rate?
- Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 75% at University of California-Santa Cruz.
- Do graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz or Pepperdine University earn more?
- Pepperdine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,939 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,396 for University of California-Santa Cruz. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Santa Cruz and Pepperdine University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Santa Cruz 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 University of California-Santa Cruz and Pepperdine University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at University of California-Santa Cruz and 1290–1450 at Pepperdine University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of California-Santa Cruz vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Santa Cruz vs University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of California-Santa Cruz vs University of California-BerkeleyPepperdine University vs Pomona CollegePepperdine University vs Claremont McKenna CollegePepperdine University vs Pitzer College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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