Pepperdine University vs Loyola Marymount University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Pepperdine University and Loyola Marymount University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Pepperdine University vs Loyola Marymount University at a glance
Pepperdine University admits 62.9% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University 45.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $48,065 at Pepperdine University and $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University. Six-year graduation rates are 78.4% and 78.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Pepperdine University admits 62.9% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University 45.1%, so Loyola Marymount University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $48,065 a year at Pepperdine University and $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University; Pepperdine University costs $2,453 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $38,093 at Pepperdine University and $36,415 at Loyola Marymount University.
- 78.4% of students graduate within six years at Pepperdine University, against 78.8% at Loyola Marymount University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $89,410 for Pepperdine University and $86,034 for Loyola Marymount University; Pepperdine University is $3,376 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Pepperdine University and $19,500 at Loyola Marymount University.
- Pepperdine University enrolls 3,553 students (large suburb) and Loyola Marymount University 7,094 (large city).
Side by side
Pepperdine University and Loyola Marymount University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Pepperdine University | Loyola Marymount University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 62.9% | 45.1% |
| Applicants | 11,855 | 19,045 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1290–1450 | 1260–1430 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $48,065 | $50,518 |
| Tuition, in state | $72,672 | $65,857 |
| Tuition, out of state | $72,672 | $65,857 |
| Cost of attendance | $95,168 | $88,656 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $38,093 | $36,415 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $35,990 | $34,172 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $38,110 | $33,201 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $42,539 | $45,169 |
| Over $110,000 | $63,600 | $63,737 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 78.4% | 78.8% |
| First-year retention | 87.6% | 88.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $89,410 | $86,034 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 3,553 | 7,094 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Malibu, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Pepperdine University reports 42 bachelor's programs and Loyola Marymount University 47; 26 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Pepperdine University vs Loyola Marymount University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Pepperdine University or Loyola Marymount University?
Loyola Marymount University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Pepperdine University admits 62.9% of applicants and Loyola Marymount University admits 45.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Pepperdine University 1290–1450; Loyola Marymount University 1260–1430.
Which is cheaper, Pepperdine University or Loyola Marymount University?
Pepperdine University has the lower average net price after grants: $48,065 a year at Pepperdine University against $50,518 at Loyola Marymount University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $38,093 and $36,415. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Pepperdine University or Loyola Marymount University graduates earn more?
Pepperdine University graduates earn more at the median: $89,410 ten years after entry for Pepperdine University and $86,034 for Loyola Marymount University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Pepperdine University or Loyola Marymount University?
Loyola Marymount University does: 78.4% of Pepperdine University students graduate within six years, against 78.8% at Loyola Marymount University.
How big are Pepperdine University and Loyola Marymount University?
Pepperdine University has 3,553 students in Malibu, CA and Loyola Marymount University has 7,094 students in Los Angeles, CA.