University of San Diego vs Pepperdine University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of San Diego and Pepperdine University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of San Diego vs Pepperdine University at a glance
University of San Diego admits 52.4% of applicants and Pepperdine University 62.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,539 at University of San Diego and $48,065 at Pepperdine University. Six-year graduation rates are 81.1% and 78.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of San Diego admits 52.4% of applicants and Pepperdine University 62.9%, so University of San Diego is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,539 a year at University of San Diego and $48,065 at Pepperdine University; University of San Diego costs $18,526 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,814 at University of San Diego and $38,093 at Pepperdine University.
- 81.1% of students graduate within six years at University of San Diego, against 78.4% at Pepperdine University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $93,069 for University of San Diego and $89,410 for Pepperdine University; University of San Diego is $3,659 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,250 at University of San Diego and $21,500 at Pepperdine University.
- University of San Diego enrolls 5,671 students (large city) and Pepperdine University 3,553 (large suburb).
Side by side
University of San Diego and Pepperdine 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 | University of San Diego | Pepperdine University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 62.9% |
| Applicants | 14,326 | 11,855 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1290–1450 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,539 | $48,065 |
| Tuition, in state | $62,420 | $72,672 |
| Tuition, out of state | $62,420 | $72,672 |
| Cost of attendance | $83,503 | $95,168 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,814 | $38,093 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,381 | $35,990 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,109 | $38,110 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,962 | $42,539 |
| Over $110,000 | $52,698 | $63,600 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 81.1% | 78.4% |
| First-year retention | 91.4% | 87.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $93,069 | $89,410 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,250 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $242 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,671 | 3,553 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Malibu, 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
University of San Diego reports 41 bachelor's programs and Pepperdine University 42; 26 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of San Diego vs Pepperdine University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of San Diego or Pepperdine University?
University of San Diego is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of San Diego admits 52.4% of applicants and Pepperdine University admits 62.9%.
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Pepperdine University?
University of San Diego has the lower average net price after grants: $29,539 a year at University of San Diego against $48,065 at Pepperdine University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,814 and $38,093. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of San Diego or Pepperdine University graduates earn more?
University of San Diego graduates earn more at the median: $93,069 ten years after entry for University of San Diego and $89,410 for Pepperdine University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,250 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of San Diego or Pepperdine University?
University of San Diego does: 81.1% of University of San Diego students graduate within six years, against 78.4% at Pepperdine University.
How big are University of San Diego and Pepperdine University?
University of San Diego has 5,671 students in San Diego, CA and Pepperdine University has 3,553 students in Malibu, CA.