Pepperdine University: what international applicants need

What are Pepperdine University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Pepperdine University has 4 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026, Early Action on November 1, 2026, Early Decision II on January 15, 2027, and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Pepperdine University's acceptance rate?

62.9% for students who started in fall 2024: Pepperdine University admitted 7,245 of its 11,526 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Pepperdine University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

It depends. Pepperdine University requires SAT or ACT scores from some applicants or programs only for 2026–27, and its testing page says which.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Pepperdine University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 640–740 in Math and 650–710 in Reading and Writing (18% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 29–32.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Pepperdine University's application fee for international students?

Pepperdine University's application fee is $70 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Pepperdine University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Pepperdine University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Pepperdine University accept?

Pepperdine University lists the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does Pepperdine University accept the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test isn't among the English tests Pepperdine University lists for 2026–27 (TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic). Check its international page before you register.

How many recommendation letters does Pepperdine University require?

Pepperdine University requires one teacher recommendation for 2026–27.

• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Pepperdine University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Pepperdine University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Pepperdine University have?

277 of Pepperdine University's 3,553 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 7.8%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Pepperdine University cost for international students?

Pepperdine University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $69,918, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $21,750. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $95,168 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source