Pepperdine University is a private research university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, located on an 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Malibu, California. Founded in 1937 by entrepreneur George Pepperdine, it offers undergraduate programs primarily through Seaver College and graduate programs through four graduate schools: the Caruso School of Law, the Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Public Policy. The university is known for its strong Christian values, beautiful campus, and high research activity classification (R2). It has around 9,545 students as of Fall 2023, with about 3,629 undergraduates and 5,916 graduate and professional students. Pepperdine emphasizes international study, with a high percentage of undergraduates studying abroad, and is ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report. The law school is noted for entertainment law and dispute resolution programs, and the business school is also well recognized. The university requires students to attend spiritual events and take religion courses, maintaining a Christian atmosphere. Additional campuses and facilities exist in other U.S. locations and abroad, including in Germany, England, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina, China, and Washington, D.C. The university also competes in NCAA Division I sports under the Pepperdine Waves name. Tuition for the current period is approximately $69,918 per year. Student life includes a significant involvement in fraternity and sorority activities, but without official Greek housing on campus.
