Types of Financial Assistance

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS: All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their application materials, GPA, and course selection. Scholarship amounts vary and may be coordinated with need-based aid. Please note that limited merit aid is available for students entering in the spring term.

GRANTS: Grants are need-based awards funded by Pepperdine, the federal government, or state governments. For federal student aid information, visit: studentaid.ed.gov. For information about the Cal Grant for California residents, visit: csac.ca.gov.

DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Fine Arts and athletic scholarships may be available to students who participate in additional evaluation processes. For more information, visit seaver.pepperdine.edu/finearts or pepperdinewaves.com.

CHURCH OF CHRIST SCHOLARSHIPS: Applicants who are an active member of a Church of Christ congregation are eligible for additional scholarships and aid. For more information, please visit: seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/coc

WORK-STUDY: Pepperdine offers federal work-study to students who qualify based on financial need and fund availability. This program allows students to work in a variety of part-time capacities—often in fields related to their studies and goals—by applying to positions through the Student Employment Office.

FEDERAL EDUCATION LOANS: Federal education loans may be awarded to students and parents who qualify. Student loans have to be repaid, typically with interest, but some forgiveness programs exist. For more information, visit: studentloans.gov

Your Eligibility

Pepperdine need-based and federal aid is based on students’ financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need is the difference between the estimated cost of attendance for the academic year and the estimated family contribution. Institutional grant assistance is evaluated during a student’s first year at Pepperdine and remains the same as long as they maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet the financial assistance terms and conditions, for a maximum of eight semesters, not including summer sessions.

Scan the QR to estimate your financial assistance award by using the Net Price Calculator

The Pepperdine Impact

A degree from Pepperdine is highly valued and respected in the competitive global marketplace. Choosing to enroll at Pepperdine not only launches a personally, academically, and spiritually transformative journey, but also provides a practical foundation that is rooted in ethical decisionmaking, real-world application, and a supportive community.

79% of Pepperdine students graduate in four years— approximately 37% higher than the national average.

92% of undergraduate students received some form of financial assistance during the 2021–22 academic year.

Pepperdine contributed approximately $102 million in University-funded grants and scholarships for undergraduate students during the 2021–22 academic year.

For students who filed the FAFSA, the average annual grant and scholarship package per year for the incoming class was $39,715.