Pepperdine University is a private Christian university set on a stunning oceanfront campus in Malibu, California. The university is known for its extensive international study programs, with campuses in Europe, Asia, and South America. Pepperdine fosters a tight-knit community rooted in its Church of Christ heritage while offering strong programs in business, law, and communications.
Mascot: Wave
Notable Alumni
Tom Selleck (actor, Magnum P.I.)•Jim Caviezel (actor, Person of Interest)•Tamera Mowry-Housley (actress, Sister, Sister)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Pepperdine is a dry campus affiliated with the Churches of Christ — no alcohol in dorms, opposite-sex visitors banned from rooms overnight, and parties get shut down fast. About 25% go Greek, but without chapter houses, it's service projects and university-sanctioned events rather than keg stands. The Malibu setting is stunning but isolating; you're 30+ minutes from LA's nightlife, which makes the campus feel like a beautiful bubble with a quiet social pulse.
Dramatically perched on a Malibu hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean-style campus with its terracotta roofs, fountains, and panoramic coastal views is one of the most breathtaking college settings in the country.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
The secluded Malibu campus has a very low crime rate with security personnel, controlled dorm access, and natural isolation providing strong safety.
Malibu is an affluent, low-density coastal community with very low crime. The campus is set in the Santa Monica Mountains with limited public access points.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays at select times during academic year (not offered Aug, Sep, or holiday break)
Duration: ~60-90 minutes (campus walking tour + 30-min Application Workshop)
For prospective Seaver College students and families. Groups of 10+ must schedule 4 weeks in advance. Tours cannot be booked more than 3 months out. Stop at guard booth on Seaver Drive for visitor pass and directions.
Book a TourSelf-guided driving tour with audio guide available daily (excluding holidays). Walking tour option with online brochure also available. Drive the campus loop for ocean views even without a guided tour.
Tour ResourcesOctober through November or February through April for the best Malibu weather and active campus. Avoid August-September (no guided tours offered) and summer break. Weekdays give the most authentic feel; mornings have clearer ocean views before marine layer rolls in.
Stop at the guard booth on Seaver Drive for a free visitor parking pass and campus map. Park along Banowsky Blvd, Seaver Drive, or in Firestone Fieldhouse lot. From LAX: north on I-405, west on I-10 to PCH (Hwy 1), north 14 miles to Malibu Canyon Rd, left on Seaver Drive — 45-60 min depending on traffic. No public transit to Malibu; driving or rideshare required.
Location
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