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American University vs Pepperdine University
Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools
Getting in
Acceptance rate61.9%62.9%
Early decision rate79.8%No ED
SAT middle 50%1300–14301300–1440
ACT middle 50%29–3229–32
Applicant reports on our site10827
Cost and aid
Tuition$60,270$71,860
Food and housing—$22,480
Sticker price per year—$95,152
Average need-based grant$35,389$40,989
Average % of need met89%62%
Outcomes
First-year retention88.2%88%
6-year graduation rate75.5%83%
Undergraduates7,4763,553
Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.
American University or Pepperdine University?
Is American University harder to get into than Pepperdine University?
They are about equally selective: American University admitted 61.9% of first-year applicants (2024-25) and Pepperdine University admitted 62.9% (2024-25).
What SAT scores do American University and Pepperdine University students have?
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1300–1430 at American University and 1300–1440 at Pepperdine University.
Does American University or Pepperdine University have a higher graduation rate?
75.5% of American University students graduate within six years, compared with 83% at Pepperdine University.