UCLA vs. Pepperdine University (PU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to UCLA or Pepperdine University (PU)?“
UCLA
Pepperdine University (PU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between UCLA and Pepperdine University (PU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between UCLA and Pepperdine University (PU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between UCLA and Pepperdine University (PU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| UCLA | Pepperdine University (PU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $12,763 | $48,342 |
| Net Price | $13,328 | $33,314 |
| Average Financial Aid | $10,730 | $29,184 |
| Total Undergraduates | 29581 | 3514 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1180 - 1470 | 1100 - 1320 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17 | 38 |
| Location | 405 Hilgard Ave | 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy |
| City Name | Los Angeles | Malibu |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, UCLA is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Los Angeles and Malibu. UCLA is in a Mountain and Pepperdine University (PU) is in a Mountain - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is UCLA or Pepperdine University (PU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then UCLA is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that UCLA is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Pepperdine University (PU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do UCLA Dorms Compare to housing Options at Pepperdine University (PU)?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. UCLA charges for on-campus living, while Pepperdine University (PU) charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
UCLA and Pepperdine University (PU) student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| UCLA, % | Pepperdine University (PU),% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 27.139999999999997 | 47.38 |
| Hispanic | 20.630000000000003 | 15.939999999999998 |
| Black | 2.9899999999999998 | 5.55 |
| Foreign | 12.65 | 9.959999999999999 |
| Others | 36.6 | 21.2 |
How different is the UCLA campus compared to Pepperdine University (PU) campus?
The UCLA campus is located in Los Angeles, CA and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more). The Pepperdine University (PU) campus is located in Malibu, CA and is characterized as Suburb: Large (outside principal city, in urbanized area with population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
UCLA provides $10,730 whereas Pepperdine University (PU) provides an average of $29,184.
How does UCLA academics compare to Pepperdine University (PU)?
When analyzing academics between UCLA and Pepperdine University (PU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | UCLA | Pepperdine University (PU) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 65 | N/A |
| Architecture and related services | 19 | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 292 | 18 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | N/A | 183 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 183 | N/A |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 592 | N/A |
| Education | N/A | 8 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | N/A |
Which is better: UCLA or Pepperdine University (PU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between UCLA and Pepperdine University (PU). But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does UCLA social life compare to Pepperdine University (PU)?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how UCLA social life differs from Pepperdine University (PU).
Check here.
Check here.