Merit Scholarships are awarded to students upon admission to Pepperdine. These awards
are offered based on a variety of factors and do not need to be paid back. In most
cases, these awards are renewable for four years.
Pepperdine’s holistic review process impacts both admission decisions and merit awards.
The following elements are considered:
- Academic Achievement as demonstrated through the unweighted and recalculated GPA in academic classes,
the transcript which shows course rigor and trends, the school report which shows
the academic context, and test scores if submitted for review.
- Extracurricular Engagement as demonstrated in the Common App and Transfer Application, letters of recommendation,
leadership roles, and responses to our essay prompts. The Admission Committee values
an applicant's achievements outside of the classroom and looks for strong leadership
qualities, intellectual curiosity, and spiritual interest, as well as a student's
potential to make a significant, positive contribution to the Pepperdine community.
The Admission Committee considers how an applicant's experiences demonstrate Pepperdine’s
values of purpose, service, and leadership.
George Pepperdine Achievement Award
First-year students: $16,000 - $35,000 annually, renewable up to 4 years
Admitted students with an unweighted, recalculated* high school GPA of 3.60 or higher,
will automatically receive at least $16,000 per year in annual scholarships. Students
with higher GPAs, significant academic rigor, or who demonstrate being an excellent
overall fit for Pepperdine (based on the holistic review process) may be eligible
for merit scholarships up to $35,000 per year.
Transfer students: $5,000 - $20,000 annually, renewable up to 4 years
Transfer students with 30 or more college units are eligible for a George Pepperdine
Achievement Award. Recipients are selected based on their college GPA. Students with
higher GPAs may be eligible for merit scholarships up to $20,000 per year.
To apply: All students who apply to Pepperdine are considered for the George Pepperdine
Achievement Award. No separate application is required.
Requirements: Scholars must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress to continue receiving this scholarship each semester. This scholarship is not stackable with the Regents Scholarship. Award amounts stay
the same each year.
Regents Scholars Program
$40,000 - $45,000 annually, renewable up to 4 years
The Regents Scholars Program represents Pepperdine’s most competitive merit scholarship. Students are evaluated
on their academic merit, which is measured by their unweighted, recalculated GPA and
SAT/ACT/CLT scores. Students within the top 8%-10% of the admitted first-year class
are invited to participate in the Regents Scholars Program.
To apply: Although Pepperdine is test optional, SAT/ACT/CLT scores are required in
order to be considered for the Regents Scholars Program. To learn more about Pepperdine’s
testing policy, visit the FAQ page. All students who apply to Pepperdine and submit SAT/ACT/CLT scores are considered
for this program. No separate application is required. Both first-year and transfer
students are considered.
Requirements: Scholars must maintain a 3.25 Pepperdine cumulative GPA, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and remain full-time status. This scholarship is not stackable with the George Pepperdine
Achievement Award. Award amounts stay the same each year.
Christian Leadership Award
$5,000 annually, renewable up to 4 years
Students who are members of a congregation traditionally associated with the Churches
of Christ are considered for church-related scholarships.
To apply: Church of Christ applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from
a church leader (minister, elder, youth minister, etc.) of the Church of Christ congregation
of which they are a member. For more details, visit this link. Both first-year and transfer students are considered.
Requirements: Scholars must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress to continue receiving this award each semester. This scholarship is stackable with
other merit awards. Award amounts stay the same each year.
Special Achievement Scholarships
$500 - $57,000
Many academic divisions at Pepperdine offer scholarships to students who demonstrate
strong talent in the areas of music, art, theatre, debate, science, athletics, etc.
To apply: For many Special Achievement scholarships, students must complete a certain
number of major-specific units and maintain a specific GPA in order to be eligible,
rendering most incoming students ineligible. Typically, the scholarships that are
available for new students are within the Fine Arts Division (an additional application is required) or the Natural Science Division (no additional application is required for new students). Athletic scholarships are
determined by the respective coaches for each sport.
Requirements: Academic/GPA requirements might vary based on the specific Special Achievement
Scholarship, but all scholars must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to continue receiving this award each semester. Some scholarships might have different
additional requirements. Special Achievement Scholarships are typically stackable
with other merit awards.
Tuition Exchange Scholarship
80% tuition scholarship, renewable up to 4 years
The Tuition Exchange is a reciprocal scholarship program for children of eligible faculty and staff employed
at over 700 participating institutions of higher education. The program is based on
participating employees at other universities and at Pepperdine relinquishing a tuition
remission benefit to attend other colleges. The scholarships are not guaranteed and
only a limited number of tuition exchange scholarships are awarded each year.
To apply: Eligible students must submit a preliminary application via Tuition Exchange by January 15 for the upcoming academic year. Award notifications are sent on April
1.
Requirements: Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress to continue receiving this scholarship each semester. The Tuition Exchange Scholarship
is not stackable with the George Pepperdine Achievement Award or the Pepperdine Grant.
If a student is granted the Tuition Exchange scholarship, it would replace other institutional
aid offered; they would not be combined. The Regents Scholarship is stackable with
the Tuition Exchange Scholarship, not to exceed the cost of tuition.
Students with financial need, as demonstrated by a completed and correct FAFSA, may
be eligible for need-based financial assistance.
Pepperdine Grant
Up to $10,000, renewable up to four years for first-year students
Up to $25,000 for transfer students
The Pepperdine Grant is a need-based grant that is offered to eligible students upon
admission to Pepperdine. The grant amount is determined based on a student’s financial
need and does not need to be paid back.
To apply: To be considered for the Pepperdine Grant, incoming students must complete
and submit the FAFSA and send it to Pepperdine by the priority deadline (February
15 for fall; October 15 for spring).
Requirements: Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Once awarded, returning students do not need to submit the FAFSA each year.
The grant will be prorated for students that drop below full time status (12-18 units
each semester). The Pepperdine Grant is stackable with the George Pepperdine Achievement
Award, the Regents Scholarship, the Christian Leadership Award, and Special Achievement
Scholarships. Award amounts stay the same each year and can only apply to tuition
charges.
Government aid is awarded by both the state and federal government, as determined
by the results of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at: fafsa.gov
Cal Grant
Up to $9,358
The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back.
Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA
To apply: To be considered, students must submit a FAFSA and the GPA Verification
Form. For more information, visit: csac.ca.gov
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based program funded by the U.S. government to support undergraduate students.
Eligibility is determined by your Student Aid Index (SAI), based on the FAFSA and
supporting materials such as tax returns. If you qualify, the Pell Grant will appear
in your financial aid offer. Please note that changes in Pell eligibility may affect
other need-based grants or scholarships.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Up to $4,000
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is
given to those who qualify for the maximum Federal Pell Grant. Awards are based on
available funding and changes to FSEOG eligibility may affect other need-based grants
or scholarships.
Loans allow students and their families to spread the cost of college out over time,
with clear terms and repayment options. Loans can be an important resource for both
students and parents in covering educational costs and 37% of undergraduate students
at Pepperdine utilize loans. Pepperdine offers federal and private loan options, each with different eligibility requirements, repayment timelines, and terms.
Loans are typically repaid over a period of 10 years after graduation, withdrawal,
or dropping below half-time enrollment. Some loans offer options for deferment or
forbearance if needed. It is essential for students and families to review their rights
and responsibilities, as outlined in the loan’s promissory note, and to consider how
repayment will work for their specific situation. Students and families should borrow
the least amount necessary and/or an amount they can reasonably expect to pay back.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are long-term, low-interest loans available to most students regardless of income.
They help cover educational expenses and include flexible repayment options that may
not be available through private lenders.
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Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
This loan is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Pepperdine students
may borrow based on their need, year in school, and satisfactory academic progress.
When a student is enrolled at least half-time, no repayment of interest or principal
is required. For the 2025-2026 school year, this loan has an interest rate of 6.39%.
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Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
This loan is available to all students, regardless of their financial need. The terms
are similar to the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan, except that interest begins accruing
immediately. For the 2025-2026 school year, this loan has an interest rate of 6.39%
for undergraduate students.
Private Student Loans
Private loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders to help supplement federal,
state, or institutional aid. Rates often depend on the borrower’s or co-signer’s credit
history. Interest rates can be fixed or variable (changing with market conditions),
so families should be sure to review the interest rate, fees, and repayment terms
carefully before accepting.
Parent Loans
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan helps parents of dependent students cover educational
costs that aren’t met by other grants and scholarships. Effective July 1, 2026, new
PLUS Loan borrowers may apply for up to $20,000 per year with a lifetime limit of
$65,000. To qualify, a parent must be creditworthy and meet general federal financial
aid eligibility requirements.
The interest rate for 2025-26 is fixed at 8.94% (set annually), and an origination
fee is deducted each time funds are disbursed. Repayment usually begins 60 days after
the final disbursement, but parents may defer payments while the student is enrolled
at least half-time (interest still accrues).
