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University of California-Santa Cruz and Pepperdine University are both public institutions — University of California-Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA and Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Santa Cruz, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 65.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 17,940
Tuition: $50,205/year
Student-faculty ratio: 22.0:1
Graduation rate: 75.1%
Top programs: Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Santa Cruz, CA with published program strength in Computer science and Biological sciences.
Malibu, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 62.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,553
Tuition: $69,918/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 83.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Communication, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Malibu, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Communication.
| Factor | University of California-Santa Cruz | Pepperdine University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 65.8% | 62.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1290–1450 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 29–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,940 | 3,553 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,205/year | $69,918/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,890 | $58,098 |
| Graduation rate | 75.1% | 83.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $68,396 | $82,939 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Santa Cruz, CA | Malibu, CA |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Biological sciences, Social sciences | Business and marketing, Communication, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (65.8% vs 62.9%). University of California-Santa Cruz has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,890 vs $58,098). Pepperdine University reports the higher graduation rate (83.4% vs 75.1%). University of California-Santa Cruz is the larger undergraduate campus (17,940 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of California-Santa Cruz and Pepperdine University
University of California-Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 65.8%; Pepperdine University is around 62.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of California-Santa Cruz tuition is $50,205/year. Pepperdine University is $69,918/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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