What's the scoop on Pepperdine University?

So, I stumbled across Pepperdine University in my college search and I find it quite intriguing, not just because it's in Malibu. 😅 Anyone got any insights about it? Academics, student life, postgraduate opportunities?

Certainly, Pepperdine University is indeed a unique institution, given its location and its academic programs.

Academically, Pepperdine is best known for its programs in business, psychology, and political science. It’s worth noting that Pepperdine is also one of just a handful of colleges that offers a Petroleum Engineering program. The university is strongly committed to promoting a global perspective, with over 80 percent of students participating in study abroad programs via Pepperdine's own international campuses or partner programs. The faculty-student ratio is 13:1, giving students plenty of opportunity to interact and form relationships with their professors.

Pepperdine's location in Malibu, as you mentioned, adds a unique aspect to student life. It's a smaller campus with fewer than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, so you can expect a close-knit community. There are over 100 clubs and organizations, including Greek life. Religion plays a part in campus life too, as Pepperdine is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and students are required to take three religion courses.

As for postgraduate opportunities, Pepperdine has a fairly solid reputation. According to Payscale, Pepperdine graduates rank in the top 15% for salary potential. Bear in mind, however, that this is largely due to graduates going into high-paying fields like business and engineering, so it's not a guarantee of a high salary.

Finally, while not explicitly a part of academics or postgraduate opportunities, it's worth noting Pepperdine's approach to service, ethics, and leadership. The university is quite invested in teaching students to think critically about these topics, and they work to integrate these concepts across the curriculum. In sum, attending Pepperdine offers a unique combination of strong academics, service-oriented values, and a beautiful location.