Pepperdine University is a private, independent, Christian university located in Malibu, California. Established in 1937 during the time of the Great Depression by Christian businessman George Pepperdine, the man who founded the Western Auto Supply Company, the school existed for 30 years as a small undergraduate school known as George Pepperdine College. It achieved university status in 1970 as it added graduate and professional schools and, in 1972, moved to its current location in Malibu.
Today, Pepperdine University is regarded as one of the country’s finest universities. Fully accredited, it offers a wide variety of degrees and programs in a broad range of studies and is organized into five schools and colleges: Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Graziadio School of Business and Management, School of Law, School of Public Policy and Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Although its main campus is in Malibu, the university also offers courses at four graduate campuses in Southern California, permanent program facilities in Washington, D.C., and at international campuses in Germany, England, Italy, Switzerland, and Argentina.
Pepperdine University maintains religious affiliations with Churches of Christ although it has remained largely non-denominational in the choice and hiring of its staff, administrators, and members of the board. All students are accepted regardless of religious backgrounds for as long as they are academically qualified.
Cost of attendance at Pepperdine varies according to the degree program selected as well as the particular school or college. Costs to be considered include tuition, required fees, room and board for students who want to live on campus, cost of book and supplies and miscellaneous or personal expenses.
Financial aid in the form of loans, grants and scholarships is extended by the university.