California State University-San Marcos and Pepperdine University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, CA and Pepperdine is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Malibu, CA.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| California State University-San Marcos | vs. | Pepperdine University |
|---|---|---|
| San Marcos, California | Location | Malibu, California |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Private (not-for-profit) |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Master's College and University (larger programs) | Carnegie Classification | Doctoral / Research University |
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | $69,918 |
| 63% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 90% |
| $11,025 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $34,751 |
| 95.10 % | Acceptance Rates | 62.86 % |
| 13.99 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 11.64 % |
| - | SAT Score | 1,370 |
| - | ACT Score | 31 |
| 55 % | Graduation Rate | 83 % |
| 4 % | Transfer-out Rate | - |
| 79 % | Retention Rate | 88 % |
| 16,237 | Student Population | 8,976 |
| 416 | Number of Faculties | 402 |
| 24 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 12 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services |