Chapman University vs. Pepperdine University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Pepperdine University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 163); Pepperdine University posts the higher first-time bar passage (86.77% vs 74.13%); Chapman University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($63,126 vs $72,920); Pepperdine University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (93.4% vs 85.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Chapman University | Pepperdine University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 163 | 164 | Pepperdine University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.70 | 3.85 | Pepperdine University |
| Acceptance rate | 20.5% | 23.4% | Chapman University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $63,126 | $72,920 | Chapman University |
| Non-resident tuition | $63,126 | $72,920 | Chapman University |
| Median grant | $59,500 | $30,000 | Chapman University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 74.13% | 86.77% | Pepperdine University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.3% | 91.12% | Chapman University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -3.5 pts | +8.7 pts | Pepperdine University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 85.4% | 93.4% | Pepperdine University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 12.3% | 14.7% | Pepperdine University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.8% | 1.1% | Chapman University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Chapman University full profile · Pepperdine University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is Chapman University or Pepperdine University harder to get into?
Pepperdine University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Chapman University's 163.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or Pepperdine University?
Chapman University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $63,126 versus Pepperdine University's $72,920.
Which has better bar passage, Chapman University or Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University has the higher first-time bar passage, 86.77% against Chapman University's 74.13%.
Which has better job outcomes, Chapman University or Pepperdine University?
Pepperdine University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (93.4% vs 85.4%).
Chapman University vs Pepperdine University: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Pepperdine University leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.