Pepperdine University vs. San Diego: 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 84.8%); San Diego is cheaper on sticker tuition ($66,950 vs $72,920); San Diego places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.3% vs 93.4%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricPepperdine UniversitySan DiegoBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT164163Pepperdine University
Median undergraduate GPA3.853.84Pepperdine University
Acceptance rate23.4%23.5%Pepperdine University
Cost
Resident tuition$72,920$66,950San Diego
Non-resident tuition$72,920$66,950San Diego
Median grant$30,000$32,000San Diego
Bar passage
First-time bar passage86.77%84.8%Pepperdine University
Two-year ultimate bar passage91.12%91.63%San Diego
Bar passage vs. state average+8.7 pts+7 ptsPepperdine University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment93.4%98.3%San Diego
Large-firm (250+) employment14.7%17.3%San Diego
Federal clerkships1.1%2.1%San Diego

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 87.29% in 2011 to 86.77% in 202560%70%80%90%111315182022242586.77%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Pepperdine University — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 67.56% in 2011 to 84.8% in 202560%70%80%90%111315182022242584.8%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
San Diego — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $42,840 in 2011 to $72,920 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,000$80,0001113151719212325$72,920
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Pepperdine University — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $42,754 in 2011 to $66,950 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$66,950
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
San Diego — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Pepperdine University full profile · San Diego full profile · All California law schools

FAQ

Is Pepperdine University or San Diego harder to get into?

Pepperdine University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against San Diego's 163.

Which is cheaper, Pepperdine University or San Diego?

San Diego is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $66,950 versus Pepperdine University's $72,920.

Which has better bar passage, Pepperdine University or San Diego?

Pepperdine University has the higher first-time bar passage, 86.77% against San Diego's 84.8%.

Which has better job outcomes, Pepperdine University or San Diego?

San Diego places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.3% vs 93.4%).

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

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