Pepperdine University has posted its deadlines for fall 2027 entry: Early Decision I and Early Action both close on November 1, and the FAFSA is due the same day. The university in Malibu, California is a California private university option for many Irvine families; with two days left, applicants must complete a 300 to 500 word university essay in addition to the Common App personal essay.
Who Is Affected by the Pepperdine Early Deadlines
The deadlines apply to seniors planning to apply to Pepperdine University by November 1. The admissions page lists four rounds:
| Round | Application deadline | FAFSA deadline | Decision | Enrollment deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1 | November 1 | December 21 | May 1 |
| Early Decision I | November 1 | November 1 | December 21 | February 1 |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | January 15 | February 1 | March 1 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | February 15 | March 19 | May 1 |
Early Action is not binding; a student admitted through Early Decision must enroll. The first-year page states that students admitted through Early Decision receive at least $25,000 in merit aid, while the FAQ page describes an exclusive $2,000 Early Decision scholarship and gives a decision date of January 10. Because the two pages differ, the admission letter is the final word. Fine Arts applicants are not eligible for Early Decision, and the nursing program does not take part in the early rounds. Students denied in an early round may not reapply through Regular Decision for the same term.
What to Do Now About the Pepperdine Faith Essay
Write the university essay. Pepperdine University is a Christian university, and its essay asks applicants why they are interested in attending a Christian university and how they would contribute to conversations of faith on campus, in 300 to 500 words. Students who are not religious can also answer from the angle of inquiry, dialogue and values; what matters is an honest account of the student’s own thinking.
Check the materials. The application fee is $70. Applicants submit a six-semester transcript through grade 11 and one academic recommendation from a core subject teacher or counselor. Testing is optional, but SAT, ACT or CLT scores are required for Regents Scholars Program consideration, and the test must be taken by October to meet the November 1 deadline. The interview is optional.
Watch the portal after submission. The university sends a confirmation email within 48 hours of receiving the application. After that, applicants check the to-do list in the applicant portal to confirm that materials have arrived and should not send duplicate copies of the same item.
For essay planning and revision, see the EDUBUS college essay bootcamp; for early application rounds and college lists, see the university admissions planning service.
Sources
- Pepperdine University: First-Year Applicants (accessed October 30, 2026)
- Pepperdine University: Undergraduate Admission FAQ (accessed October 30, 2026)
- Richmond Early Decision I Due November 1The University of Richmond closes Early Decision I and Early Action on November 1, and applicants choose one of three prompts for a 350 to 650 word essay.
- Rochester Early Decision I Due November 1The University of Rochester closes Early Decision I on November 1 and also offers a non-binding December 1 priority scholarship deadline for Irvine seniors.
- Villanova Early Deadlines Are November 1Villanova University closes Early Action and Early Decision I on November 1, and Early Action applicants can switch to Early Decision I until November 10.
- Bucknell Early Decision I Due November 1Bucknell University closes Early Decision I on November 1, and applicants must choose one of three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Engineering or Management.
