* Its beautiful location: Situated on the Malibu Pacific Coast Highway, the main campus offers stunning ocean views and a highly desirable setting. This is a significant draw for many students.
* Its strong emphasis on faith: Pepperdine is a private university affiliated with Churches of Christ. While not requiring strict religious adherence from all students, faith-based values and integration of faith and learning are central to its mission and culture. This attracts students who seek a faith-integrated education.
* Its highly ranked programs: Pepperdine consistently ranks highly in various areas, particularly its law school (Pepperdine Caruso School of Law), which is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the U.S. Other strong programs include business, communication, and psychology.
* Its strong alumni network: Its relatively small size and focused mission contribute to a tight-knit community and a powerful alumni network that can be beneficial for career opportunities.
* Its focus on undergraduate education: While it has graduate programs, Pepperdine emphasizes its undergraduate experience, fostering a close-knit community and personalized attention to students.
In short, Pepperdine is known for its beautiful location, its strong religious affiliation, its highly ranked programs (especially law), its supportive community, and a commitment to a holistic education.