Connection lost
Server error
Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles vs Pepperdine University
Side-by-side comparison of admissions, costs, and outcomes
Cross-Admit Decision Data
Of 18 applicants admitted to both schools:
Based on 18 self-reported cross-admit decisions from the last 5 cycles
View all-time data (82 cross-admits)
82 total cross-admit decisions (all cycles)
Loyola Marymount is Top 75 · Pepperdine University is 75+ in the LSD rankings
See full LSD.Law school rankings →Deciding between these schools?
Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data. Launching for the 2026–2027 cycle.
About this comparison
This page compares Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles and Pepperdine University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.
In the U.S. News rankings, Pepperdine University is ranked #55 compared to #71 — a gap of 16 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.
Both schools are located in California — Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles in Los Angeles and Pepperdine University in Malibu — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.
Among cross-admitted applicants, Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles offered a median scholarship of $144,750 compared to $90,000, a difference of $54,750 that may factor into enrollment decisions.
Compare Another Pair
Admissions Comparison
2025 ABA 509How these schools compare on LSAT, GPA, selectivity, and class composition.
| Metric | Loyola Marymount | Pepperdine University |
|---|---|---|
| USN Rank | #71 | #55 ▲ |
| LSD Rank | Top 75 (0.005) ▲ | 75+ (0.002) |
| LSAT 25th | 160 | 161 ▲ |
| LSAT Median | 163 | 164 ▲ |
| LSAT 75th | 165 | 167 ▲ |
| GPA Median | 3.74 | 3.85 ▲ |
| Acceptance Rate | 26.1% | 23.4% ▲ |
| Class Size | 338 | 227 |
| Yield Rate | 28.4% ▲ | 22.3% |
Financial Comparison
2025 ABA 509Tuition, scholarships, and debt burden at each school.
| Metric | Loyola Marymount | Pepperdine University |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State) | $70,360 ▲ | $72,920 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $70,360 ▲ | $72,920 |
| Median Grant | $45,000 ▲ | $30,000 |
| % Receiving Grants | 62.0% | 77.0% ▲ |
| Avg. Debt at Graduation | - | - |
Employment Outcomes
2024 ABA 509Post-graduation employment placement, salaries, and bar passage.
| Metric | Loyola Marymount | Pepperdine University |
|---|---|---|
| BigLaw (501+) | 16.7% ▲ | 11.7% |
| Judicial Clerkships | 2.4% | 7.1% ▲ |
| Median Salary (Private) | $120,000 | - |
| Employment Rate | 93.2% | 93.9% ▲ |
| Bar Pass Rate | 84.2% | 86.8% ▲ |
Cross-Admit Decisions by Cycle
How cross-admit preferences have shifted over recent application cycles.
Loyola Marymount
Pepperdine University
| Cycle | Split | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 |
100%
|
5 |
| 2021-2022 |
83%
|
6 |
| 2020-2021 |
90%
|
10 |
| 2019-2020 |
40%
|
5 |
| 2006-2007 |
83%
|
6 |
| 2005-2006 |
78%
|
9 |
Related Comparisons
Other popular cross-admit matchups involving these schools.
Compare with Loyola Marymount
Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles vs University of San Diego
44 cross-admits
Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles vs University of California—Los Angeles
40 cross-admits
Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles vs University of California (Hastings)
33 cross-admits
Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles vs University of California—Irvine
26 cross-admits
Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles vs University of Southern California
26 cross-admits
Compare with Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University vs University of California—Los Angeles
39 cross-admits
Pepperdine University vs University of Southern California
34 cross-admits
Pepperdine University vs University of California—Irvine
21 cross-admits
Pepperdine University vs Loyola Marymount University—Los Angeles
18 cross-admits
Pepperdine University vs University of California—Davis
15 cross-admits
Track Your Applications
Join 150,000+ applicants using LSD.Law to track applications, compare schools, and make data-driven decisions.