There is no doubt that Pepperdine University’s stunning Malibu campus is among the most picturesque colleges I’ve had the privilege to visit! The college rests on 830 acres in the foothills above Malibu Beach and is affectionately called “Stepperdine” for the numerous steps traversing campus. This university’s mission of purpose, service, and leadership permeates it’s Church of Christ’s roots and culture. 70% of the student body identifies as Christian and religion plays an integral part of student life. The curriculum requires all students take three religion classes, freshmen and sophomores participate in at least ten faith meetings per semester, and students are invited to the President’s home for a weekly prayer session and dinner. Each dorm is single sex and houses a spiritual advisor as well as RAs responsible for enforcing dry campus rules and strict opposite-sex visitation hours.

Pepperdine offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum with a core of general education requirements, many of which students can opt out of with AP or IB credits. Business and Communications comprise the strongest programs and prove the most popular. Overall, the student to faculty ratio is 13:1 but in the sciences, this drops to 1:1 and all students receive the opportunity to conduct research. For the right student, Pepperdine offers a dream college experience but those who prefer a more liberal environment might want to reconsider.