Pepperdine vs LMU

Hey everyone! I'm currently stuck between Pepperdine University and Loyola Marymount University. I was wondering if anybody could give me some insight on the academic environment, student culture, and general pros and cons of each school? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Hi! It's always tough to decide between two great schools, but I'm here to help.

Academic Environment:

Pepperdine: Pepperdine offers a more traditional liberal arts education, with especially strong programs in law, business, and international affairs. Pepperdine has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, which means you'll get a good amount of personalized attention and opportunities for deeper connections with professors.

LMU: LMU is recognized for its highly regarded School of Film and Television, and has more of a focus on the arts in general, although they also offer strong STEM programs. Class sizes are fairly small with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, which is quite similar to Pepperdine.

Student Culture:

Pepperdine: Located in Malibu, Pepperdine has a beautiful campus with amazing ocean views. The student body leans more conservative and religious, with the university having a Church of Christ affiliation. Greek life has a presence, but it's not overwhelming. The campus is generally quiet, providing a more tranquil learning environment.

LMU: Situated in Westchester, near Los Angeles, LMU is closer to the city, and thus gives students betterr access to internships and other opportunities in LA. The student culture is a bit more diverse and liberal, with a social, but not overly party-oriented scene. Greek life has a presence, but it's not as prominent as in many large schools.

Pros and Cons:

Pepperdine Pros: Stunning campus, close-knit community, rigorous liberal arts academics.

Pepperdine Cons: Limited diversity, a bit more conservative, location may be isolating for some students.

LMU Pros: Strong industry connections (especially entertainment), proximity to LA for internships and opportunities, diversity in student culture.

LMU Cons: Less academic diversity compared to Pepperdine, more urban environment may be distracting or even overwhelming for some students.

At the end of the day, it comes down to what factors are most important to you, whether it's location, academic strengths, or campus culture. If possible, it's a great idea to visit both campuses to get a firsthand feel for where you'd fit in better. Good luck with your decision!