Time is runing out and I am so confused! Please share any helpful advise to help me decide between Berkeley and Pepperdine! Thank you! My concerns are class sizes, contact with professors and advisors availability, class availability, campus life, study abroad, dormitory living. Thanks so much!!
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What are you studying and what are your costs? Are you in state or out of state?
I want to major in communications major/media marketing. I received a 4 year $40,000 per year scholarship to Pepperdine that is guaranteed if I maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA and do not need to submit FAFSA every year. A big plus. I received a scholarship and grant from Berkeley. Difference in cost with room and board is about $10,000/year with Pepperdine being the higher cost.
Also, I was accepted in my Major at Pepperdine. I applied and was accepted to Berkeley into the college of letters and science, but undeclared major.
I am in state. Los Angeles
UC Berk in my opinion. All up to you though. I’m a pretty secular person and I hear religion is pretty involved up in Malibu. I would also argue that UCB has a much better value, but then again college is only what you make of it regardless of where you attend. Trust your gut, not rankings.
Berkeley for several reasons, although some of this is personal. Pepperdine is a pretty conservative school. If that is your preference, then go with Pepperdine. If you are the opposite, go with Berkeley. If you are neither, then still pick Berkeley as it is big enough to find your crowd, it is $50K less expensive over 4 years, and being it is in NorCal, you get away for four years of your life. You will likely have larger class sizes the first year or two, but that’s not horrible in my opinion, unless you need handholding.
UC Berkeley is arguably the best public university in the US (for sure Top 3), and its reputation is stellar. Hard to turn down, especially at its price.
Thanks so much for your feedback!
Thanks so much for your feedback and talk about trusting my gut. I know it’s easy to get caught up in rankings. UGH! LOL
My daughter has committed to Pepperdine and received a Regent’s Scholarship. I thought this was the largest scholarship and totals $36,000 per year. You need to maintain a 3.25 gpa to keep this scholarship. Did you get into the Regent’s Scholars program? I want to make sure you’re understanding exactly what type of scholarship you received and what is needed to keep it.
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First, congrats! Awesome problem to have. : ) I’d agree on going with gut. So, go with culture preference as both schools have great reputations.
Being so close to Pepperdine, have you had a chance to visit much (especially pre-covid) for a more accurate view? Know anyone who goes/went?
A few people online seem to be spreading it around that Pepp is ultra-conservative, but political affiliation is actually mixed.
Conservative, however, in college culture with regard to drinking? Yes. So can you see yourself having fun and feeling good without a party culture?
If you want the smaller warm overall community feel, Pepperdine is an excellent choice.
The study abroad at Pepp is tops. And it takes place AT Pepperdine campuses. Students seem to love it.
If the $ gap will be a burden to you or your family, also something to consider however.
Good luck!!
I think Pepperdine grants can go higher than Regents $ but w/o any kind of scholars program attached, if I remember correctly. Part merit/part aid sort of thing.
While both schools are awesome, if these are your primary concerns, it seems like these would all be more favorable at Pepperdine.
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Is your proposed major available at Berkeley? I don’t see anything resembling what you’re interested in on their website.
It’s actually a Grant, $39,000 and change. So not a scholarship. But thanks for the info. My daughter is a first generation college student so all of this is very new to us and we are muddling our way through!
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At Berkeley it’s admission to the college of Letters and Science, interdisciplinary studies.
Thank you for your reply! And yes, what a problem to have! We have been on campus for a drive through tour and were able to get out for a limited amount of time to walk around and meet some of the ambassadors, socially distanced of course. These schools are polar opposites, both with pros and cons!
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Could you pick two more different schools in every respect except the state they are located in? How did they even get on the same list?
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Does interdisciplinary studies at Berkeley allow you to pursue your interest in communications and media marketing? I couldn’t find it on the UCB website - but maybe I missed something.
It appears to me that the 2 schools you’re admitted to are offering you two different academic tracks. I would think that being clear about which one you want should make the decision.
For some time, UCB was the school I wished I applied to for undergrad. For grad I went to Pepperdine (twice) & loved it.
Sorry that is probably not helpful lol.
Editing to add: Forgot to say my daughter is joining Pepperdine Class of 2025 
I think @Bill_Marsh is right about going with major, although 1 - many end up changing majors (speaking on Pepperdine this is relatively easy to do there) and 2 - I’ve known people who have done quite well in marketing who had little of it in undergrad.
You mentioned dorms. Pretty sure Pepperdine will win that category from what I’ve heard on here. Suite life ; ) volleyball courts, bbqs… If you don’t go abroad Sophomore year, likely get a dorm with a fitness center and full kitchen for socials, etc.
Good luck to your first gen student 
and don’t underrate the Pepperdine grant. You do need overall strength as an applicant to get it. 
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