Pepperdine Caruso Law at a Glance

Countries Represented	4
Undergraduate Schools Represented	82
Applications	3,927
Incoming Class Size	192
Out of State	31%
States Represented	27

* All statistics reported are as of the first day of class

GPA Median	3.84
75th%	3.93
25th%	3.50
LSAT Median	164
75th%	166
25th%	159

 

Personal Attention

The practice of law today requires communication skills, ethical standards and stamina that first-year students have often not yet developed.

Our unique Parris Institute for Professional Excellence begins assessing and equipping students to be professionals on their very first day on campus.

Learn about the Parris Institute

Mentoring and Quality Teaching

Our professors have a dual research/teaching focus. The Princeton Review recently ranked our faculty #2 in the country for accessibility to students.

Nationally Recognized Experts

Thanks to our low student-faculty ratio, our students get hands-on guidance from published scholars and experts in the field.

Meet Our Faculty

We offer a breadth of degree programs and specialized areas of interest to meet personal and professional goals. Our joint degree options are offered in conjunction with Pepperdine University's top-ranked schools for business, divinity, and public policy.

2 Master's Degrees

2 Juris Doctor options

4 LLM Degree options

7 Institutes

5 Certificate programs

5 Joint Degree offerings

9 In-House Clinics

See All Degrees and Programs

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

As mediation, arbitration, and negotiation continue to explode in popularity in litigation and international affairs, Pepperdine's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution has been ranked the #1 dispute resolution program in the country in the U.S. News and World Report rankings 16 times in the last 21 years.

More about the Straus Institute

Enjoy the excitement of a fast-paced city along with the peaceful environment of Malibu. Located just 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles - a thriving hub for legal practice and international culture - our 830-acre campus offers breathtaking views and a 40,000 square-foot library facility.

Life at the Caruso School of Law

A Place of Faith

Pepperdine celebrates its Christian heritage and believes that such a foundation can open dialogue and facilitate understanding. Our faculty includes practicing members from many faith backgrounds.

Spiritual Life

Our Focus on Veterans

Pepperdine not only honors those who have served, but actively recruits these individuals for their sense of civic responsibility, commitment, and professionalism. Pepperdine's Yellow Ribbon Program provides veterans with free tuition.

There are 34 veterans enrolled at Caruso Law for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Information for Veterans

At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, we assemble a diverse entering class that reflects our vision for challenging and successful study. Pepperdine Caruso Law is a place where your peers both challenge and support you.

Total JD Enrollment: 896
Women: 59%
Diversity: 26%

1L JD Enrollment: 192
Women: 61%
Students of Color: 28%
First Generation College Students: 21%

 

LLM, MDR, and Certificate Programs

Pepperdine's LLM and Master's in Dispute Resolution (MDR) programs attract students from across the globe. Students vary from recent graduates to seasoned attorneys and judges who have attended or commuted for the program from China, Korea, Russia, Greece, India, Israel, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany and more.

Pepperdine has attracted scholars from prestigious organizations like Fulbright, Muskie, Organization of American States and Rotary Foundation.

Pepperdine Caruso Law continues to rise in public perception. Four Pepperdine Caruso Law alumni currently serve as federal judges in districts in California, Arizona, and Texas, and two of those judges have been confirmed in the last two years. 

LLM, MDR, and Certificate Programs	Tuition
Priority Scholarship Deadline: April 15 Rolling Admissions Start Terms: Fall (mid-August) Spring (early January) Summer (late May)	$2,570 per unit LLM - 24 units MDR - 26 units Certificate - 14 units

JD Program	Tuition
April LSAT Accepted Priority Deadline: February 1 Final Deadline: April 1 Two-Year Accelerated Deadline: February 1 Transfer Deadline: June 1 (international students) July 1 (domestic students)	$69,950 per year

More Information about Admissions and Aid