Pepperdine Athletics Sets Department-Wide GPA Record in 2025-26 Academic Year
5/28/2026 1:00:00 PM | General, Featured
MALIBU, Calif. — Pepperdine Athletics posted a department-wide grade point average (GPA) of 3.370 during the 2025-26 academic year, the highest mark on record in the department's history.
The record-setting year marked the fifth consecutive with an increase in department-wide GPA, steadily rising each year from 3.125 set in 2021-22.Â
The fall 2025 term's 3.37 GPA marked the highest semester-wide GPA in department history, and was followed up with a 3.35 mark this spring. Overall, 81% of Pepperdine student-athletes earned a GPA of 3.0 or greater, with 46% recording a 3.5 or better GPA.
"This achievement is a testament to the commitment to academic excellence from our student-athletes, coaches and support staff," said Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner. "It is a remarkable accomplishment to have the success that we have had in both the classroom and athletically this past year. I'm proud of our ability to continue to raise the standard."
12 student-athletes registered a perfect 4.0 GPA across both semesters this year.
13 of Pepperdine's 15 programs achieved a team GPA above 3.0 for the year, including all eight women's programs.
Swimming & Diving led the way for the department with a 3.610 team GPA, as 24 student-athletes (73%) logged a GPA above 3.5. 12 members of the program also posted a 4.0 GPA in either the fall or spring semester.
Both women's (3.543) and men's (3.542) cross country/track boasted team GPAs above 3.5, with the men having the highest mark among all men's teams at Pepperdine. Above 60% of student-athletes in each program had a GPA above 3.5 for the year.
Men's tennis (3.542) and men's volleyball (3.379) also boasted strong marks.
Several other programs came in above 3.4, including soccer (3.476), women's volleyball (3.441), women's golf (3.425) and beach volleyball (3.407). Women's volleyball's GPA also marked its best as a program in five years.
A pair of programs also earned their highest-ever team GPAs on record, featuring baseball (3.32) and water polo (3.214).
Women's tennis (3.366) and women's basketball (3.070) also came in above 3.0.
The 2025-26 campaign also saw Pepperdine take home six conference championships, its most since the 2004-05 campaign, with six teams reaching their respective NCAA Championships.
ABOUT PEPPERDINE ATHLETICS
Pepperdine University boasts one of the most successful athletic programs in the country for a school of its size. The Waves have claimed 10 NCAA Division I team championships and 26 team or individual national championships in their history. Located in scenic Malibu, California, the university overlooks a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
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