Azusa Pacific University Overview: Programs, Campus Life, Rankings, and Admissions

Azusa Pacific University (APU), founded in 1899, is a private, evangelical Christian university located in Azusa, California, known for combining academic excellence with a strong faith-based mission. With over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, APU emphasizes fields like business, nursing, psychology, education, and kinesiology, maintaining a close 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

The university offers vibrant student life centered on spiritual growth, community engagement, and diversity, recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. APU competes in NCAA Division II athletics and has a rich sports history, including national championships and a planned revival of its football program in 2026.

Accredited by the WSCUC and several discipline-specific bodies, APU is committed to high-quality education. The university has produced notable alumni across sports, politics, ministry, and the arts, continuing its mission to develop Christ-centered leaders for global impact.

Azusa Pacific University: A Comprehensive Overview

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private, evangelical Christian university located in Azusa, California. Founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers, it has grown to become one of the largest Christian universities in the United States, offering a wide array of academic programs grounded in a faith-based worldview.

History and Foundation

APU’s journey began on March 3, 1899, in Whittier, California, with a vision to prepare individuals for ministry and service. It was the first Bible college on the West Coast. Over the years, the institution underwent several name changes and mergers, including with Los Angeles Pacific College in 1965, before officially becoming Azusa Pacific University in 1981. The university relocated to its current Azusa campus in 1946. APU’s core values, established under President Richard E. Felix (1990-present), are Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service.

Campus and Locations

The main campus of Azusa Pacific University spans 52 acres in Azusa, California. Beyond its primary location, APU also operates several regional centers across Southern California and offers online programs, expanding its reach to a diverse student body, including post-traditional adult learners. The university boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to foster an engaging educational environment.

Key Campus Features:

• Felix Event Center: Home to many athletic events.
• Cougar Baseball Complex, Softball Complex, Soccer Complex: Dedicated facilities for various sports teams.
• Munson and Bavougian Tennis Complex: Tennis facilities.
• Cougar Athletic Stadium: Outdoor track and field venue.
• On-campus accommodation: Residence Halls and Apartments providing living and learning environments.

Academics and Programs

Azusa Pacific University offers a comprehensive range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. As of recent data, APU provides:

• 66 Bachelor’s Degrees
• 40 Master’s Degrees
• 32 Certificates and Credentials
• 9 Doctoral Programs

Popular academic fields at APU include:

1. Business & Management Studies (Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance)
2. Nursing
3. Psychology
4. Education (School Counseling and Guidance Services, Elementary Education, Teaching)
5. Kinesiology and Exercise Science
6. Criminal Justice
7. Computer Science
8. Chemistry & Biochemistry
9. Art & Design (Animation and Visual Effects, Cinematic Arts)
10. Engineering
11. Social Work

The university maintains a faculty-to-student ratio of approximately 1:10, aiming for close interaction between students and experienced professors.

Student Life

Student life at Azusa Pacific University is deeply rooted in its Christian mission, emphasizing holistic development. The university’s Student Affairs team focuses on spiritual formation, student engagement, and student wellness.

Key aspects of student life include:

• Residence Life: On-campus housing aims to create a community where students can experience “life together,” fostering care, challenge, and connection. New, full-time students are generally expected to live in APU residences unless an exemption is granted.
• Spiritual Life: Opportunities for corporate worship, local and global service, Christian formation, and spiritual care. Chapel attendance is often a component of spiritual life requirements.
• Student Engagement: Various opportunities for students to build meaningful connections, participate in clubs and student groups, and engage in leadership roles through organizations like the Student Government Association (SGA).
• Student Wellness: Christ-centered services and programs that promote physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, including the University Counseling Center and Student Health Center.
• Diversity: APU is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), indicating a commitment to serving diverse student populations.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Azusa Pacific University generally has a lightly selective admission process.

• Acceptance Rate: For the application year 2024, the overall acceptance rate was 87%, with 3,438 applicants and 2,991 accepted. The transfer acceptance rate for 2023 was 83.83%.
• Average GPA: The average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.85.
• Standardized Test Scores (Recommended/Average):
  • SAT: Average composite score of 1161 (25th percentile: 1025, 75th percentile: 1250)
  • ACT: Average composite score of 24 (25th percentile: 23, 75th percentile: 29)
• Application Fee: $45
• Application Platform: APU does not accept the Common Application.

Tuition and Financial Aid (Estimated for 2025-26 Academic Year for First-Year Freshman Living On-Campus):

• Tuition (12-18 units): $44,640
• University Service Fee: $700
• Housing: $6,364
• Dining Plan: $4,540
• Total Estimated Cost (before financial aid): $56,244

APU emphasizes making education affordable, with 100% of new students receiving some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The average grant award at APU is approximately $14,127, with 87% of students receiving institutional aid.

Rankings

Azusa Pacific University is recognized by various ranking organizations:

• U.S. News & World Report: Ranked #236 in National Universities.
• Times Higher Education (THE): Ranked =327th in the US College Rankings 2022.
• Niche:
  • #45 in Best Christian Colleges in America (out of 311)
  • #50 in Best Colleges for Nursing in America (out of 761)
  • #45 in Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America (out of 584)
• Shiksha Popularity Ranking: #289 in USA for 2025.

Athletics

The Azusa Pacific Cougars compete in the NCAA Division II, primarily within the Pacific West Conference (PacWest). They also hold affiliations with the Golden Coast Conference (women’s water polo), Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference (women’s swimming and diving), and the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association. The university maintains a secondary association with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).

Varsity Sports Offered (16 teams: 6 men’s, 10 women’s):

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor).
• Women’s Sports: Acrobatics and Tumbling, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor), Volleyball, Water Polo.

Athletic Achievements:

NAIA Era (Pre-2012): Won an unprecedented eight consecutive National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Directors’ Cup awards (2005-2012), 108 GSAC Championships, and 36 NAIA National Championships. Total of 37 NAIA national championships, ranking third in association history.

NCAA Division II Era (Post-2012): Since joining NCAA Division II, the Cougars have secured 45 PacWest Conference Championships, four GNAC championships in football, and two NCAA national championships (Women’s Outdoor Track and Field in 2021 and 2023).

Cornerstone Cup: APU has won the Cornerstone Cup, a rivalry competition with Biola University, every year it has been contested.

The football program, which was briefly suspended in 2020 due to financial restructuring, is planned to be revived for NCAA Division III competition in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference starting in 2026.

Accreditation

Azusa Pacific University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures the university meets high-quality standards and that its degrees and credits are widely recognized.

In addition to WSCUC, APU holds 13 other discipline-specific accreditations, including:

• National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD): Art and design programs.
• Association of Theological Schools (ATS): Azusa Pacific Seminary programs.
• ABET (Engineering Accreditation Commission): BS in Engineering program.
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE): Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
• American Psychological Association (APA): Doctor of Psychology program.
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE): School of Business and Management.
• National Association of Schools of Music (NASM): Department of Music programs.
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): School of Nursing programs.
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): School psychology program.
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): Social work programs.
• Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): Educator preparation programs.

Notable Alumni

Azusa Pacific University boasts a diverse group of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields:

• Bryan Clay (’02): Olympic gold medalist (decathlon)
• Stephen Vogt (’07): Major League Baseball player
• John F. MacArthur Jr. (’61): Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church, President of The Master’s University
• Dan Barker (’70): Renowned American atheist
• Hailemariam Desalegn (’00, MA in Organizational Leadership): Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia
• Colleen Ballinger (’08): YouTube Personality “Miranda Sings,” actress
• Julie Ertel (’99, M.Ed. in Physical Education): Olympic gold medalist (water polo), Olympic triathlete
• Jackie Slater (’13, MA in Organizational Leadership): NFL Hall of Fame Offensive Lineman
• Christian Okoye (’87): Former NFL player
• John C. Maxwell (’89, M.Div.): Leadership coach and writer
• Miles McPherson (’91, M.Div.): Senior Pastor of the Rock Church, San Diego
• Blanca Rubio (’99, ’03): American politician (California State Assembly)
• Dave Canales (’03): Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers

Azusa Pacific University continues its mission to prepare disciples and scholars to impact the world for Christ, blending academic rigor with a commitment to Christian faith and service.

FAQs about Azusa Pacific University

What is Azusa Pacific University known for?
Azusa Pacific University is known for its strong Christian foundation, diverse academic programs, close student-faculty interaction, and vibrant campus life that integrates faith, scholarship, and service.

Where is Azusa Pacific University located?
Azusa Pacific University is located in Azusa, California, about 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

When was Azusa Pacific University founded?
The university was founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers.

Is Azusa Pacific University a Christian school?
Yes, Azusa Pacific University is a private evangelical Christian university with a mission to develop disciples and scholars to impact the world for Christ.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Azusa Pacific University?
The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 10:1, allowing for personalized attention and mentoring.

What are the most popular majors at Azusa Pacific University?
Popular majors include Nursing, Business, Psychology, Education, Kinesiology, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, and Social Work.

Does Azusa Pacific University offer graduate and doctoral programs?
Yes, APU offers 40 master’s programs and 9 doctoral programs in addition to undergraduate degrees and certificate programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Azusa Pacific University?
The acceptance rate is about 87%, making it a lightly selective institution.

What is the average GPA of admitted students?
The average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.85.

Are SAT or ACT scores required for admission?
Test scores are recommended but not required. The average SAT score is 1161 and the average ACT score is 24.

What is the estimated annual cost to attend Azusa Pacific University?
The estimated annual cost for a first-year, on-campus student is around $56,244 before financial aid.

Does Azusa Pacific University offer financial aid?
Yes, 100% of new students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Is Azusa Pacific University a diverse campus?
Yes, APU is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and actively supports a diverse student population.

What athletic division does Azusa Pacific University compete in?
APU competes in NCAA Division II, mainly in the Pacific West Conference.

What sports are offered at Azusa Pacific University?
APU offers 16 varsity sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, volleyball, and water polo.

Has Azusa Pacific University won national championships?
Yes, APU has won multiple national championships in both NAIA and NCAA Division II, including titles in women’s outdoor track and field.

Does Azusa Pacific University have on-campus housing?
Yes, APU offers residence halls and apartments with a focus on building community and spiritual growth.

What are the spiritual life opportunities at APU?
Students can participate in chapel services, corporate worship, mission trips, local service, and small group ministries.

Is chapel attendance required at Azusa Pacific University?
Yes, chapel attendance is typically a required part of student life at APU.

Does Azusa Pacific University have online programs?
Yes, APU offers several online and regional campus programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.

What is the application fee for Azusa Pacific University?
The application fee is $45.

Does Azusa Pacific University use the Common Application?
No, APU does not accept the Common Application.

What are the application deadlines at Azusa Pacific University?
APU offers rolling admissions, but specific program deadlines may vary.

What are the key campus facilities at Azusa Pacific University?
Key facilities include the Felix Event Center, Cougar Athletic Stadium, residence halls, and specialized sports complexes.

Is Azusa Pacific University accredited?
Yes, APU is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and holds several specialized accreditations.

Who are some notable alumni from Azusa Pacific University?
Notable alumni include Olympic gold medalist Bryan Clay, YouTube personality Colleen Ballinger, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and NFL Hall of Famer Jackie Slater.

Does Azusa Pacific University support transfer students?
Yes, APU has an 83.83% transfer acceptance rate and offers resources to help transfer students transition successfully.

Is there a football team at Azusa Pacific University?
APU plans to relaunch its football program in 2026, competing in NCAA Division III.

What ranking does Azusa Pacific University hold nationally?
APU is ranked #236 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and holds strong rankings among Christian and nursing colleges.

Does Azusa Pacific University offer student leadership opportunities?
Yes, students can get involved through the Student Government Association, clubs, organizations, and campus events.

How does Azusa Pacific University support student wellness?
APU offers Christ-centered wellness programs, counseling services, health services, and initiatives promoting emotional, physical, and spiritual health.