Azusa Pacific University is a private evangelical Christian university located in Azusa, California. Founded in 1899, it is affiliated with the evangelical Christian tradition and offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The university includes colleges and schools focused on arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and health sciences, theology, and seminary studies. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Azusa Pacific University serves students on its suburban Southern California campus as well as through regional and online programs. The institution attracts students seeking an education that integrates academic study with Christian faith and service.
With a 88.43% acceptance rate, Azusa Pacific University is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Azusa Pacific University was founded in 1899 in Whittier, California, as the Training School for Christian Workers, becoming the first Bible college on the West Coast. Led by its first president, Mary A. Hill, the school began with a small group of students committed to Christian education and ministry preparation. In 1939, it was renamed Pacific Bible College and began offering four-year degrees. After relocating to Azusa, California, in 1946, the institution continued to expand. It became Azusa College in 1956 and later Azusa Pacific College following mergers with other Southern California institutions in the late 1960s. In 1981, Azusa Pacific University achieved university status, reflecting its broadened academic scope. Over time, Azusa Pacific University developed graduate and doctoral programs and expanded its professional schools, shaping its current identity as a comprehensive Christian university.
Azusa Pacific University has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means small class sizes and close interaction with professors. Students often benefit from more personalized attention, accessible faculty mentorship, and greater opportunities for discussion and research collaboration.
Applying to Azusa Pacific University involves submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores if required, personal statements, and faith-related components that reflect the university’s Christian mission. Azusa Pacific University reviews applications holistically, considering academic preparation, character, and commitment to service. Undergraduate and graduate applicants can explore a wide range of programs across the arts, sciences, business, education, health sciences, and theology.
Azusa Pacific University offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state assistance. Institutional scholarships at Azusa Pacific University may be awarded based on academic merit, talent, leadership, or ministry involvement, helping families manage tuition and related costs.
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