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Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“"God First"”

1899
Founded
Private research university
Type
2,977
Total Students
3,795
Undergrad
3,703
Graduate
$44K
Tuition (In-State)
$44K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
79%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Adam J. Morris

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University: 'God First' in faith-integrated learning and impactful research.

Azusa Pacific University (APU) stands as a vibrant private evangelical research university in Azusa, California, known for its "God First" motto and a deep commitment to integrating faith with rigorous academics. Founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers, it holds the distinction of being the first Bible college on the West Coast, setting a foundation for over a century of educational excellence and spiritual development. Today, APU continues to uphold its Wesleyan-Arminian theological heritage while embracing a diverse, interdenominational Christian community.

APU offers an impressive breadth of educational opportunities, with over 100 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs delivered on campus, online, and at regional locations across Southern California. The university's academic structure includes three colleges and seven distinct schools, ensuring a comprehensive and specialized learning experience. Prospective students can explore programs across a wide array of disciplines, from liberal arts and sciences to music and the arts, and professional studies in nursing, business, education, and theology.

For students and families considering APU, the university emphasizes its "Four Cornerstones": Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service. With a student body of over 7,120, APU cultivates a supportive suburban campus environment where academic pursuits are intertwined with a strong sense of community and a call to service. Beyond the classroom, APU is a significant economic contributor to California, generating $1.25 billion in economic impact annually and supporting thousands of jobs, demonstrating its commitment to both intellectual and societal flourishing.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1899 as the first Bible college on the West Coast.
  • ✦A private evangelical research university guided by its motto, "God First."
  • ✦Offers over 100 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
  • ✦Home to 7,120 students across its main campus, online, and seven regional locations.
  • ✦Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
  • ✦Generates $1.25 billion in economic impact within California annually, supporting 7,260 jobs.
  • ✦Academic framework built on "Four Cornerstones": Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service.

Timeline

1899
Founded as Training School for Christian Workers in Whittier, California.
1939
Renamed Pacific Bible College and began offering four-year degrees.
1946
Relocated to Azusa, California.
1956
Renamed Azusa College.
1965
Became Azusa-Pacific College (APC).
1968
Merged with Arlington College.
1981
Achieved university status and renamed Azusa Pacific University.
1990
Introduced the university's first doctoral programs.
2017
An independent study found APU generates $1.25 billion in economic impact for California annually.
2019
Paul W. Ferguson named the 17th president of the university.
🏛️
127 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

10 notable schools within Azusa Pacific University

🏫

Honors College

One of three main colleges offering specialized academic experiences.

🎭

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

One of three main colleges providing a broad range of foundational and advanced studies.

🎭

College of Music and the Arts

One of three main colleges focusing on creative and performing arts.

🏫

Leung School of Accounting

A specialized school dedicated to accounting education.

🏫

University College

A school within the university structure.

🔬

School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences

A professional school offering programs in behavioral and applied sciences.

💼

School of Business and Management

A professional school providing education in business and management disciplines.

📚

School of Education

A professional school focused on preparing future educators.

💉

School of Nursing

A professional school offering comprehensive nursing programs.

✝️

School of Theology

The university's seminary, holding to a Wesleyan-Arminian doctrinal theology.

Leadership

Adam J. Morris
President
Anita Henck
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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