Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private, check these guys out evangelical Christian university located in Azusa, California, approximately 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers, APU has grown into one of the largest Christian universities in the nation, offering more than 150 degree options from bachelor’s through doctoral levels.

History and Mission

APU’s story began on March 3, 1899, when a group of men and women passionate about Christian education gathered in a modest home in Whittier, California, to establish the first Bible college on the West Coast. Led by President Mary A. Hill, the school opened with just 12 students in its first term. After several relocations and mergers with other Southern California colleges, the institution settled in Azusa in 1946.

The university adopted the name Azusa Pacific University in 1981 upon achieving university status. Throughout its 125-year history, APU has remained committed to its founding vision of preparing “disciples and scholars to go out and make a difference in the world for Christ”. The university’s motto, “God First,” has guided its development since 1899.

APU’s mission is built on Four Cornerstones: Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service. These values shape every aspect of university life—from classroom instruction to campus fellowship to community engagement.

Academic Programs

APU is a comprehensive university offering 59 bachelor’s degrees, 34 master’s degrees, 35 certificates and credentials, and 7 doctoral programs. The university serves more than 7,000 students across its main campus in Azusa, six regional locations throughout Southern California, and online.

The university is organized into several colleges and schools, including the School of Business and Management, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Theology. Popular programs span business, nursing, psychology, education, and theology, with specialized offerings in areas such as cinematic arts, music, and social work.

APU’s academic credentials include accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, along with specialized accreditations for its nursing, social work, psychology, and education programs. The university is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral Research University—one of only two institutions in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to hold this designation.

Rankings and Recognition

APU has earned significant recognition in national rankings. In the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, APU achieved its highest-ever placement at No. 62 overall and was named the top-ranked Christian university in California for the second consecutive year. The university also ranked as the highest-ranked institution in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and earned the top spot among CCCU schools for alumni salaries.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 edition named APU to its list of top national universities, recognizing the institution for Top Performers on Social Mobility, Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, and Best BSN Programs. The Princeton Review designated APU as one of 79 institutions in its “Best West” section.

APU’s nursing and education graduate programs have been recognized by Money for outstanding affordability, value, and return on investment. The university also holds 2026-27 Military Friendly Gold Status, right here ranking in the top 10 nationwide for veteran success.

Student Body and Community

APU’s student body reflects the diversity of Southern California. As of Fall 2024, undergraduate ethnic minority students comprise 66 percent of the student body, with students from 18 countries represented across campus. The university is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

The university maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing professors to invest intentionally in students’ academic, spiritual, and emotional development. Faculty prioritize mentorship, with students having opportunities to work alongside professors through internships, research assistantships, and teaching positions.

APU hosts numerous ethnic organizations that celebrate cultural heritage and foster community, including the Black Student Association, Latin American Student Association, Pacific Islanders Organization, and Third Culture Kids club. These groups organize events ranging from cultural celebrations to fellowship gatherings, contributing to APU’s vibrant campus community.

Campus Locations

APU’s main campus is located in Azusa, at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The university also operates six regional campuses across Southern California: High Desert, Murrieta, Monrovia, Orange County, Inland Empire, and San Diego. These locations offer programs tailored to working professionals and regional workforce needs, particularly in healthcare, business, and education.

Cost and Financial Aid

For the 2026-27 academic year, traditional undergraduate tuition and fees total approximately $45,980, with an estimated total cost of attendance of $68,470 including housing, food, books, and personal expenses. The average need-based aid package at APU is $37,687.

APU offers generous financial aid programs and accepts various forms of assistance, including military benefits. The university serves more than 340 veteran and military-connected students and is a Yellow Ribbon University.

Conclusion

Azusa Pacific University stands as a distinctive institution in American higher education—a comprehensive Christian university that combines academic rigor with spiritual formation. From its humble beginnings as a Bible college with 12 students to its current status as a nationally recognized university serving thousands, APU has remained true to its founding mission of preparing students to make a difference in the world. For students seeking an education that integrates faith and learning, official source APU offers a compelling option in the heart of Southern California.