Azusa Pacific University: A Comprehensive Christian University
Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Azusa Pacific University (APU) stands as a premier Christian university with a rich history dating back to 1899. Founded as the Training School for Christian Workers—the first Bible college on the West Coast—the institution has grown into a comprehensive university that remains deeply committed to its founding vision of preparing disciples and scholars to make a difference for Christ. Today, APU is organized into three colleges and seven schools, offering over 80 bachelor’s degrees, 51 master’s degrees, eight doctoral programs, and numerous certificates and credentials.
A Tradition of Excellence
APU has earned significant national recognition for its commitment to academic excellence. In the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S., APU achieved a historic placement as the top-ranked Christian university in California, holding the No. 62 spot nationally—the highest national ranking in the university’s history. The university also ranked No. 1 for Best Salaries for Graduates among Christian universities and earned high marks for Student Experience (No. 46), Social Mobility (No. 54), and Best Value (No. 204). U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges edition ranked APU No. 283 among National Universities and recognized the university for its strong BSN programs, undergraduate engineering programs, and graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, social work, and clinical psychology. Furthermore, the Carnegie Foundation has classified APU as an R2 Doctoral University with High Research Activity—one of only two institutions in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to hold this distinction. Buy fake USA diploma online.
Academic Programs and Student Body
With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, APU provides a personalized learning environment where 42 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. The most popular undergraduate majors include Registered Nursing, Business Administration, and Psychology, with health professions and business each accounting for approximately 21 percent of graduates. The university enrolls approximately 2,759 undergraduate students (fall 2024), with undergraduate enrollment spanning a suburban campus of 103 acres. Notably, APU is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The university also serves more than 340 military-connected students and families, earning a Gold Award as a Military Friendly School.
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A Vibrant Campus Community
At the heart of APU lies its Christ-centered mission, built upon the Four Cornerstones—Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service. Students attend chapel multiple times each week, and faith is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum both inside and outside the classroom. The university embraces diversity from a biblical perspective, and as of Fall 2024, undergraduate ethnic minority students comprise 66 percent of the student body, with students from 18 countries represented across campus. APU’s main campus comprises East and West campuses, spanning more than 100 acres and featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including the Segerstrom Science Center, the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library, the Richard and Vivian Felix Event Center, and the John and Marilyn Duke Academic Complex.
Athletics and Student Life
The APU Cougars compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Pacific West Conference. Since transitioning to the NCAA in 2014, Azusa Pacific has won two NCAA national championships and claimed 51 conference titles. Prior to joining the NCAA, the Cougars captured 37 NAIA national championships and won an unprecedented eight consecutive Directors’ Cups as the NAIA’s best overall athletics program. With its prime location in Southern California, APU students enjoy easy access to the cultural attractions of Los Angeles County as well as the mountain and beach resorts of the region.
A Bright Future
From its humble beginnings in a modest Whittier home to its current status as one of the largest Christian universities in the nation, Azusa Pacific University continues to fulfill its motto, “God First”. With strong outcomes for alumni earnings, social mobility, and student experience, APU remains steadfast in its mission to provide a transformative Christ-centered education that equips students to excel in today’s competitive marketplace. As the university looks toward the future, it does so with the same unwavering commitment to excellence, service, and faith that has defined it for over 125 years.
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