“Private evangelical R2 research university near Los Angeles with 100+ programs and seven Southern California campuses.”
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private, evangelical Christian university located about 26 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley foothills. Founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers, APU has grown into one of the largest faith-based universities in California, enrolling roughly 8,500 students across a 107-acre main campus in Azusa, an East Campus across the street, and seven regional centers throughout Southern California. The institution's mission — "God First" — is visible in required chapel, faith-integrated coursework, and a student culture that takes Christian practice seriously without being denominationally exclusive. APU offers more than 100 degree programs ranging from bachelor's through doctoral level, with particular strength in nursing and health sciences, theology and ministry, education, psychology, business, and the visual and performing arts. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is the largest producer of BSN graduates in Southern California, and the School of Theology anchors the university's identity with undergraduate and graduate programs in biblical studies, ministry, and practical theology. Programs such as physical therapy, athletic training, kinesiology, and music emphasize hands-on clinical or performance placements, while the Honors College pulls high-achieving students into a great-books seminar track. Student life at APU centers on chapel, intramural athletics, worship-led clubs and mission trips, and easy access to Los Angeles — Hollywood, the beaches, and Disneyland are all within an hour. Cougar athletics compete in NCAA Division II (Pacific West Conference), and student-run media, music ensembles, and faith-based service organizations dominate campus life. For international students drawn to Christian higher education or to Southern California's climate and opportunities, APU offers a warm campus, dedicated international scholarships including the competitive Haggard International Scholarship, and a full suite of F-1 support services.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Research Activity
Carnegie Classifications (2021)
Christian University in California
Wall Street Journal 2026 Best Colleges
Research classification
Carnegie Classification
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Action
Priority consideration for merit scholarships.
Regular Decision
Applications after this date reviewed space-available.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$44,458
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
4 years
The largest BSN program in Southern California, with strong NCLEX-RN pass rates and rotations through Kaiser, Keck, Huntington, and City of Hope.
4 years
A signature program that funnels graduates into ministry, missions, and top MDiv/PhD programs across the country.
3 years
A three-year clinical doctorate with dedicated DPT facilities and regional clinical placements.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $44,458
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
