Is Azusa Pacific University a Christian college?

Yes. Azusa Pacific University is a Christian college.

What is Azusa Pacific University’s Compass Score?

84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is chapel held at Azusa Pacific University?

Chapel is listed at Upper Turner Campus Center and East Campus. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Is Azusa Pacific University Compass Recommended?

Yes. Azusa Pacific University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

Christian college

#3 Best Christian colleges for history in California

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational

Real cost

Average price after aid $22,212 a year

Median debt at graduation: $23,219 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Honor Roll badge

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian university in Azusa, California. Its Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care publishes a weekly chapel schedule, and full-time undergraduates are required to attend chapel three times a week, with a set number of absences each semester. The general education program requires five Bible and theology courses, and a biblical and theological studies major is offered.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“Azusa Pacific University joyfully affirms the Gospel of Jesus Christ and stands in the historic stream of biblical Christianity.”
Source: apu.edu
“The Office of Service and Discipleship equips and empowers APU students to faithfully pursue God and participate in God’s transformative work in the world through intentional service and discipleship opportunities.”
Source: apu.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Full-time undergraduates with 12 or more units in a semester have a chapel and service requirement, and they get 10 flexible absences each semester.

Source: apu.edu

What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30, with a Thursday night chapel at 8.

Source: apu.edu

Where do I find community?

Ministry groups of 5 to 10 students meet for spiritual growth.

Source: catalog.apu.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

The Office of Service and Discipleship mobilizes more than 15 student teams to serve short-term in more than 30 countries.

Source: catalog.apu.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 34 more

In California

Show 19 more

Academic Excellence

B+

75 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score62%
First-year retention 20% of score84%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,195 · ACT 27.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score9 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$10,283

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

80 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Yes:
Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Four chapels a week are published (Mon, Wed, Fri mornings and Thu night).)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life Requirements | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapels are typically held on: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:30. Thursday nights at 8.”
  Regular chapel is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30 and Thursday nights at 8.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life Requirements | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Attend chapel three times per week Get 10 flexible absences each semester to use as needed”
  Full-time undergraduates are required to attend chapel three times a week, with a set number of absences each semester.
Not enough information:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time
Sources (1)
1. Chapel and Pastoral Care | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/chapel-pastoral-care · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “our Pastoral Care team is here for you, offering confidential one-on-one counseling by appointment.”
  A pastoral care team offers one-on-one counseling to students by appointment.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Chapel and Pastoral Care | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/chapel-pastoral-care · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Monday, 10:30-11:20 a.m., Upper Turner Campus Center, East Campus”
  The chapel schedule lists Monday chapel at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Turner Campus Center, with Thursday and Friday chapels in the same building.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (4 weekly times documented: 4 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Five required Bible and theology courses (15 units, 3 units each): CORE 100, SOT 150, SOT 200, SOT 250 and one upper-division Bible course.)
Sources (1)
1. General Education Requirements for Traditional Undergraduate Students | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/academics/general-education/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The 15 units of Bible and theology courses listed here”
  The general education requirements include 15 units (five courses) of Bible and theology.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students
Sources (1)
1. General Education Requirements for Traditional Undergraduate Students | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/academics/general-education/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “SOT 150 | Understanding the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Exile, Restoration | 3”
  An Old Testament course is required of all traditional undergraduates.
  “Understanding the New Testament: Christ, Redemption, Community, New Creation 1 | 3”
  A New Testament course is required of all traditional undergraduates (footnote 1 allows SOT 241 or 242 instead).
Not enough information:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (1)
1. A Faith and Learning Community | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/about/faithandlearning · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All curricula across our academic disciplines integrate faith.”
  The university states that all curricula integrate faith.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. BA in Biblical and Theological Studies | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/academics/college-arts-humanities-theology-sciences/school-theology/biblical-studies-theology-ministry/theology-ba · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The biblical and theological studies major may be earned by completing all of the following courses:”
  A Bible and theology major (BA in Biblical and Theological Studies) is offered.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
1. What We Believe | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Azusa Pacific University joyfully affirms the Gospel of Jesus Christ and stands in the historic stream of biblical Christianity.”
  The university publishes Articles of Faith.

Christian community

75 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

Not enough information:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (One optional discipleship retreat each year.)
Sources (1)
1. Service and Discipleship | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/student-resources/undergraduate/student-affairs/center-student-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each year, the Office of Service and Discipleship provides students an optional discipleship-focused retreat.”
  An optional discipleship retreat is offered each year.
Partly:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (Discipleship Groups (D-Groups).)
Sources (1)
1. Service and Discipleship | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/student-resources/undergraduate/student-affairs/center-student-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “This ministry provides the opportunity for groups of 5-10 students to meet for spiritual growth.”
  Discipleship Groups (D-Groups) meet for spiritual growth in groups of 5 to 10 students.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (Spiritual Life's Connect with a Local Church resource gives guidance on choosing a church.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life Resourcesapu.edu/spiritual-life/resources · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Our hope is that every student becomes an active participant within a local church beyond APU ministry and chapel experiences.”
  Spiritual Life helps students connect with a local church, with guidance on selecting one.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Spiritual Life comprises three offices and a variety of strategic programs”
  Spiritual Life is an administrative division with three offices.

Missions and service

93 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (1)
1. Office of Service and Discipleship | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/service-discipleship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Office of Service and Discipleship equips and empowers APU students to faithfully pursue God and participate in God’s transformative work in the world through intentional service and discipleship opportunities.”
  A service and discipleship office runs the university's service programs.
Yes:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life Requirements | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All full-time undergraduate students with 12 units or more in a given semester, have a chapel and service requirement.”
  All full-time undergraduates have a service requirement.
Yes:
Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (More than 15 student teams each year (catalog).)
Sources (1)
1. Service and Discipleship | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/student-resources/undergraduate/student-affairs/center-student-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each year, the Office of Service and Discipleship mobilizes more than 15 student teams to serve in a short-term capacity in more than 30 countries around the world”
  The Office of Service and Discipleship sends more than 15 student teams each year on short-term service in more than 30 countries.
Partly:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
Sources (1)
1. Service and Discipleship | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/student-resources/undergraduate/student-affairs/center-student-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Focused on collaborative relationships with organizations and churches”
  Local service programs are built with organizations and churches.
Yes:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany
Sources (1)
1. Service and Discipleship | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/student-resources/undergraduate/student-affairs/center-student-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each year, the Office of Service and Discipleship mobilizes more than 15 student teams to serve in a short-term capacity in more than 30 countries around the world”
  The Office of Service and Discipleship sends more than 15 student teams each year on short-term service in more than 30 countries.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (2)
1. Service and Discipleship | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/student-resources/undergraduate/student-affairs/center-student-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “the good news of Jesus’ love transforms every people, culture, and condition”
  Service is grounded in the Christian gospel.
2. Office of Service and Discipleship | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/service-discipleship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Office of Service and Discipleship equips and empowers APU students to faithfully pursue God and participate in God’s transformative work in the world through intentional service and discipleship opportunities.”
  A service and discipleship office runs the university's service programs.

Strengths

Chapel is held four times a week on the published schedule, and full-time undergraduates are required to attend three times a week.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life Requirements | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapels are typically held on: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:30. Thursday nights at 8.”
  Regular chapel is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30 and Thursday nights at 8.
  “Attend chapel three times per week Get 10 flexible absences each semester to use as needed”
  Full-time undergraduates are required to attend chapel three times a week, with a set number of absences each semester.
Five Bible and theology courses are required of all traditional undergraduates, including the Old and New Testament.
Sources (1)
1. General Education Requirements for Traditional Undergraduate Students | Academic Catalogcatalog.apu.edu/academics/general-education/general-education-requirements · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The 15 units of Bible and theology courses listed here”
  The general education requirements include 15 units (five courses) of Bible and theology.
  “SOT 150 | Understanding the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Exile, Restoration | 3”
  An Old Testament course is required of all traditional undergraduates.
  “Understanding the New Testament: Christ, Redemption, Community, New Creation 1 | 3”
  A New Testament course is required of all traditional undergraduates (footnote 1 allows SOT 241 or 242 instead).
The university publishes Articles of Faith and states that all curricula integrate faith.
Sources (2)
1. What We Believe | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Azusa Pacific University joyfully affirms the Gospel of Jesus Christ and stands in the historic stream of biblical Christianity.”
  The university publishes Articles of Faith.
2. A Faith and Learning Community | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/about/faithandlearning · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “All curricula across our academic disciplines integrate faith.”
  The university states that all curricula integrate faith.
Spiritual Life publishes a Connect with a Local Church resource to help students find a church.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life Resourcesapu.edu/spiritual-life/resources · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Our hope is that every student becomes an active participant within a local church beyond APU ministry and chapel experiences.”
  Spiritual Life helps students connect with a local church, with guidance on selecting one.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care

Address: Building 31, University Drive, Azusa, CA 91702
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel

Source: apu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, apu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, apu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)

Chapel and Pastoral Care | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/chapel-pastoral-care · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care facilitates opportunities for spiritual formation and life transformation in the undergraduate community.”
The Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care leads chapel and pastoral care for undergraduates.
Office of Service and Discipleship | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/service-discipleship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The Office of Service and Discipleship equips and empowers APU students to faithfully pursue God and participate in God’s transformative work in the world through intentional service and discipleship opportunities.”
A service and discipleship office runs the university's service programs.

Christian clubs and student life

3 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 1 location not published

Service 1

Global Engagement teamsOff campus
Short-term service teams that serve in more than 30 countries each year, including several in the United States.
catalog.apu.edu

Clubs and groups 1

Discipleship Groups (D-Groups)On campus
Weekly for 10 weeks in fall and spring semesters
Small groups of 5 to 10 students with prayer, Bible study and fellowship.
catalog.apu.edu

Retreats 1

Discipleship Retreat
Once a year
An optional discipleship-focused retreat.
catalog.apu.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 4

Monday10:30 AMUpper Turner Campus Center, East Campus · Monday chapel, 10:30-11:20 a.m. (chapel page).
Wednesday10:30 AMUpper Turner Campus Center, East Campus · Wednesday chapel from October 1, 2026 (before September 30, 2026 it was in the Felix Event Center).
Thursday8:00 PMUpper Turner Campus Center, East Campus · Thursday night chapel.
Friday10:30 AMUpper Turner Campus Center, East Campus · Friday chapel, 10:30-11:20 a.m.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Chapel and Pastoral Care | Azusa Pacific Universityapu.edu/spiritual-life/chapel-pastoral-care · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Monday, 10:30-11:20 a.m., Upper Turner Campus Center, East Campus”
The chapel schedule lists Monday chapel at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Turner Campus Center, with Thursday and Friday chapels in the same building.
“Monday, 10:30-11:20 a.m., Upper Turner Campus Center, East Campus”
The chapel schedule lists Monday chapel at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Turner Campus Center, with Thursday and Friday chapels in the same building.
“Monday, 10:30-11:20 a.m., Upper Turner Campus Center, East Campus”
The chapel schedule lists Monday chapel at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Turner Campus Center, with Thursday and Friday chapels in the same building.
“Monday, 10:30-11:20 a.m., Upper Turner Campus Center, East Campus”
The chapel schedule lists Monday chapel at 10:30 a.m. in the Upper Turner Campus Center, with Thursday and Friday chapels in the same building.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$15,781
$30,001–$48,000	$20,495
$48,001–$75,000	$22,998
Over $110,000	$27,193

Full cost of attendance before aid: $56,313 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	2,977
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 32% · Women 68%
First-generation students College Scorecard	38%
First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023	18%
Total students	6,487
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$22,212
Cost of attendance (per year)	$56,313
Median federal debt at graduation	$23,219
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	62%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	58%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	56%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	64%
First-year retention	84%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$66,677
Admission rate	88%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$45
Students receiving Pell grants	35%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 983–1238ACT 25–30

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1195
SAT reading & writing	515–615
SAT math	468–623
ACT composite	25–30
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 70 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Nursing	$118,549
Business administration	$78,900
Clinical and counseling psychology	$66,411
Health sciences	$64,797
Psychology	$63,963
Liberal arts	$56,994

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Applied mathematics, Area studies, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biological and physical sciences, Biology, Broadcasting, Business (general), Chemistry, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Criminology, Design, Economics, Engineering (general), English, Entrepreneurship, Film and video, Fine arts, Foods, Nutrition,, General studies, Graphic communications, History, Information technology, Interdisciplinary studies, International business, International relations, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Management information systems, Managerial economics, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Other biological and biomedical sciences, Other health professions and related clinical sciences, Other physical sciences, Other theology and religious vocations, Pastoral counseling, Philosophy, Physics, Physiology and pathology, Political science, Public relations, Religious Education, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Secondary education, Social sciences, Social work, Sociology, Teaching English as a second language, Theatre, Theology, Visual and performing arts.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Health professions	53%
Psychology	9%
Business	8%
Visual and performing arts	8%
Liberal arts and general studies	5%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Suburb
Part-time undergraduates	11%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	24%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$10,704
Sports	NCAA Division II · Pacific West Conference
ROTC	Army
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	9 to 1
Faculty who are full-time	100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$17,484IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 71% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Ontario International Airport (ONT)About 17 miles away
Town population	49,031Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	AnaheimAbout 20 miles away
Typical weather	56°F in January · 76°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Pomona/fairplex, CA, about 8 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.11	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.72	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.08	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Azusa Pacific University a Christian college?: Yes. Azusa Pacific University is a Christian college.
What is Azusa Pacific University’s Compass Score?: 84 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Azusa Pacific University?: Chapel is listed at Upper Turner Campus Center and East Campus. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is Azusa Pacific University Compass Recommended?: Yes. Azusa Pacific University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 109785
Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (high research)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Undenominational
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