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Pacific Islands University

Christian college

Pacific Islands University

Mangilao, GU · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational

Real cost

Average price after aid $9,334 a year

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Pacific Islands University is a non-profit Christian university in Mangilao, Guam, offering Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biblical Studies and in Liberal Studies. Its 2026-27 catalog publishes a Statement of Faith, Bible and theology courses in both bachelor's programs, a required community service program for full-time undergraduates, and days of prayer and a retreat on the academic calendar. The 2026-27 student handbook says chapel is held twice a week and required for resident and full-time students.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “Pacific Islands University exists to provide accessible, excellent, transformational Christian higher education and ministry training to Micronesia, the Pacific Islands, and to the ends of the earth.”

    Source: piu.edu

  • “We do this with our emphasis on integration in the classroom and curriculum and by modeling it through the lives and interests of the staff and faculty.”

    Source: piu.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Campus life includes mission trips, worship and chapel services.

Source: piu.edu
Where do I find community?

Students are involved in community service activities, discipleship groups and ministry to people in need.

Source: piu.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

All full-time program students must complete community service (SERV 200) to graduate.

Source: piu.edu

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence is computed for four-year colleges with at least 100 undergraduates. Seminaries, graduate-only schools, and two-year colleges are not rated.

Faith scorecard

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

N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (The handbook lists student chapel attendance twice a week.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Current-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Student Chapel attendance twice a week”
      The Student Development Team lists chapel attendance twice a week as a standing part of student community life.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsEncouraged or partly required (Chapel attendance is required for resident and full-time students with attendance taken; recorded as partly required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Current-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All resident and full-time students are”
      All resident and full-time students are required to attend chapel service, with attendance taken.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (Two days of prayer are on the 2026-27 academic calendar: October 1, 2026 and March 25, 2027.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Day of Prayer (classes)”
      The 2026-27 academic calendar has two days of prayer with no classes, on October 1, 2026 and March 25, 2027.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Both Bachelor of Arts schedules (Biblical Studies and Liberal Studies) require the same seven Bible and theology courses: BNEW 100, BOLD 100, BIBL 102, THEO 100, BNEW 202, one 3xx and one 4xx systematic theology course. Counted once each.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BNEW 100 - God on Earth—The Story of Jesus: An introduction to the background issues, content, and messages of all 27 New Testament books.”
      BNEW 100, a New Testament survey, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
      “BIBL 102 -Basic Bible Study Methods: An introduction to the principles of Biblical interpretation”
      BIBL 102, Basic Bible Study Methods, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
      “THEO 100 - Introduction to Christian Doctrine: An introductory survey of evangelical Christian doctrine.”
      THEO 100, Introduction to Christian Doctrine, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
      “BNEW 202 – Life of Christ: An introduction to Jesus of Nazareth, his earthly life, his ministry and”
      BNEW 202, Life of Christ, is a required course in the Bachelor of Arts schedules.
      “THEO 3xx 3rd Yr. Systematic Theology Course”
      The Liberal Studies schedule requires a third-year systematic theology course.
      “THEO 4xx 4th Yr. Systematic Theology Course”
      The Bachelor of Arts schedules require a fourth-year systematic theology course.
      “BOLD 100 - God in History—The Story of God’s People: An introduction to the background issues, content, and messages of the Old Testament books.”
      BOLD 100, an Old Testament survey, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (BNEW 100 (New Testament) and BOLD 100 (Old Testament) are on the required schedules of both bachelor's programs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BNEW 100 - God on Earth—The Story of Jesus: An introduction to the background issues, content, and messages of all 27 New Testament books.”
      BNEW 100, a New Testament survey, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
      “BOLD 100 - God in History—The Story of God’s People: An introduction to the background issues, content, and messages of the Old Testament books.”
      BOLD 100, an Old Testament survey, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We do this with our emphasis on integration in the classroom and curriculum and by modeling it through the lives and interests of the staff and faculty.”
      The university's stated goals say faith is integrated into the classroom and curriculum.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES (BABS)”
      The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Bible: We affirm that the whole Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit by verbal, plenary inspiration”
      The university publishes a Statement of Faith.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

71 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (One annual fall retreat weekend and the K2 Retreat on the 2026-27 calendar.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “K2 Retreat (classes on October 2)”
      The 2026-27 academic calendar lists a K2 Retreat on October 2-3, 2026.
    2. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Current-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “During the fall semester, each year, we as the PIU community come together for a weekend”
      The university holds an annual fall retreat weekend for the whole community, with worship, prayer and service.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (Discipleship groups are described as part of student life.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “students are involved in community service activities, discipleship groups, ministry to people in need”
      Students take part in discipleship groups, among other activities.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (An evening dorm fellowship is described.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Current-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All on-campus resident students are to attend these evening”
      On-campus resident students are expected to attend evening dorm fellowships.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Current-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “PIU may provide transportation to some local churches every Sunday.”
      PIU may provide transportation to local churches on Sundays, and staff will recommend churches to students who are new to Guam.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our Student Development team is tasked with the spiritual formation of our students”
      The Student Development team is responsible for the spiritual formation of students.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

78 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (The Vice President for Student Development sets the summer service projects and required hours each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Summer Community Service Projects and required hours are determined by the Vice President for Student Development each year.”
      The Vice President for Student Development sets the summer service projects and required hours each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All Full-Time Program students are REQUIRED to complete community service (SERV 200). This is a graduation requirement”
      All full-time undergraduates must complete a community service requirement (SERV 200) to graduate.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Mission trips are listed in the catalog, and a mission trip appears in the summer of the required schedules.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “mission trips, worship, and chapel services”
      The catalog lists mission trips and chapel services among its spiritual life activities.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Current-Student-Handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Some examples might include student outreach in public schools, prison ministry, community evangelism, local church ministry”
      The field education program places students in outreach and local church ministries.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (A world missions course, a cross-cultural communication course and mission trips are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “CMIN 201 - Introduction to World Missions: A survey of the history and theology of Christian”
      CMIN 201, Introduction to World Missions, is offered.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Apply appropriate knowledge and skills to Christian service in the family, the church, and local and global communities.”
      The Biblical Studies program aims to prepare students to apply their learning to Christian service.

Strengths

  • Both Bachelor of Arts programs require Bible and theology courses, including Old and New Testament surveys.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BNEW 100 - God on Earth—The Story of Jesus: An introduction to the background issues, content, and messages of all 27 New Testament books.”
      BNEW 100, a New Testament survey, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
      “BOLD 100 - God in History—The Story of God’s People: An introduction to the background issues, content, and messages of the Old Testament books.”
      BOLD 100, an Old Testament survey, is a required course in both Bachelor of Arts schedules.
  • The university publishes a Statement of Faith, and its stated goals say faith is integrated into the classroom and curriculum.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Bible: We affirm that the whole Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit by verbal, plenary inspiration”
      The university publishes a Statement of Faith.
      “We do this with our emphasis on integration in the classroom and curriculum and by modeling it through the lives and interests of the staff and faculty.”
      The university's stated goals say faith is integrated into the classroom and curriculum.
  • Full-time undergraduates must complete a community service requirement to graduate.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All Full-Time Program students are REQUIRED to complete community service (SERV 200). This is a graduation requirement”
      All full-time undergraduates must complete a community service requirement (SERV 200) to graduate.
  • The academic calendar includes two days of prayer and a student retreat in the 2026-27 year.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Day of Prayer (classes)”
      The 2026-27 academic calendar has two days of prayer with no classes, on October 1, 2026 and March 25, 2027.
      “K2 Retreat (classes on October 2)”
      The 2026-27 academic calendar lists a K2 Retreat on October 2-3, 2026.

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

Student Development (spiritual formation), Pacific Islands University

  • Address: 172 Kinney’s Road Mangilao, GU 96913
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog | Pacific Islands Universitypiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-2027-PIU-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Our Student Development team is tasked with the spiritual formation of our students”
    The Student Development team is responsible for the spiritual formation of students.

Christian clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 4 location not published

Clubs and groups 1

  • Discipleship groups
    Student discipleship groups described in the catalog.
    piu.edu

Retreats 2

  • Day of Prayer
    October 1, 2026 and March 25, 2027 (classes replaced by a day of prayer)
    A campus day of prayer on the academic calendar.
    piu.edu
  • K2 Retreat
    October 2-3, 2026
    A student retreat on the 2026-27 academic calendar.
    piu.edu

Service 1

  • Community service and ministry (SERV 200)
    A graduation requirement for full-time undergraduates, with summer service projects set by the Vice President for Student Development.
    piu.edu, piu.edu

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

Cost and value

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

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
55
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 49% · Women 51%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
39%
Total students55
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$9,334
Cost of attendance (per year)$13,032
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
67%
First-year retention100%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$20,902
Admission rate100%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$25
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,211 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants100%

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.

Campus facts

SettingSuburb
Part-time undergraduates33%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older33%
On-campus room and board (per year)$4,564
Students per faculty member15 to 1
Dorm spaceFor about 80% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceAntonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)About 3 miles away · about 25 minutes by car
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreUrban HonoluluAbout 3799 miles away
Typical weather81°F in January · 83°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Guam International Ap, Gu Gq, about 3 miles away

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

Campus safety reports

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

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

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

Christian churches nearby

Map of Pacific Islands University, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 miStudent Development (spiritual formation), Pacific Islands University: 0.1 miPacific Islands University (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Pacific Islands University a Christian college?
Yes. Pacific Islands University is a Christian college.
Is Pacific Islands University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Pacific Islands University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 439862
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (arts & sciences)
  • Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Interdenominational
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

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