# Azusa Pacific University

> university in Azusa, California, USA

**Wikidata**: [Q4583636](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4583636)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Pacific_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/azusa-pacific-university

## Summary

Azusa Pacific University is a private, non-profit Christian university located in Azusa, California, founded in 1899 as a Bible college and now serving as a comprehensive higher education institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines. The university operates as an undeominational institution affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and is classified as a doctoral university with moderate research activity by the Carnegie Classification system. With approximately 1,963 employees, a $76.9 million endowment, and total assets exceeding $352 million, Azusa Pacific represents a significant institution within California and the broader American Christian higher education landscape.

## Key Facts

- **Founded**: 1899 (originally as a Bible college)
- **Location**: 901 E Alosta, Azusa, CA 91702-7000, United States
- **Coordinates**: 34.12971° N, 117.88888° W
- **Campus Type**: Four-year, medium, highly residential
- **Academic Calendar**: Semester-based
- **Enrollment**: Admission rate of 94% (2020), admission yield rate of 15% (2020)
- **Tuition**: $51,552 (2022-23 academic year)
- **Endowment**: $76,922,937 (as of June 30, 2020)
- **Total Assets**: $352,158,662 (as of June 30, 2020)
- **Employees**: 1,963 (as of September 2020)
- **Religious Affiliation**: Undenominational Christian (affiliated with Council for Christian Colleges and Universities)
- **Athletics**: Azusa Pacific Cougars (NCAA competition)
- **Carnegie Classification**: Doctoral university: moderate research activity; majority undergraduate; research doctoral: professional-dominant; four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in; balanced arts & sciences/professions, some graduate coexistence
- **Academic Focus**: Higher education with programs spanning undergraduate and graduate levels

## FAQs

### What type of institution is Azusa Pacific University?

Azusa Pacific University is a private, not-for-profit educational institution classified as both a university and a seminary, with additional designation as a church college. It operates as an undeominational Christian university offering higher education programs across multiple degree levels.

### Where is Azusa Pacific University located?

The university is located at 901 E Alosta in Azusa, California, with the postal code 91702-7000. Its geographic coordinates are 34.12971° north latitude and 117.88888° west longitude, placing it in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County.

### What is Azusa Pacific University's religious affiliation?

Azusa Pacific University maintains an undeominational Christian affiliation and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The institution was originally founded as a Bible college in 1899 and has evolved into a comprehensive university while maintaining its Christian identity.

### What is Azusa Pacific University's academic calendar and classification?

The university operates on a semester academic calendar and is classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a "doctoral university: moderate research activity" with a majority undergraduate population. It is characterized as a four-year, medium, highly residential institution with selective admissions and higher transfer-in rates.

### What athletic programs does Azusa Pacific University offer?

Azusa Pacific University competes athletically as the Azusa Pacific Cougars, participating in NCAA collegiate athletics. The university fields competitive teams in various sports at the intercollegiate level.

### What is the cost of attendance at Azusa Pacific University?

For the 2022-23 academic year, tuition and fees at Azusa Pacific University were $51,552. This figure represents the comprehensive cost for full-time undergraduate enrollment, though actual costs may vary based on specific programs, room and board, and other factors.

### How large is Azusa Pacific University in terms of staff and finances?

As of 2020, Azusa Pacific University employed 1,963 staff members. The university reported an endowment of $76,922,937 and total assets of $352,158,662 as of June 30, 2020, indicating substantial financial resources for a regional private institution.

### What organizations is Azusa Pacific University affiliated with?

Azusa Pacific University is a member of the American Council on Education and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. These affiliations position the institution within broader educational networks and Christian higher education communities.

## Why It Matters

Azusa Pacific University matters as an exemplar of the evolution of American Christian higher education from its origins as specialized Bible colleges to comprehensive universities offering doctoral-level programs. Founded in 1899, it represents over a century of educational ministry that has adapted to changing educational demands while maintaining its religious mission. The university's classification as a doctoral research institution demonstrates that faith-based universities can achieve significant academic rigor and research output while preserving their Christian identity.

The institution plays a vital role in providing accessible higher education in the California region, with its 94% admission rate indicating an open enrollment philosophy that welcomes a broad student population. Its residential campus model supports student development beyond the classroom, while the athletic program contributes to campus community and regional recognition through NCAA competition.

From an economic perspective, the university's $352 million in assets and nearly $77 million endowment represent significant educational infrastructure serving the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles region. The institution's approximately 2,000 employees make it a notable employer in the local economy, while its alumni contribute to various professional fields.

The university's membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities connects it to a network of over 180 Christian institutions worldwide, allowing for collaborative initiatives, study abroad programs, and shared resources that amplify its educational impact beyond what a standalone institution could achieve.

## Notable For

- **Historical Depth**: Over 125 years of continuous operation since 1899, making it one of the older institutions of Christian higher education on the West Coast
- **Comprehensive Offerings**: Evolution from a Bible college to a doctoral-level research university offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs
- **Athletic Identity**: The Azusa Pacific Cougars compete in NCAA athletics, providing visibility and school spirit
- **Financial Strength**: Substantial endowment and asset base for a regional private institution
- **Open Access**: High admission rate of 94% demonstrates commitment to educational accessibility
- **Christian Higher Education Leadership**: Active membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
- **Research Classification**: Designated as a doctoral university with moderate research activity, distinguishing it from primarily teaching-focused institutions

## Body

### History and Founding

Azusa Pacific University traces its origins to 1899, when it was established as a Bible college. The institution was founded with a religious mission centered on Christian education and theological training. Over the subsequent decades, the university expanded its academic offerings and evolved from a specialized Bible college into a comprehensive higher education institution. This transformation reflects a broader trend in American Christian higher education where institutions developed broader curricular offerings while maintaining their religious foundations. The university's founding in the late 19th century places it among the older institutions of Christian higher education in California and the western United States.

### Campus and Location

The university is situated in Azusa, California, a city located in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. The campus address is 901 E Alosta, Azusa, CA 91702-7000. Geographically, the campus is positioned at coordinates 34.12971° north latitude and 117.88888° west longitude. The institution operates as a residential campus, classified as "four-year, medium, highly residential" by the Carnegie Classification system, meaning a significant portion of students live on campus throughout their academic careers. The campus location provides access to the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area while maintaining a contained educational environment.

### Academic Structure and Classification

Azusa Pacific University operates as a doctoral university with moderate research activity, according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The institution is characterized by several specific classification attributes: majority undergraduate enrollment, research doctoral: professional-dominant profile, four-year full-time structure with selective admissions, higher transfer-in rates, and a balanced approach combining arts and sciences with professional programs with some graduate coexistence. The academic calendar follows a semester system, with traditional fall and spring terms plus summer sessions. The institution offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs across multiple disciplines, reflecting its evolution from a Bible college to a comprehensive university.

### Institutional Identity and Religious Affiliation

Azusa Pacific University maintains an undeominational Christian identity, meaning it serves students from various Protestant Christian backgrounds without alignment to a specific denomination. The university holds membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, an organization of over 180 Christian institutions globally that promotes Christian higher education. The institution is also classified as a seminary, reflecting its continued commitment to theological education alongside its broader academic offerings. This dual identity as both a university and seminary distinguishes Azusa Pacific from many other Christian colleges that have transitioned exclusively to secular or general Christian university models.

### Financial Profile

The university maintains substantial financial resources supporting its educational mission. As of June 30, 2020, Azusa Pacific University reported total assets of $352,158,662 and an endowment of $76,922,937. For the 2022-23 academic year, tuition and fees were set at $51,552, positioning the institution within the range of private university costs in California. The financial base enables the university to maintain facilities, compensate faculty and staff, and fund academic programs. The institution employs approximately 1,963 staff members, making it a significant employer in the Azusa area and the broader San Gabriel Valley region.

### Admissions and Student Body

Azusa Pacific University maintains an open admissions philosophy, with an admission rate of 94% for the 2020 academic year. This high acceptance rate indicates that the university admits the vast majority of applicants who meet minimum requirements. The admission yield rate of 15% for the same year suggests that roughly one in six admitted students ultimately enrolled, indicating that many admitted students choose to attend other institutions. The university's classification includes "selective, higher transfer-in" characteristics, suggesting it attracts significant numbers of transfer students from other colleges and universities.

### Athletics and Campus Life

The athletic teams of Azusa Pacific University are known as the Cougars, competing in NCAA collegiate athletics. The university's athletic program provides opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the intercollegiate level while pursuing their academic degrees. The residential nature of the campus supports student engagement through athletics, campus events, and community activities. The Cougars program contributes to school spirit and provides a visible public presence for the university through competitive sports.

### Digital and Social Presence

Azusa Pacific University maintains an active presence across multiple digital platforms. The primary website is https://www.apu.edu/, with the domain "apu.edu" registered for institutional use. The university maintains official profiles on major social media platforms including Twitter (@azusapacific), Instagram (@azusapacific), and Facebook (azusapacific). The Twitter account was established in November 2008, indicating early adoption of social media for institutional communication. The university also has a presence on Reddit (r/apu), Quora (topic: Azusa-Pacific-University), and Threads (@azusapacific). These platforms serve for institutional communication, alumni engagement, and prospective student outreach.

### Administrative Structure and Memberships

The university participates in higher education organizations that provide resources, accreditation, and collaborative opportunities. Membership in the American Council on Education connects Azusa Pacific with the broader American higher education community, while affiliation with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities specifically links it with institutions sharing similar religious missions. The university holds a Ringgold ID of 1444 and an Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ID of 109785, both used for institutional identification in educational databases. The Times Higher Education World University ID provides international visibility in global university rankings.

### Identifiers and Documentation

Azusa Pacific University is documented across multiple identification systems used in academic research, library sciences, and institutional databases. The Research Organization Registry ID is 02bmftj86, providing a persistent identifier for research institution identification. The GRID ID is grid.252657.1, used in global research infrastructure databases. The Virtual International Authority File ID is 128000704, facilitating library cataloging and authority work. Additional identifiers include the Geonames ID of 5325430 for geographic identification, Library of Congress Authority ID n95011201, Freebase ID /m/02fgq7, and Crunchbase organization ID azusa-pacific-university. The KISTI ID is K000206763, and the HAL Structure ID is 346013. These multiple identifiers reflect the university's documentation across scientific databases, library systems, and commercial information platforms.

### International and Linguistic Dimensions

While primarily an English-language institution with its website at https://www.apu.edu/ in English, the university maintains multilingual Wikipedia presence. Wikipedia articles about Azusa Pacific University exist in multiple languages including English (en), Azerbaijani (azb), German (de), Persian (fa), Finnish (fi), Mongolian (mn), Norwegian (no), and Chinese (zh). This multilingual coverage reflects international interest in the institution and provides information access for non-English speakers. The Commons category "Azusa Pacific University" on Wikimedia Commons organizes visual media related to the campus.

## References

1. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20240120080233/https://acememberdirectory.azurewebsites.net/)
4. Google Knowledge Graph
5. GeoNames
6. Freebase Data Dumps
7. [Source](http://www.apu.edu)
8. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
9. GRID Release 2015-12-14
10. GRID Release 2016-12-06
11. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
12. Quora
13. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
14. [2022-23 Tuition and Fees. Azusa Pacific University](https://www.apu.edu/undergraduate-enrollment-services/finances/cost/2022-23/)
15. [Source](https://orcid.org/signin)
16. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
17. HAL
18. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
19. National Center for Education Statistics
20. [Internet Domains Wikibase](https://domains.wikibase.cloud/entity/Q120771)