Is Azusa Pacific University a Good School? A Comprehensive Evaluation
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a leading Christian university located just outside Los Angeles in Azusa, California. But is it actually a good school? In this 2600+ word guide, I provide an expert-level analysis across key areas to help you evaluate if APU is the right fit.
A Wide Range of High-Quality Academic Programs
With over 100 programs to choose from, APU offers exceptional breadth and depth to meet diverse interests and career aspirations.
Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
From psychology and biology to nursing and engineering, APU provides a robust mix of undergraduate and graduate programs:
- Bachelor‘s Programs: Arts, Sciences, Business, Music, Nursing
- Master‘s Programs: Business, Nursing, Education, Psychology
- Doctoral Programs: Physical Therapy, Nursing
Accelerated program options allow motivated students to earn degrees faster. Whether pursuing a traditional liberal arts education or pre-professional program, students have no shortage of choices.
Passionate and Accessible Faculty
APU faculty members truly stand out for their dedication and care for students. With a wealth of real-world experience, they provide meaningful mentorship tailored to each learner‘s needs and goals.
92% of APU faculty possess the highest degree in their field. The student-to-faculty ratio is an incredibly low 11:1, enabling valuable one-on-one support. Outside lectures and seminars, faculty make themselves readily available to guide students‘ academic and personal growth.
Small Classes Foster Deep Engagement
Complementing the 11:1 student-faculty ratio, class sizes are kept intentionally small:
- Average Class Size: 21 students
- Classes Under 20 Students: Over 50%
- Student Satisfaction with Faculty Engagement: 89%
Rather than lecturing students en masse, APU professors facilitate rich class discussions where each learner can actively participate. Students receive individualized coaching to develop critical thinking abilities and disciplinary competencies.
Close interpersonal engagement with world-class faculty in an intimate classroom setting facilitates profound intellectual and personal transformation.
Global Learning Opportunities
APU encourages students to study abroad through partnerships with universities worldwide. Options include:
- Semester Exchanges: England, Ecuador, Costa Rica
- Summer/January Terms: China, Ireland, Uganda
- Faculty-Led Programs: Thailand, India, Peru
Immersed in new cultures and perspectives, students return home with expanded global competence to enrich their studies and lives.
Vibrant Student Life Anchored in Community
Beyond the classroom, APU offers a vibrant student experience focused on faith, service, and community.
On-Campus Living
APU provides quality housing for over 2,500 students in residence halls featuring suite-style rooms with amenities like air conditioning. Living on campus allows students to fully engage in university life by:
- Easily accessing academic resources
- Attending campus events and club meetings
- Bonding through shared living spaces
- Getting academic and social support from live-in Resident Advisors
80+ Clubs and Organizations
From academic honor societies to recreational sports, APU has 80+ student-run clubs. Some examples include:
- Pre-Health Organization
- Enactus Entrepreneurship Club
- Intramural Sports Leagues
- Cultural Student Organizations
Joining clubs helps students pursue their interests while building lasting connections. Student leaders also develop valuable teamwork, communication, and management aptitudes.
Greek Life
APU hosts over 10 Greek organizations offering brotherhood/sisterhood, leadership opportunities, social events, alumni networking, and community service. While not for everyone, Greek life helps many students find their niche.
Competitive Athletics
As an NCAA Division II school, APU sports win championships! The Cougars have claimed over 75 league titles since 1990. Students can participate in:
- Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Tennis
- Women‘s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Intramural leagues also allow recreational play across various sports. With new athletic facilities like the Cougar Dome, students have cutting-edge resources.
Clearly APU sets students up for success beyond the classroom by facilitating meaningful involvement and growth.
Making an APU Education Affordable
While investing in college requires financial planning, APU strives to help students graduate with minimal debt through reasonable tuition pricing and abundant financial aid.
Annual Tuition Rates
|| Resident Undergraduate | Non-Resident Undergraduate | Resident Graduate | Non-Resident Graduate |
| ————-|————- | ————- |————- |————- |
| Tuition | $40,950 | $40,950 | $22,960 | $22,960 |
| Fees | $2,610 | $2,610 | $1,530 | $1,530 |
| Room & Board | $14,950 | $14,950 | N/A | N/A |
| Total | $58,510 | $58,510 | $24,490 | $24,490|
These costs are very reasonable given APU‘s high-caliber academics and overall college experience.
Over 90% of Students Receive Aid
Demonstrating authentic care for students, APU ensures college remains accessible by providing generous financial assistance:
- Institutional Aid: Need and merit-based APU scholarships/grants
- Federal + State Aid: Loans, work-study programs, veterans benefits, etc.
Over 90% of undergraduates receive some form of aid, averaging $22,770 per student. This significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs.
Strong Returns on Investment
APU students see excellent returns on their educational investment through high employment rates and salaries after graduation:
- 94% of graduates secure full-time jobs within 6 months
- Average starting salary is $55,000
- Mid-career salaries average around $85,000
With California teacher shortages, 100% of APU teaching graduates find school district jobs quickly with competitive pay.
Given such strong career outcomes, an APU degree delivers substantial lifetime value that outweighs its upfront costs.
Picturesque Campus Near Los Angeles
Set against the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, APU‘s 150-acre campus provides natural beauty conducive for learning. The university also capitalizes on its proximity to Los Angeles.
Idyllic Natural Setting
APU‘s vibrant grounds feature:
- Lush gardens with fountains and wooded areas
- Outdoor lounge spaces for studying or socializing
- Walking/jogging trails with mountain views
Sunny weather allows year-round enjoyment of the campus’s peaceful landscape.
Top-Notch Academic Facilities
APU has invested over $300 million in contemporary infrastructure, including:
- State-of-the-art classrooms with AV technology
- New science laboratories featuring advanced equipment
- Expanded libraries with extensive digital resources
Students additionally have access to academic support like writing centers and tutoring.
Recreational facilities like swimming pools, gyms, athletic fields, and courts round out the robust campus offerings.
Easy Access to Los Angeles Opportunities
Just 30 minutes from campus, Los Angeles offers endless cultural, professional, and entertainment opportunities. Students can:
- Pursue entertainment internships
- Attend concerts, museums, sporting events
- Explore eclectic neighborhoods like Koreatown
APU arranges group outings to LA hotspots like museums, festivals, or Dodger games. The metro also offers easy transit into downtown LA.
The Verdict: An Outstanding Undergraduate Experience
In conclusion, I highly recommend Azusa Pacific University based on its breadth of high-quality programs, intimate learning environment, vibrant student life, generous financial aid, picturesque campus, and location near LA.
Undergraduates who desire rich personal development grounded in Christian community will find APU offers tremendous value. Graduate and professional program options are more limited given APU‘s liberal arts focus. Regardless, APU remains an exceptional choice for any student seeking an intimate, formative education near a global city.