Azusa Pacific University: A Legacy of Faith and Academic Excellence
Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles, Azusa Pacific University (APU) stands as one of the largest and most distinguished Christian universities on the West Coast. With a motto of “God First”, APU has remained steadfastly committed to its founding vision for over 125 years—preparing disciples and scholars to make a difference in the world for Christ.
From Humble Beginnings to University Status
The university’s story began in 1899, when a group of spiritual leaders from various denominations gathered in Whittier, California, to establish a Bible college dedicated to training students for service and missionary endeavors. Named the Training School for Christian Workers, it was the first Bible college founded on the West Coast. Classes first opened on March 3, 1900, with just twelve students. The institution underwent several name changes and mergers over the following decades, becoming Pacific Bible College in 1939—the same year it began offering four-year degrees. In 1946, the college relocated to the city of Azusa, where its main campus remains today. A merger with Los Angeles Pacific College in 1965 created Azusa Pacific College, and in 1981, the institution achieved university status, officially becoming Azusa Pacific University. Buy fake USA diploma online.
A Comprehensive Academic Powerhouse
Today, APU offers a robust academic portfolio of 59 bachelor’s degrees, 34 master’s degrees, 35 certificates and credentials, and 7 doctoral programs. The university is organized into three colleges and seven schools, encompassing liberal arts and sciences, music and the arts, business and management, education, nursing, theology, and behavioral and applied sciences. APU is nationally recognized as a Carnegie Classification R2 Doctoral University with high research activity—one of only two institutions in the 180-member Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to hold this prestigious designation. The School of Nursing consistently ranks among the top programs in the nation, while the School of Education has graduated more than 20,000 educators.
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A Campus Community Rooted in Values
APU’s main campus spans 105 acres in Azusa, complemented by several regional locations across Southern California and a robust online presence. The university’s identity is defined by its Four Cornerstones—**Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service**—which were formalized in 1990 and continue to guide every aspect of campus life. APU is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), reflecting its richly diverse student body where students of color comprise 65% of the population. First-generation students make up 30% of the undergraduate population.
A Leader in Christian Higher Education
APU’s excellence has earned widespread recognition. The university achieved a historic placement in the *Wall Street Journal*’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. as the top-ranked Christian university in California and No. 62 overall—the highest national ranking in institutional history. *U.S. News & World Report* has also named APU among its top national universities. APU holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), with specialized accreditations for its business, nursing, music, and theology programs. With more than 7,000 students, a distinguished faculty, and an unwavering commitment to Christ-centered academic excellence, Azusa Pacific University continues to prepare graduates who go on to make a meaningful impact in their communities and throughout the world.