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Arizona Christian University (ACU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Arizona Christian University

Tucked into Glendale, just a short hop from Phoenix, Arizona Christian University is known for a faith-centered liberal arts education shaped by close-knit classes and professors who actually stick with you. Students build strong writing, communication, and analytical skills alongside practical projects and service. The campus backs that up with a light-filled library, chapel, lively study nooks, residence halls, fitness spaces, and athletic fields, plus advising, tutoring, counseling, and career coaching that feel personal rather than perfunctory.

Student life leans active and relational. Clubs, intramurals, worship nights, coffeehouse sets, and volunteer days keep the week moving, while trailheads, city parks, and a major sports and arts scene sit nearby. The university has a reputation for mentoring that points students toward internships, classroom placements, and nonprofit or business roles across the Valley, supported by employer visits and alumni connections. The vibe is purpose minded and welcoming, with traditions around chapel and service and game days that bring everyone out.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
1 W. Firestorm Way, Glendale, Arizona, 85306, USA
Unit ID
105899

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a large suburb (outside principal city, 250,000+ population)
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate - Diverse Fields
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$34,697
Tuition $32,497 + Fee $2,200
Out-of-State
$34,697
Tuition $32,497 + Fee $2,200
Student Profile
Total Students 1,233
Undergraduate 1,127
Graduate/Other 106
Male: 702 Female: 531
Applications
Total Applicants 1,251
Admitted 931
Enrolled 376
Acceptance: 74.4% Yield: 40.4%
Staff
Total Staff 260
Full-time 159
Part-time 101
Full-time: 61.2% Part-time: 38.8%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Arizona Christian University (ACU) offers 20 degree programs across 10 major academic fields, graduating approximately 166 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (3 programs, 64 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 23 graduates), Education (3 programs, 22 graduates), Theology (2 programs, 18 graduates) and Biological Sciences (1 programs, 9 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Business (3 programs, 64 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 61
Bachelor's
52.0201
Marketing Management 2
Bachelor's
52.1401
Entrepreneurship Studies 1
Bachelor's
52.0701
Psychology (2 programs, 23 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Counseling Psychology 20
Bachelor's
42.2803
General Psychology 3
Bachelor's
42.0101
Education (3 programs, 22 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Elementary Education 15
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
13.1202
Secondary Education and Teaching 6
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
13.1205
Early Childhood Education 1
Bachelor's
13.1210
Theology (2 programs, 18 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biblical Studies 15
Associate's
Bachelor's
39.0201
Lay Ministry 3
Bachelor's
39.0705
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 9 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 9
Bachelor's
26.0101
Social Sciences (1 programs, 9 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
American Government and Politics 9
Bachelor's
45.1002
Arts (4 programs, 8 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Music 3
Bachelor's
50.0901
Music Pedagogy 2
Bachelor's
50.0912
Music Technology 2
Bachelor's
50.0913
Music Theory and Composition 1
Bachelor's
50.0904
Communication (1 programs, 7 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Communication and Media Studies 7
Bachelor's
09.0100
Human Sciences (2 programs, 5 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Parent Education Services 4
Bachelor's
19.0712
Child Development 1
Bachelor's
19.0706
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 1 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Liberal Arts and Sciences 1
Associate's
24.0101

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Arizona Christian University (ACU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Admission Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Required

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$56,087
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$56,087
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$34,697
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$34,697
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$13,500 (on) / $14,300 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,730
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$6,160 (on) / $8,430 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$7,730
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$15,430
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$15,430
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

27%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$18,553
Avg. Loan
$9,069
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,695
Additional
Students with Any Grant
287
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
255
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
93
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$16,927
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

41%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
55%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$30,988 – $72,457
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$30,988 (25th %) $72,457 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $51,612
Median Salary After 6 Years
$39,524
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$51,612
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
55.5%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
76.9%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$23,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 39.8%
Middle 59.5%
High 67.4%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 59.2%
Independent 43.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Arizona Christian University (ACU)

How much does it cost to attend Arizona Christian University (ACU)?

The annual tuition at Arizona Christian University (ACU) is $34,697 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $56,087 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,500 (on) / $14,300 (off) and books and supplies $1,730.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Arizona Christian University offer?

Arizona Christian University (ACU) offers 20 academic programs across 10 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 programs)
  • Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership (2 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Arizona Christian University?

Arizona Christian University (ACU) has an 74.4% acceptance rate and a 40.4% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 1,251
  • Students admitted: 931
  • Students enrolled: 376

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Arizona Christian University?

Arizona Christian University (ACU) provides financial aid to 27% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $18,553 and average loans of $9,069.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,533
  • Institutional grants: $16,927
  • Federal loans: $5,695

The university supports 287 students with grants and 255 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Arizona Christian University graduates?

Arizona Christian University (ACU) graduates earn a median salary of $39,524 after 6 years and $51,612 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $30,988 (25th percentile) to $72,457 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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