Azusa Pacific University: Student Population And Campus Life

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private evangelical research university in Azusa, California. It was founded in 1899 and has since grown to offer more than 100 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The university's total student population varies depending on the source and year of reporting, but it is estimated to be between 6,500 and 10,095 students. The university's undergraduate enrollment is reported to be between 2,266 and 2,996 students, with a total enrollment yield of 17.3%. APU's student population is diverse, with students from 58 countries, 57 states, and 56 Christian denominations represented. The university's most recent reported graduation rate is 78%, and it has been recognised for its commitment to community service and service-learning.

Undergraduate vs graduate enrolment

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private evangelical Christian university located near Los Angeles, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and credentials.

As of 2022, the total student enrolment at APU is over 6,600, with a breakdown of:

• Traditional undergraduate students: 2,266
• Professional undergraduate students: 730
• Total undergraduate students: 2,996 (as of Fall 2023) or around 5,000 (as of 2018-2019)
• Total graduate and professional-level students: around 5,000 (as of 2018-2019)

APU's undergraduate population comprises around 45% of the total student body, with the remaining 55% being graduate and professional-level students. The university offers 66 bachelor's degrees and 40 master's degrees, in addition to doctoral programs and certificates.

The university has experienced fluctuations in its undergraduate enrolment over the years, with a recent decline from 2,996 in Fall 2023 to 2,266 traditional undergraduates as of 2022. This change may be attributed to various factors, including changes in admission policies, programme offerings, or student preferences.

In contrast, the graduate and professional-level enrolment has remained relatively stable, with around 5,000 students in 2018-2019. This number includes students enrolled in master's and doctoral programmes, as well as those pursuing professional degrees or certificates.

APU's undergraduate programmes offer a broad range of disciplines, with nursing, business, and psychology being among the most popular choices. The university's graduate programmes are also diverse, with social work and clinical psychology being highlighted by U.S. News & World Report as top graduate programmes.

The breakdown of undergraduate and graduate enrolment at APU reflects the university's comprehensive nature, catering to a diverse range of student interests and academic pursuits. The university's commitment to academic excellence and its Christian values are central to its educational offerings, attracting students from various backgrounds and aspirations.

On-campus vs online learning

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private, evangelical Christian university located near Los Angeles in Southern California. It offers a variety of degree programs to its students, including 66 bachelor's degrees, 40 master's degrees, 32 certificates and credentials, and 9 doctoral programs. The university's total enrollment is over 6,600 students, with 2,266 traditional undergraduates and 730 professional undergraduates.

APU provides a range of learning options, including on-campus and online programs. In this response, we will explore the differences between on-campus and online learning at Azusa Pacific University and discuss the benefits and considerations of each.

On-Campus Learning at APU

On-campus learning at Azusa Pacific University offers students a traditional classroom experience. The university's main campus is located in Azusa, spanning 103 acres, with additional regional locations across Southern California. On-campus students benefit from face-to-face interactions with their professors and peers, allowing for greater opportunities for clarification, collaboration, and relationship-building. The campus also offers a variety of resources and facilities, including libraries, athletic facilities, and student support services.

APU's on-campus learning provides a holistic educational experience, emphasizing not only academic excellence but also spiritual growth and community engagement. The university's Four Cornerstones—Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service—guide the educational philosophy, fostering an environment that values faith integration, diversity, and internationalization.

Online Learning at APU

Azusa Pacific University also offers a comprehensive range of online programs, providing flexibility for students who may have work or personal commitments that make traditional on-campus learning challenging. In the 2019-2020 academic year, over 9,000 students at APU took at least one online class, with many pursuing their entire degree online.

Online learning at APU offers several advantages, including the convenience of studying from a distance and the ability to balance academic pursuits with other responsibilities. The university provides a variety of online degree options, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. However, online learning may require a higher level of self-motivation and time management skills, as students must manage their own schedules and stay on top of assignments without the structure of a traditional classroom setting.

Considerations

Both on-campus and online learning have unique benefits and considerations. On-campus learning fosters a sense of community and provides access to campus resources, while online learning offers flexibility and convenience. It is essential for students to evaluate their personal preferences, learning styles, and commitments when deciding between these options.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some students have shared mixed reviews of their experiences at APU, with some praising the university's academic programs and community while others have expressed concerns about organizational challenges, inconsistent treatment of students, and a lack of responsiveness to student feedback.

Ultimately, the decision between on-campus and online learning depends on the individual student's needs, preferences, and circumstances. Azusa Pacific University aims to cater to a diverse range of learners by providing both options, allowing students to choose the path that best aligns with their educational goals and lifestyle.

Female vs male enrolment

Azusa Pacific University, a private evangelical Christian university near Los Angeles, has a higher number of female students enrolled compared to males. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the university had a total enrolment of 7,169 students, comprising 2,036 male and 5,133 female students. This translates to a gender ratio of approximately 28:72, or more simply, 2.52:1, meaning there are about two and a half times as many female students as male.

The disparity is also evident when considering the number of degrees awarded. In 2022, a total of 2,893 degrees were conferred, with 73% going to women and the remaining 27% to men. This equates to 2,111 degrees awarded to females and 782 to males.

The gender imbalance is further highlighted when considering the undergraduate population. Of the 3,348 undergraduate students, 1,329 more women than men received degrees. However, it's worth noting that the university's total undergraduate enrolment for the fall of 2023 is stated as 2,996 in one source, which is lower than the figure of 3,348 given in another source for the 2022-2023 academic year.

While the female-to-male ratio varies slightly depending on the source and specific cohort examined, it consistently indicates a significant majority of female students at Azusa Pacific University.

Hispanic/Latino vs other ethnicities

Azusa Pacific University is a private, evangelical Christian institution located near Los Angeles in Southern California. The university offers a wide range of academic programs to its students, with over 6,500 students enrolled at the main campus in Azusa and several other regional locations across Southern California. The total enrollment across all locations is approximately 9,006 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

In terms of Hispanic/Latino vs other ethnicities, the latest data shows that in 2022, 36.9% of the student population at Azusa Pacific University identified as Hispanic or Latino. This is significantly higher than the national average of 15.5% for Doctoral Universities. Other ethnicities represented at the university include White (26.7%), Asian (14.3%), Black or African American (6.85%), Two or More Races (4.3%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (0.907%), and American Indian or Alaska Native (0.321%).

The majority of students enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs at Azusa Pacific University are Hispanic or Latino (26%), followed by White (19.5%) and Hispanic or Latino males (11.1%). A similar trend is observed in graduate programs, with Hispanic or Latino females comprising the largest group (29.9%), followed by White females (19.2%) and Asian females (10.3%).

The racial/ethnic diversity at Azusa Pacific University is considered below average when compared to other institutions. However, it is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting the significant presence of Hispanic and Latino students within its student body.

Tuition fees and financial aid

Azusa Pacific University is a private institution, and tuition fees are the same for all students, including international students. For full-time students, tuition fees were $42,900 per year in 2022 and rose to $43,030 in 2023. This represents a 3% increase on the previous year, which is the standard rate of increase for colleges.

The cost of tuition does not include other expenses, such as room and board, facility fees, books and supplies, and transportation. Room and board at Azusa Pacific University cost $9,724 per year for on-campus housing and a dining plan. The cost of books and supplies depends on the courses taken and the materials required, and fees vary depending on the program, course level, and location.

The net price of the university is the cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received. The average net price is $26,666 per year, and the average net price for full-time, first-time students is $31,367. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is $31,833 per year, and the university meets 68.23% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs, and the majority of undergraduates at Azusa Pacific University receive financial aid. In 2023, 2,090 out of 3,940 undergraduates received financial aid. The university awarded a total of $26.1 million in need-based scholarships and $53.1 million in merit-based scholarships in 2023.

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid but can apply for private or school-specific grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. On-campus jobs and international student tuition waivers are also available for international students with demonstrated financial need.

Students can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their financial need and eligibility for financial aid. The university's financial aid office can provide further information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

Frequently asked questions