Arizona Christian University Admissions

Arizona Christian University Admissions Overview:

Students need to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be considered for admission to ACU. In addition, test scores form either the SAT or ACT are required--neither test is preferred over the other, and about half of students submit scores from the SAT, and half from the ACT. Since ACU is affiliated with the Christian church, students also need to provide a letter of recommendation from a pastor/adult Christian leader to comment on the applicant's spiritual life. And, as part of the application, students must write two short essays: about their spiritual growth and identity, and why they have chosen to apply to ACU.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Arizona Christian University Acceptance Rate: 59%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 410 / 538
  • SAT Math: 450 / 550
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
    • SAT comparison for Arizona colleges
  • ACT Composite: 18 / 22
  • ACT English: 15 / 21
  • ACT Math: 17 / 23
    • What these ACT numbers mean
    • ACT comparison for Arizona colleges

Arizona Christian University Description:

Founded in 1960, Arizona Christian University is a small four-year, private, nondenominational university located in Phoenix, Arizona. The school's 600 students are supported by a student/faculty ratio of 19 to 1. Arizona Christian offers undergraduate degree programs in Christian Ministries, Behavioral Studies, Biblical Studies, Communication, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Political Science, Music, Biology, Business Administration, Pre-Med and Pre-Law. All ACU students graduate with a minor in Bible. In addition to academic programs, ACU is home to numerous intramural sports and student clubs and organizations. ACU is especially proud of its extracurricular music program which is available for all students. The university competes in intercollegiate athletics as a member of the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) with sports such as men’s and women’s tennis, cross country, and golf.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 820 (all undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 58% Male / 42% Female
• 80% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $23,896
• Books: $1,200 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,548
• Other Expenses: $4,000
• Total Cost: $38,644

Arizona Christian University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 98%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 98%
  • Loans: 73%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $13,548
  • Loans: $6,194

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Behavioral Studies, Business Administration, Christian Ministries, Education, Counseling Psychology, Language Arts Education, Communication, American Government, Bible Studies

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 62%
• Transfer-out Rate: 49%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 25%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 36%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Baseball, Golf, Cross Country, Tennis, Track and Field, Soccer, Basketball
• Women's Sports: Softball, Tennis, Golf, Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Volleyball

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like Arizona Christian University, You May Also Like These Schools:

If you’re interested in a small college (<1,000 students) that focuses on Bible or theological studies, other great options around the country include the Appalachian Bible College, Alaska Bible College, and Boise Bible College.

For those interested in an Arizona college or university, other choices range from Arizona State University (with 52,000 students), to ERAU Prescott (known for programs in aeronautic and engineering), to Dine College (a small school founded by and affiliated with the Navajo).