Arizona Christian University: 70.1% Acceptance Rate

70.1%Acceptance

$34,697Tuition

1,127Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,612Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Undenominational

About Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University builds its identity around faith-based education and competitive athletics. The school enrolls 1,127 students in suburban Glendale, creating a close-knit Christian community where biblical principles guide academic and personal development. Students here balance rigorous coursework with spiritual growth in an environment that takes both seriously. The acceptance rate of 70% makes admission accessible for students seeking a Christian education.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $32,383, while graduates earn a median of $51,612 ten years after graduation. The typical debt load of $23,000 translates to monthly payments of $244. These earnings suggest graduates can manage their debt, though the 41% six-year graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees. Financial aid reaches 33% of students, with institutional grants averaging $19,174 for those who receive them.

Athletics define much of campus culture here. Nearly half the student body participates in varsity sports across 20 NAIA programs, earning the Firestorm nickname through competitive play. The school awards $9.86 million in athletic scholarships annually. With men comprising 59% of enrollment, the campus skews male largely due to athletic recruitment. Housing accommodates 650 students, fostering community bonds that extend well beyond graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Arizona Christian University centers its academic programs around faith-based learning with a strong emphasis on integrating Christian values across all disciplines. The university offers traditional liberal arts programs alongside professional degrees in education, business, and ministry. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention from professors who often incorporate biblical principles into coursework. However, the 41% six-year graduation rate and 55% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees. The school particularly emphasizes teacher preparation and pastoral studies, reflecting its mission to develop Christian leaders. Small class sizes allow for close mentoring relationships, though academic rigor varies across different programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.4%
Retention Rate: 55.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,612
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Arizona Christian sits in suburban Glendale, about 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this desert climate where winter highs reach the 70s. With housing for 650 students and total enrollment of 1,127, roughly half the campus lives on-site. The 59% male, 41% female split reflects strong athletic recruiting across 20 varsity sports.

Campus life centers around faith and athletics. Chapel services anchor the weekly rhythm at this nondenominational Christian university. The Firestorm teams draw weekend crowds, with 499 total athletes representing nearly half the student body. Athletic scholarships total almost $10 million, creating a competitive sports culture. Phoenix offers weekend escapes to professional games, hiking trails, and urban attractions. Students often gather for intramural games or outdoor activities in the perpetual sunshine. The tight-knit campus means you'll recognize faces quickly among 1,127 students. Faith-based service projects and mission trips extend learning beyond Glendale's suburban borders into the broader Phoenix metro area.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 650 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1960

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–65°F
July Avg: 79°–104°F
Annual Precipitation: 8.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Arizona Christian draws students who want faith integrated into their college experience, with 46% coming from in-state Arizona families seeking a nearby Christian education. The student body leans male at 59%, reflecting strong interest in the university's robust athletics program that fields 20 varsity sports. Hispanic students make up over a quarter of enrollment, aligning with Arizona's demographics and the school's commitment to serving diverse communities. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing ACU attracts working-class families who value affordable Christian higher education in the Phoenix metro area.

Men: 59.0%
Women: 41.0%
White: 48.5%
Black: 11.2%
Hispanic: 26.7%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 45.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.2%

Location

Arizona Christian University sits in Glendale, just 9 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. The suburb-large setting puts students in the heart of the sprawling Valley of the Sun, where desert landscapes meet urban amenities. Glendale itself hosts major league sports teams and entertainment venues, while the greater Phoenix metropolitan area offers internships and job opportunities across industries. The desert climate means over 300 days of sunshine annually, perfect for the university's 20 varsity sports programs. Students enjoy year-round outdoor activities with hiking trails in nearby mountain preserves and desert parks. The campus draws 45.77% of its students from in-state. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Arizona Christian University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Glendale, Arizona 85306-3216

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,612
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,405
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $244/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Arizona Christian University?

Arizona Christian University admits 70% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian institution. The school attracts students who value faith-based education in a smaller university setting with just over 1,100 enrolled students.

How much does Arizona Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $32,383 after aid, with total attendance costs reaching $49,927 including room and board. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $23,000 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Arizona Christian University?

The student-faculty ratio is 18:1, providing relatively personal attention in a Christian academic environment. However, the retention rate of 55% suggests some students struggle to adapt to the university's faith-centered approach or academic demands.

Does Arizona Christian University have good job outcomes for graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $51,612 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 98% employment rate. The 41% six-year graduation rate is below average, but those who complete their degrees find steady work in their chosen fields.

Where is Arizona Christian University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in suburban Glendale, Arizona, with housing for 650 students out of 1,127 total enrollment. Campus life revolves around both academics and athletics, with 499 student-athletes competing across 20 NAIA sports as the Firestorm.

How diverse is Arizona Christian University's student body?

The student population is 48% White, 27% Hispanic, and 11% Black, creating notable diversity for a Christian university. Men comprise 59% of students, and about 46% come from Arizona while the rest travel from other states to attend.