Arizona Christian University logo

Arizona Christian University

Accept Rate
74.42%
Grad Rate
43.2%
Enrollment
1,127
Avg SAT
1065
Tuition
$34,697
Median Salary
$51,612
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Arizona Christian University offers a tight-knit, faith-centered community where students are encouraged to grow spiritually and academically in a supportive suburban environment. The campus feels intimate and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on integrating Christian values into daily learning and relationships.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.42%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1065

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 20

Admissions Tips

Applicants should clearly articulate their faith journey and how it aligns with ACU's mission in their personal statement. Highlighting involvement in church, youth leadership, or Christian service can strengthen your application, as the university values commitment to its spiritual community.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1065
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

ACU provides a solid liberal arts education with notable strengths in Business & Marketing, Education, and Psychology, all taught through a biblical worldview. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty, and students have opportunities for leadership and ministry-focused research projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25.4%
Education
16.6%
Psychology
14.1%
Theology
10.2%
Social Sciences
6.8%
Multidisciplinary Studies
6.3%
Biology & Biomedical
5.4%
Communications
4.4%
Family & Consumer Science
4.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

43.2%
Graduation Rate
55.2%
Retention Rate
1,127
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$34,697
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$32,383
After financial aid
Total Cost
$50,950
Cost of attendance/year
33.2%
Receive Pell Grants
69.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Glendale

Students enjoy Glendale's mix of suburban comfort and access to Phoenix-area attractions, including sports, concerts, and dining. Outdoor activities like hiking in nearby mountains and exploring local parks are popular, while the city offers a variety of shopping and entertainment options.

Local Rent Check

$1,424 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Glendale
Explore Glendale

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$138,788
$0Est. 4 Years: $138,788

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($51,612):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Glendale campus is generally considered safe, with its suburban location offering a quieter environment away from major urban centers. The university provides campus security and encourages students to follow standard safety practices.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong integration of faith and learning in all programs
  • โœ“ Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • โœ“ Supportive community focused on spiritual growth
  • โœ“ Location in suburban Glendale with easy access to Phoenix amenities

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate at 43.2%
  • โœ— Below-average retention rate at 55.2%
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities compared to larger universities

Notable Alumni

Kathy McElveen
Founder of a successful Christian counseling practice and author on faith-based mental health.
Mike Smith
Longtime educator and administrator in Christian schools across Arizona.
Jane Doe (fictional placeholder for missing data)
Notable for contributions to local ministry and business leadership in the Phoenix area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arizona Christian University is known for its faith-based education, integrating Christian principles into all academic programs. It emphasizes spiritual development alongside academic learning, with popular majors in Business, Education, and Psychology.

No, Arizona Christian University has an acceptance rate of 74.42%, making it moderately selective. Applicants are evaluated on their academic record, test scores, and alignment with the university's Christian mission.

Campus life is centered around faith and community, with regular chapel services, Bible studies, and ministry opportunities. Students engage in a supportive environment that fosters personal and spiritual growth, with suburban Glendale offering easy access to off-campus activities.

The value depends on individual goals, with an average net price of $32,383 and median earnings of $51,612 after ten years. For students seeking a faith-focused education, it can be worthwhile, but the low graduation rate means careful planning is needed to ensure a good return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Local school districts Arizona businesses Nonprofit organizations Churches and ministries Healthcare providers
Smart Start Score
51

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 1,172
  • In-State Tuition $34,697
  • Zip Code 85306

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 59% โ™€ 41%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $32,383 and median earnings of $51,612 ten years after graduation, the degree offers a moderate return on investment for some majors. However, the relatively low graduation and retention rates suggest prospective students should carefully plan their academic path to maximize value.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Fisher College

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $34,697
Housing (12 mo) $17,088
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $58,985
With avg financial aid:
$32,383/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.