Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private Christian university located in Azusa, California. Established in 1899, APU is known for its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. The university's mission is guided by its core values of Christ-centeredness, community, integrity, and service, which reflect its dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students. The campus culture is vibrant and inclusive, offering a wide range of activities that promote spiritual, intellectual, and social development. It's a place where students not only pursue their academic goals but also grow in their faith and character.

APU boasts a diverse array of programs and majors, with over 150 fields of study, including health sciences, business, education, and liberal arts. The university is recognized for its strong online programs, making education accessible to a broader audience. Facilities on campus are modern and well-equipped, with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces, including a fitness center and sports fields. APU's vibrant student life includes numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic opportunities, encouraging students to engage fully in their college experience. With a strong emphasis on community service and outreach, APU prepares graduates to make a positive impact in their professions and communities, exemplified by its notable alumni who have excelled in various fields such as education, business, and ministry.

Tuition Trends and Enrollment Changes at Azusa Pacific University

The data from Azusa Pacific University reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and gender demographics over the years. Firstly, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has consistently increased, reaching approximately $42,330 in 2023, up from $32,306 in 2014. This represents a staggering growth of around 31% over the span of nine years. Such rising costs can pose a significant financial burden on students and their families, particularly as many American families are already grappling with mounting student debt.

Concurrent with tuition increases, the total number of undergraduate students has notably declined, dropping from 6,543 in 2014 to just 2,977 in 2024. This decline of nearly 54% poses questions about the university's recruitment strategies and the factors dissuading prospective students. A fall in enrollment may also have repercussions on university resources and funding, which could lead to further tuition hikes in the future.

Additionally, the gender demographics of the undergraduate student body show a shift towards a higher proportion of females. In 2014, approximately 63.5% of the undergraduate population were women, a figure that has slightly increased in recent years. Conversely, despite a slight decline in the percentage of male graduate students, females continue to dominate the graduate population as well, which may reflect broader societal trends of increased female participation in higher education.

Furthermore, the retention rate for students has seen fluctuations, but it stands at a concerning 77.8% in 2023, down from about 82.3% in 2014. This decline in retention could indicate issues with student satisfaction or support services, and addressing these could be key for reversing enrollment trends.

Overall, the relationship between rising tuition, declining enrollment, and shifting demographics is crucial for Azusa Pacific University as it seeks to maintain its appeal among prospective students in a challenging educational landscape.

Analysis of Graduation Trends at Azusa Pacific University

The graduation data for 2023 from Azusa Pacific University reflects some intriguing trends, especially within the Master's and Doctorate programs. A notable finding is the concentrated completion of Master's degrees in specialized fields like Public Administration and Business Administration. For instance, 112 graduates emerged from the Public Administration Master's program, indicating strong interest and demand for expertise in public service, particularly in an era when effective governance is critical.

On the other hand, the Doctorate programs reveal an interesting picture; 69 individuals completed their Doctorate in Physical Therapy, reflecting a growing emphasis on health-related professions. This aligns with national trends where healthcare occupations are expected to expand significantly in the coming years, indicating that graduates are aligning their educational choices with future job market demands.

Another aspect of interest is the number of international students, particularly in the Master's level where 6 international students graduated in Business Administration. This represents a 8.33% share of all graduates in this category, illustrating the appeal of the program to the global student community, which is essential for fostering diverse educational environments.

Overall, while certain fields like Theology and various educational specialties show zero graduates, the prevailing numbers in health and public administration suggest these areas are becoming pivotal in meeting societal needs. The trends signify a shift towards practical, career-oriented degrees, reflecting both employment market dynamics and the aspirations of contemporary students.

Analysis of Admission Trends at Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University has experienced notable fluctuations in both its ranking and admission rates over the years. Starting in 2015, the university was ranked 173rd, but by 2025, it has further declined to a ranking of 266th. This downward trend raises questions about the factors influencing its desirability among prospective students and their families. Examining admission rates, the data shows that the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have varied significantly. In the academic year 2010, the acceptance rates were approximately 58.3% for males and 64.8% for females. However, by 2022, these rates reached impressive figures, with around 93.4% for male applicants and 94.4% for female applicants. This surge might indicate a strategic shift toward attracting more applicants or an increase in the university's efforts to diversify its student body. Interestingly, the enrollment numbers also tell a compelling story. For instance, in 2023, the entering class consisted of only 518 students, which is significantly lower compared to previous years. The increasing rejection and deferment numbers show that while Azusa Pacific University is accepting a larger percentage of applicants, fewer students are choosing to enroll. The recent ranking and changing admission figures highlight a complex dynamic at Azusa Pacific University. With the competitive landscape of higher education continually evolving, it will be vital for the university to address the concerns leading to its declining rank and fluctuating enrollment rates moving forward. As the college decision process becomes increasingly challenging for students, institutions need to sharpen their focus on maintaining a robust academic reputation while still appealing to prospective students.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Azusa Pacific University

The data from Azusa Pacific University reveals interesting trends in standardized test scores over the years, with clear shifts in both the number of students submitting scores and the performance ranges. From 2007 to 2024, we see a decrease in the percentage of admitted students who submit SAT scores. For instance, in 2007, 91% of applicants submitted SAT scores, in stark contrast to only 10% by 2023. This significant decline may reflect changing admissions policies, where test-optional measures are becoming increasingly common across higher education institutions in the U.S.

Examining the actual score ranges, the SAT reading and math scores showcase only slight fluctuations over the years. The lower quartile (25th percentile) and upper quartile (75th percentile) scores have remained relatively stable, hovering around the 490 to 630 range for most years. However, the 2023 mid-range scores of 510 to 630 suggest that while the university still attracts competitive students, the overall applicant pool may be diversifying further in various aspects, including academic performance.

Additionally, the ACT submission has seen a similar drop-off, yet it highlights the institution's academic expectations. As more universities adopt a holistic review process, combining numerous aspects beyond test scores, this trend signifies a shift in how student potential is assessed.

Ultimately, as the application landscape evolves, universities may need to adapt their approach, balancing traditional testing metrics with a broader range of qualitative factors that showcase a student’s potential, capabilities, and fit within the campus community.

Student Demographics at Azusa Pacific University in 2024

The enrollment statistics for Azusa Pacific University in 2024 reveal a diverse student body, with significant implications for campus culture and academic dynamics. A closer look at the undergraduate new students shows that there are 420 students, with a gender distribution of 32.4% male and 67.6% female. This substantial female majority may contribute to a supportive and collaborative learning environment, which is increasingly valued in higher education today.

Undergraduate continuing students represent the largest group, totaling 2,429, also exhibiting a higher percentage of female students at 69.5% compared to 30.5% male. Such demographics can influence class interactions, group projects, and overall student engagement, reflecting trends of women pursuing higher education in increasing numbers.

The transfer student group is relatively balanced, with an even split of male and female students among the 128 enrolled. This equilibrium can enrich peer exchanges, empowering students with varied perspectives and experiences.

The graduate student body of 3,510 shows a significant female preference as well, with females comprising 72.7% of this population, which aligns with ongoing trends in graduate education where women often outnumber men.

Moreover, looking into the racial composition, the presence of various ethnic groups, including a notable number of white, Asian, Latinx students, and international students, underscores the importance of diversity in fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Overall, Azusa Pacific University is reflecting broader societal changes in education demographics, which may resonate with the institution's mission of fostering community engagement and social responsibility.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Azusa Pacific University

The age distribution of students at Azusa Pacific University in 2024 reveals interesting trends in both undergraduate and graduate demographics. The data show that the largest group of students falls within the 18-19 age range, consisting of 222 male undergraduates and 536 female undergraduates. This 19.3% male and 80.7% female composition highlights a significant gender disparity in the younger cohort, reflecting broader trends in higher education where women often outnumber men.

In the 20-21 age bracket, the figures are similarly skewed, with 319 male undergraduates and a substantial 682 female undergraduates, maintaining the trend of a larger female presence in undergraduate programs. Notably, as students progress to the 22-24 age category, male graduate students begin to increase, suggesting a higher engagement in graduate studies among males post-bachelor's degree.

The data indicates that both genders see increasing numbers in the 25-29 and 30-34 age ranges, particularly among graduate students, with female graduate students greatly outnumbering their male counterparts (838 females to 310 males in the 25-29 age group). This increase could be attributed to women pursuing advanced degrees at a higher rate than men, a trend echoed in national statistics.

Interestingly, the presence of students aged 40 and above showcases a growing trend towards lifelong learning, with 177 women and 27 men aged 40-49 enrolled. As education becomes increasingly important across all age groups, Azusa Pacific University appears well-positioned to attract a diverse student body committed to both personal and professional growth. Overall, the data paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving educational environment.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Azusa Pacific University

Over the years, Azusa Pacific University has seen a gradual increase in the representation of international students among its undergraduate population. In 2005, the percentage of undergraduate international students was a mere 1.64%, reflecting a modest presence in the university’s demographic. However, by 2024, that figure has risen to 4.17%, indicating a growing appeal of the university to global learners.

The graduate student demographic, while also seeing fluctuations, has remained relatively stable with a lower percentage of international students compared to undergraduates. In 2005, graduate international students represented 4.16% of the total graduate population, peaking at 6.71% in 2006. However, this proportion has gradually declined over the years, dropping to approximately 3.48% in 2024. This trend may suggest that the university has not been as successful in attracting graduate international students in recent years compared to its undergraduate programs.

The years surrounding the global pandemic, particularly from 2020 to 2022, reflect significant impacts on enrollment figures. For instance, the number of undergraduate international students briefly spiked to 3.39% in 2020, likely due to institutions adapting to new online learning methodologies. In contrast, fluctuations in graduate enrollments reflect more stability, albeit at a lower overall percentage.

Overall, while Azusa Pacific University has made notable strides in enriching its undergraduate international student community, it faces challenges in boosting graduate international enrollment. This data indicates an evolving strategy for the university as it adapts to trends in international education and the globalized nature of student mobility.

Here are some notable universities near Azusa Pacific University:

1. University of La Verne - Ranked 196 in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is well regarded for its diverse academic programs.

2. Pomona College - This highly prestigious liberal arts college ranks 5th in the nation, known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

3. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 8th, this liberal arts college focuses on government and economics, providing exceptional leadership training.

4. Harvey Mudd College - Holding the 12th position among national liberal arts colleges, Harvey Mudd is renowned for its engineering and science programs.

5. California Institute of Technology - Often referred to as Caltech, this renowned university ranks 6th and is famous globally for its rigorous science and engineering programs.

6. University of Southern California - Ranked 27th, USC is a leading private research university known for its academic excellence and a vast network of alumni.

These institutions represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, providing various options for students in the greater Los Angeles area.

Crime Rate Analysis at Azusa Pacific University

The crime rate data for Azusa Pacific University reveals noteworthy trends over the past decade. The average crime rate per 1,000 students saw a significant fluctuation, peaking in 2016 with approximately 10.89 incidents per 1,000 students, followed by a steady decline in subsequent years. Notably, 2021 recorded the lowest rate of 3.06, which could indicate improved safety measures or a changing campus environment during that period.

Among the different types of offenses, gun-related arrests have consistently been present, underscoring ongoing concerns about firearm-related incidents on campus. While drug and alcohol-related arrests also appeared, the frequency of these offenses varied over the years, with both peaks and troughs in specific years.

The recent increase in 2022, with the crime rate returning to 7.53, suggests the university might be facing emerging challenges in maintaining campus security. This aligns with broader trends observed in educational institutions nationwide, where safety concerns, particularly regarding substance abuse and violent crimes, have gained attention in light of recent news events and societal shifts.

In conclusion, while Azusa Pacific University demonstrated an improvement in its crime rate at points, the fluctuations indicate that continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential for fostering a safe educational environment. The statistics underscore the importance of community engagement and the necessity for effective safety protocols to combat potential crime and ensure the well-being of students. For more details on crime rate calculations, please refer to: Forward Pathway.