Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is a private nonprofit Christian university in southeast Fresno. Its main campus combines traditional undergraduate study with graduate, seminary, credential, and degree-completion programs; regional centers in North Fresno and Visalia extend selected programs across the Central Valley. FPU is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) through July 11, 2030. Nursing, teacher education, business, and seminary programs also have their own professional approvals or accreditations, which applicants should check for the specific credential they intend to earn.

Programs and choosing a campus

Undergraduates can choose among more than 100 areas of study. The traditional program includes nursing (BSN), business administration, biology, education, kinesiology, psychology, social work, criminology, environmental science, and biblical and theological studies. Degree-completion options for working adults include RN-to-BSN, business management, healthcare administration, organizational leadership, project management, early childhood development, psychology, social welfare, and Christian ministry. Graduate and credential programs span education, business, leadership, counseling, and ministry. The BSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing; entry to the nursing major has an additional competitive application process after university admission. Programs differ by campus and delivery mode, so use the undergraduate program directory and the university’s degree-completion listings to confirm where a particular course of study is offered.

The main Fresno campus is the residential and traditional undergraduate hub. North Fresno and Visalia primarily support selected degree-completion, credential, and graduate programs; FPU also lists partner teaching sites in Bakersfield, Firebaugh, Merced, and Reedley, plus online options. A class at a partner site is not necessarily available every term. Before applying, ask the program adviser about the next start date, required in-person sessions, clinical or field placements, transfer-credit evaluation, and whether the listed campus is the location for all courses.

Tuition, scholarships and financial aid

For 2026–27, traditional undergraduates taking 24–36 units are listed at $37,990 in annual tuition plus a $920 student-body fee. FPU’s estimated on-campus cost of attendance is $57,691 after estimated housing, food, books, transportation, personal expenses, and loan fees are added; this is a planning figure, not a bill, and individual housing choices and course loads change the total. Degree-completion and graduate students have different per-unit or program rates, so request a written estimate for the exact degree and pace you plan to follow.

FPU publishes freshman merit awards tied to GPA, ranging from $8,000 to $18,000 per year for the listed Founder’s through President’s awards; a full-tuition Paragon award is also listed for eligible students. Transfer awards range from $6,000 to $14,000 for qualifying traditional students with at least 12 transferable units. Renewal rules and eligibility apply, and the university lists additional endowed scholarships and need-based aid. Complete the FAFSA and check award deadlines with Student Financial Services before comparing net prices. The tuition and financial-aid page and cost-of-attendance estimates provide current details; confirm that a scholarship applies to your campus and program.

Campuses, contact and student perspectives

The main campus is at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702; call (559) 453-2000. FPU’s other principal centers are North Fresno Regional Campus, 5 River Park Place West, Suite 303, Fresno, CA 93720, and Visalia Regional Campus, 245 N. Plaza Drive, Visalia, CA 93291. Its published partner sites are Bakersfield Christian Schools, 12775 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93314; 900 O St., Firebaugh, CA 93622; 139 W. El Portal, Building 11, Suite D, Merced, CA 95348; and Reedley College, 995 N. Reed Ave., Reedley, CA 93654. Locations and programs can change; consult the university’s campus and location directory before traveling. FPU does not publish general public hours for the whole main campus; individual offices keep their own schedules, so call ahead. The main campus includes classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, a library, dining facilities, counseling offices, and athletic facilities.

Student reviews describe a close-knit community, supportive faculty, and a campus culture shaped by faith. Some reviewers say the experience can feel less connected for commuters or students who are not living on campus; others raise concerns about course availability and the cost of private tuition. These are individual accounts, and experiences vary by program. When speaking with current students, ask about class sizes in your intended major, how often required courses run, advising response times, and the actual net price after grants and scholarships. Prospective students can contact Admissions and begin an application.