Grace Mission University

Grace Mission University (GMU) is a private nonprofit Christian institution in Fullerton whose degrees focus on theology, ministry, intercultural studies, education, and Christian counseling. Its graduate school is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and GMU also reports institutional accreditation through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) lists the school as approved to operate. These approvals apply to defined programs; GMU says its degrees do not provide professional licensure. Check the authorization that applies to your particular degree and career plan before enrolling.

Degrees, language and ministry focus

Programs include a BA in Theology, BA in Christian Counseling, Master of Divinity, MA in Christian Education, MA in Intercultural Studies, and MA in Christian Counseling. Doctoral options include the Doctor of Missiology and PhDs in Intercultural Studies, Educational Studies, and Counseling Psychology. The university’s current program pages specify language by degree: for example, its MA in Christian Education is offered in Korean or English, while its BA and MA Christian Counseling programs and MA in Intercultural Studies are listed as Korean-only. If you need English instruction, confirm the available language, course schedule, and any online or in-person requirements directly with the academic office. Browse the degree directory and the separate admissions pages for your intended program.

The campus is part of a 26-acre complex shared with Grace Korean Church and includes classrooms, chapel, library, student lounges, and exercise facilities. GMU describes its programs as preparation for ministry, missions, Christian education, and related research. Its catalog states that the university does not provide education for professional licenses; a Christian counseling degree should therefore not be treated as a clinical counseling license or a substitute for state licensure coursework.

Tuition, scholarships and financial aid

Beginning Fall 2026, published tuition is $290 per unit for bachelor’s and master’s programs, $490 per unit for the Doctor of Missiology, and $590 per unit for PhD programs. Additional charges can include application, registration and technology fees, course-related expenses, and a graduation fee. The PhD programs are listed at 52 units, so the tuition rate alone is not the full cost. Ask the finance office for a term-by-term estimate that includes all required fees and the expected course sequence.

Scholarships include a 40% Grace Scholarship for eligible bachelor’s students who are not receiving federal student aid, tuition awards for pastors and missionaries based on enrollment, and a 30% doctoral scholarship for qualifying ministers; faculty recommendations and family awards are also listed. Most awards require a minimum course load and apply to tuition only. GMU participates in federal student-aid programs for eligible students, who must apply through FAFSA and satisfy program, citizenship or eligible-noncitizen, and satisfactory-progress rules. Awards cannot be assumed in advance: confirm your eligibility, how institutional scholarships interact with federal aid, and the net price with the Financial Aid Office. See the university’s scholarship and financial-aid information and current fee schedule.

Campus, contact and student perspectives

The main campus is at 1645 W. Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92833-3860. Call (714) 525-0088; GMU lists program-specific contacts for Admissions, Scholarships, Financial Aid, and the Registrar on its contact page, where prospective students can also submit an inquiry and begin the application process. General public visiting hours are not posted, so call ahead to confirm office availability and arrange a visit.

Independent student feedback is very limited: Niche currently displays one review, posted in 2020. That student described a close connection to the church community and positive views of theological study, but the same review cites tuition and aid information that has since changed. A single, dated account cannot establish a consensus about faculty support, student life, or value. Prospective students should speak with current students in their program and ask about course language, class availability, advising, ministry placements, and total charges after scholarships. BPPE’s public inspection record shows that the December 2025 inspection issued a Notice to Comply and noted potential material violations; the state’s current inspection-results list marks the case “Notice to Comply – Compliant.” Review the state inspection record alongside the current catalog when evaluating the institution.