Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University (ACU) is a private nonprofit institution in Glendale offering associate, bachelor’s, graduate and continuing-education programs. Its curriculum integrates biblical studies across majors, and first-year applicants must agree with and align to the university’s Statement of Faith. That makes ACU especially important to evaluate for both academic fit and the campus’s faith commitments before paying an enrollment deposit. The current catalog spans business, education, biology and psychology, Bible and theology, music, political science, communication, and graduate study in education and marriage and family therapy. Examples include business administration, elementary and secondary education, behavioral health, biblical studies, music, and political science. Compare delivery format and program-specific requirements in the university’s complete degree and program directory.

Application and academic fit

First-year applicants complete the free online application and ask their high school to send an official transcript. SAT and ACT scores are optional for general admission, although ACU recommends submitting them when they strengthen an application and requires scores for consideration at its University Scholars event. The admissions office describes its review as holistic and recommends a GPA of 2.5 or higher; it says lower-GPA circumstances are reviewed case by case. Applicants also need to affirm alignment with the Statement of Faith. Transfer and graduate applicants follow separate checklists, so use the correct applicant route on ACU’s admissions page rather than relying on the first-year requirements. Students seeking federal or need-based aid should file the FAFSA and enter ACU’s school code, 007113.

Budget by format, housing and scholarship terms

For 2026–27, full-time undergraduate tuition is $32,898 per year before fees, housing, meals and personal expenses. The annual service fee for students taking at least eight credits is $2,270; residence hall and meal-plan prices vary by room and plan. Online tuition is charged per credit and differs from campus tuition, so compare the rate for the exact program and format. The university publishes a net-price calculator and advises students to file the FAFSA early.

ACU’s 2026 scholarship page lists a limited, competitive University Scholars program. Incoming full-time students with at least a 3.65 unweighted GPA and qualifying academic preparation may be invited to interview; recipients may receive the President’s award of up to full tuition, the Provost’s award of up to 85% of tuition, or the Dean’s award of up to 75%. The President’s award is renewable for up to four years with a 3.7 GPA, requires campus residence, is not offered to transfer students, and cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships. Other academic, music, partnership, ministry and athletic awards have different eligibility and stacking rules. Treat published maximums as competitive limits, not a personal offer; get the full direct and indirect cost estimate in writing. See current scholarship terms and 2026–27 tuition and fees.

Glendale campus and student perspectives

The main campus is at 1 W. Firestorm Way, Glendale, AZ 85306. The public listing phone is (602) 489-5300; ACU’s admissions pages also publish (800) 247-2697 and info@arizonachristian.edu. A complete general visitor schedule was not available on the pages reviewed, so contact the university before traveling and ask for the specific Admissions, Financial Aid or academic office you need. ACU identifies its Glendale address as the university campus; verify whether a particular event or athletic activity is held at another facility.

Voluntary student accounts often praise personal contact with professors, a close-knit community and the faith-centered environment. Other students raise concerns about residence and dining quality, campus rules, facilities, or the price compared with their experience. These comments are individual perspectives, not a prediction of every student’s experience. On a visit, ask to see the specific residence hall and dining options included in your estimate, review the student handbook’s faith and conduct expectations, and speak with a student in your intended major about advising and course availability. Read public student perspectives about ACU.