Life Pacific University

Life Pacific University (LPU) is a private nonprofit Foursquare Christian university in San Dimas, California. Its academic identity centers on biblical studies, ministry, theology, and leadership, while its programs also include psychology, media and communication, organizational management, and worship arts. The university pairs campus-based study with online paths for adults and working students. That combination can appeal to people who want their education shaped by Pentecostal Christian faith, but applicants should compare the residential campus experience with the online format and ask how spiritual-life requirements fit their own expectations.

Programs and learning formats

On campus, students can study ministry, theology, media and communication, psychology, and worship arts and media. The university’s broader portfolio also includes business administration, biblical studies, and leadership programs; several associate and bachelor’s degrees are available online. At graduate level, options include the Seminary’s Master of Divinity and theological studies, a Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership, counseling, business administration, and a Doctor of Ministry. Not every subject is offered in every format, and the list changes with the academic year. The current academics and programs pages help applicants compare degree plans, admissions requirements, internships, and online availability.

LPU integrates faith and service into its mission and campus community. Before choosing a major, ask the department how field education, ministry placements, chapel, and spiritual-life activities fit into the weekly schedule. Psychology students should also check the degree’s intended career pathway: a bachelor’s program is not a license to provide clinical counseling. Those seeking a counseling license should compare graduate prerequisites, supervised practice, and state requirements before relying on any single degree as a direct route to licensure.

Accreditation and institutional fit

Life Pacific University is institutionally accredited by both the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE); WSCUC lists the San Dimas main campus as active and accredited. The separate Life Pacific University Seminary is an associate member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), but it is not an accredited member of ATS. LPU says the seminary is pursuing ATS accreditation, with initial accreditation hoped for in 2027. Applicants considering a seminary credential should distinguish that status from the university’s institutional accreditation and ask what the pending review means for the particular degree. LPU is affiliated with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; review its statement of faith and talk with current students if you want to understand how that affiliation influences teaching and student life.

2026–27 costs and financial aid

For 2026–27, LPU lists traditional undergraduate block tuition of $11,664 per semester for 12–18 units, or $23,328 for the two-semester academic year. Its estimated on-campus total is $18,239 per semester, including room and board and the student-services fee, or $36,478 for the year. Books, class charges, athletics, parking, music lessons, and one-time fees may add to the budget. Online undergraduates have a different rate: $500 per unit, with a published 15-unit semester example of $7,500 plus a $175 technology and student-services fee. Graduate and doctoral programs charge by unit and publish different totals. Use the cost page for the exact program and living arrangement rather than treating the residential undergraduate figure as the price for every student.

Students may qualify for federal Pell Grants, California Cal Grants, California Dream Act aid, institutional scholarships and grants, and loans, depending on eligibility. LPU’s scholarship page describes its Campus Visit Scholarship for eligible incoming students who complete a registered campus visit: the published offer is $1,000 for fall 2027 entrants or $500 for spring 2028 entrants. It is a one-time award with enrollment and participation conditions, not a general award for every applicant. Contact financial aid early, submit FAFSA or the applicable Dream Act application, and request an individualized written aid offer that distinguishes grants and scholarships from loans. The university’s 2026–27 cost tables and scholarship and grants page explain rates and requirements.

San Dimas campus and visiting

The university lists one main campus at 1100 W. Covina Boulevard, San Dimas, CA 91773; main phone: (909) 599-5433, with toll-free admissions at (877) 886-5433. The current campus-location page identifies San Dimas as its campus; online degrees are a study format rather than a second physical campus. The main business listing shows hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and closure on weekends. Financial aid staff publish narrower office hours: Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., closed noon–1 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m.–noon; the office also closes during Tuesday and Wednesday chapel. Call before traveling to a specific department. LPU invites prospective students to visit its campus, request information, and apply through its official admissions site.

What student comments can help you assess

Student comments often appreciate the faith-centered atmosphere, personal community, and the chance to study a subject such as digital media or ministry in a small university setting. Some reviewers mention practical trade-offs, including campus parking and the challenge of balancing online coursework with work or ministry responsibilities. The comments vary by major and are individual experiences, not a reliable measure of every class. During a visit, ask students in your intended program about faculty access, course availability, chapel expectations, housing and parking, and how well online students are supported. For career-focused degrees, request examples of internships and recent graduate outcomes before making a decision.

Use LPU’s campus visit page to plan a visit, or go directly to its online application to begin enrollment. Applicants can also request information. Ask for written confirmation of the program’s accreditation, the location where you will study, and your full cost after aid before enrolling.