Fresno Pacific University is the San Joaquin Valley’s only fully accredited Christian university.
We offer more than 100 areas of study to about 4,100 traditional undergraduate, accelerated bachelor’s degree completion, graduate and seminary students at the main campus in Southeast Fresno and throughout the Valley at regional campuses in North Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield and Merced as well as online.
Our students chase big ideas and achieve more, building Fresno’s highest four-year graduation rate. We make education accessible by providing financial aid to 98 percent of students—with two and four-year graduation guarantees for the majority of program offerings. Additionally, FPU is among the nation’s top Hispanic Serving Institutions for its high Hispanic graduation rates.
Preparing students to achieve more than they thought possible starts with faculty. More than 80 percent hold doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields and all combine challenging scholarship with real-world application. Individual attention and contact beyond the classroom support lifelong learning through faculty-student relationships.
Academic Programs
If you’re a traditional undergraduate student transferring to FPU from a community college or a returning student wanting to complete your degree in a format that works for you, you’re at the right place.
Traditional Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree
Traditional undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs take place on the main Fresno campus. These classes are a good fit if you’re seeking full-time status since classes typically occur between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for two 16-week semesters (fall and spring). The majority of classes are lecture-style with an average size of 23 students. On our main campus, you can enjoy amenities such as the fitness center, dining hall, university bookstore, coffee shop and library. Transfer student housing and meal plans are available for full-time students. If you’re eligible, you can also compete as a student athlete in the NCAA Division II in a variety of sports for men and women.
Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Completion
Accelerated degree completion bachelor’s degree programs take place at the Merced, North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield campuses with select programs offered fully online. These programs are a good fit for students whose lives are better suited for taking evening classes and who have completed at least 60 transferable units of college coursework. Students with fewer units can also enroll in general education classes. Classes are blended with an in-person and online component, occur in the evenings between 6:00-10:00 p.m. and are each six weeks long.
Classes are structured in a cohort model, which means you’ll remain with the same 10-25 students in your major the entire time, building camaraderie. Fully online programs do not have an in-person component and classes also run for six weeks. Each regional campus is outfitted with classrooms, administrative offices and student break rooms and is conveniently located so you can pursue your education without adding to your commute.
Two-Year Transfer Guarantee
FPU offers a graduation guarantee so you can complete your degree in just two years. If you meet the qualification requirements, fulfill your responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete your major in a two-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete your undergraduate degree.
Application Checklist
Submit an application for admission at fpu.edu/apply
- Be sure to choose the appropriate application for your program of choice, traditional undergraduate or degree completion.
- The traditional undergraduate application includes a short personal statement essay.
- There is a $40 application fee for all applicants. This fee may be waived if you meet with an admission representative prior to applying or attend an on-campus event.
College transcripts
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges you have attended including military transcripts. Transcripts must be unopened and be hand-delivered or mailed to FPU. You may also send official transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu.
Proof of high school graduation
- For both traditional undergraduate and accelerated programs, submit either an official high school transcript, GED certificate or any AA, AS, AS-T or AA-T from an accredited community college.
International students must also submit:
- TOEFL or IELTS scores if native language is not English.
- A copy of passport.
- Financial support documentation.
- Copy of I-20 and Transfer form if currently in the US.
- Certified English translation and evaluation of transcripts by an approved agency.
Application Deadlines
Accelerated Degree Completion Programs
Rolling Term. Due to the fact that courses begin every six weeks, there are no deadlines for admission. Speak to a program representative for more information on when you should apply.
Traditional Undergraduate Programs
Fall Term
- December 1: Priority Application Deadline
- March 1: Priority Application 2 Deadline
- August 15: Regular Application Deadline
Spring Term
- December 1: Priority Application Deadline
- January 2: Regular Application Deadline
Transferring Courses
FPU makes transferring your courses easy. Upon submission of official transcripts, coursework will be evaluated so you can focus on getting ahead.
Pathways to FPU
FPU has a variety of pathway programs that align with Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT), CSU-GE Certification and the IGETC-GE from California community colleges. Students who have completed an ADT, CSU-GE Certification or the IGETC-GE may have their FPU general education courses waived and qualify for the two-year graduation guarantee. Students wishing to transfer to FPU from four-year private, state or military institutions will have their units reviewed on a course-by-course basis by the Registrar’s Office.
Affordable Education
Fresno Pacific University is committed to making your education possible, starting with affordability. Our Student Financial Services Office staff is here for you every step of the way and has connected over 98% of our students to aid. Several forms of aid are available, and we encourage you to apply and explore all your financial aid options.
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the program you’re enrolled in so meet with your student financial services advisor to understand and apply for the types of aid you may be eligible for.
98% of students receive financial aid
169 Private Donor Scholarships available
Our students graduate with $8k less debt than the national average
#1 Most Affordable College - Christian Colleges & Universities in the West (christianuniversitiesonline.org)
Applying for Financial Aid
If you’re receiving governmental aid such as a Cal Grant or Pell Grant while attending a junior college, make sure to plan and strategize how you use that aid, so you still have funds available when you transfer to Fresno Pacific. To start the financial aid process at FPU, all you have to do is apply for admission. Below is a helpful checklist to make sure your transition is smooth and successful.
- Add Fresno Pacific to your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by adding our school code (001253) online at fafsa.ed.gov or by calling the FAFSA processor at 1-800-433-3243.
- Once your FAFSA has been received, you’ll receive an award notification, or a request for additional information via email. California residents must submit the FAFSA by March 2 to be eligible for the Cal Grant program.
- Meet with a Student Financial Services Office advisor.
- Turn in any information that is requested.
- Accept your financial aid award.
Connect with us
Get a sense for the support you’ll get on campus by visiting any of our five locations. If you're not able to make it in person, our admission teams are ready to walk you through each step via phone or video call.
Traditional Undergraduate
Phone: 559-453-2039 | Email: ugadmis@fresno.edu
Accelerated Degree Completion
Phone: 559-453-3690 | Email: gdc.admissions@fresno.edu
Not sure which path to take? Call us and we’ll answer any questions you may have. Phone: 559-453-2039