welcome to your Inside look at APU athletics
Explore Azusa Pacific like never before—your future as a Cougar starts now
what is a virtual tour?
Welcome to your virtual tour of Azusa Pacific University Athletics! This site is designed to give you a true sense of what it means to be a Cougar—on and off the field. Through key insights and firsthand testimonials, you’ll discover the culture, commitment, and community that makes APU the place where you, a student athlete, will thrive. Whether you’re a recruit exploring your next steps or a parent looking for the right fit, we invite you to dive in and experience what sets APU Athletics apart.
we are leaders.
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![A soccer team celebrating on the field at night, with one player being lifted by teammates.]()
Women's soccer
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Coming soon
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Coming soon
We build relationships which inspire transformation of student-athletes through experiencing Christ and cultivating competitive excellence, equipping men and women who are ready to serve and prepared to lead.
150+ Degrees
We offer a diverse range of academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. We hold academics in high regard and take pride in the distinction of our educational experience.
2,000+ students
Join a vibrant community of over 2,000 undergraduate students, fostering a supportive and engaging campus life.
academic benefits
Student-athletes thrive beyond the field, demonstrating outstanding academic achievement through an impressive success rate, access to accelerated degree pathways, and opportunities for automatic admission into select graduate programs.
being Located in southern california has its perks…
Disneyland, 30 miles from campus.
The beach, 43 miles from campus.
Universal Studios, 26 miles from campus.
And so much more!
we are unique.
Athletic Excellence
At APU, academic excellence is a core part of the student-athlete experience. Athletes receive dedicated academic support, including advising, tutoring, and study resources, ensuring they thrive in the classroom while competing at a high level. With scholarship opportunities and a Christ-centered education, APU equips student-athletes to grow in character, leadership, and career readiness. Here, success isn’t just measured in wins—it’s about preparing for a meaningful future beyond sports.
It’s more than a game
Faith and character are at the heart of APU Athletics, shaping student-athletes into leaders both on and off the field. As the only Christian university in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), APU offers a unique advantage: athletes can thrive in an environment that blends academic excellence with a Christ-centered education. Through this foundation, athletes are encouraged to compete with integrity, serve their community, and grow in their faith. Coaches and mentors emphasize discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, helping athletes develop strong character that lasts beyond their playing years. At APU, success isn’t just about athletic achievement—it’s about becoming a person of purpose, faith, and impact.
EDUCATION DONE DIFFERENT.
We offer specialized programs that empower student-athletes to pursue rigorous majors—such as nursing, the sciences, business, and more—while fully participating in athletics. We believe in the power of balancing academic excellence with athletic commitment, creating a well-rounded, enriching, and memorable college experience. APU’s supportive faculty, flexible scheduling, and dedicated resources ensure that students don’t have to choose between their sport and their calling—they can thrive in both.
We also offer accelerated degree programs designed to help students complete their education more quickly than traditional timelines. These programs are structured to allow students to earn their degrees in three years or less, providing a fast-paced academic experience that combines rigorous coursework with efficient scheduling. In some cases, students can also earn automatic admission into select post-graduate programs, giving them a head start on advanced degrees in areas such as business, education, and more. This approach enables students to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies sooner, while still receiving a comprehensive and high-quality education.
Students have the unique opportunity to broaden their horizons through transformative study away programs. Offered during fall, spring, and summer terms, these programs allow students to engage in academic coursework while immersing themselves in diverse cultures both domestically and internationally. Whether it’s a semester in South Africa, Ecuador, or other global destinations, these experiences are designed to integrate an intercultural dimension into education, fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.
Complementing these academic ventures, APU’s Global Engagement teams provide students with service opportunities during fall, spring, and summer breaks. These teams partner with communities worldwide, allowing students to participate in meaningful service projects that align with their passions and skills. Through these experiences, students not only contribute to global communities but also develop a heart for service and a broader perspective on cultural diversity.
we are unstoppable.
housing opportunities
We offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including dormitories and mods, primarily for undergraduate students. Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus.
food services
There are a variety of dining options, including a cafeteria with fresh, locally sourced meals and the Heritage Café for quick bites. Meal plans provide students with a combination of weekly meals and Flex Dollars, which can be used across on-campus venues. Students can also use the Grubhub app to conveniently order and pay for meals using their campus ID card or other payment methods.
campus life
Campus life is vibrant and community-focused, with students engaged in a variety of academic, spiritual, and extracurricular activities. The university offers a range of student organizations, leadership opportunities, and events that foster personal growth and lifelong friendships. With a Christ-centered atmosphere, students are encouraged to integrate their faith into all aspects of their life, both on and off campus. APU’s beautiful campus, located just 26 miles from Los Angeles, provides students with access to cultural and professional opportunities while supporting their overall well-being.
faith atmosphere
The faith atmosphere is integral to the student-athlete experience, encouraging athletes to see their sport as more than just competition. It’s about using their talents to serve others and reflect Christ’s love, both on and off the field. APU fosters a community where athletes understand they’re part of something much bigger than themselves—a team that seeks to honor God through their efforts, both in athletic achievement and personal character. This environment helps students grow spiritually, develop strong values, and create lasting impact in the world around them.
Trolley service
The APU Trolley is more than just a ride—it’s a unique part of campus life that brings our community together. This free shuttle service makes it easy and convenient to travel between East and West Campuses, academic buildings, residence halls, and local hotspots like the APU/Citrus train station. Whether you’re heading to class, grabbing food with friends, or exploring the surrounding area, the trolley keeps you connected and on the move. It’s just one more way APU makes campus life fun, accessible, and full of opportunity.
are you Wondering what it takes financially to become part of the Cougar family?
We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience, as well as options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.
we are azusa pacific.
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FAQs
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Currently, Azusa Pacific is NCAA DII. Starting in 2026, APU will transition to NCAA Division III and join the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), marking the exciting return of its football program. This move reflects APU’s commitment to offering a balanced, Christ-centered collegiate experience that prioritizes both academic and athletic excellence. Competing in SCIAC provides student-athletes the opportunity to excel locally against top-tier institutions while thriving in a close-knit, purpose-driven community.
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While NCAA Division III regulations prohibit athletic scholarships, Azusa Pacific University offers a variety of financial aid options to support student-athletes. These include academic scholarships, need-based grants, and degree-specific awards, ensuring that your dedication in the classroom and unique talents are recognized and rewarded. This approach allows you to excel both academically and athletically, fostering a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience.