
1717 South Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, CA 93702-4709, USA


Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This regional accreditation validates that the institution meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education.
The university also holds specialized accreditations for certain academic programs, which ensures those disciplines meet professional standards crucial for specific careers. Such accreditations can be important for students seeking licensure or certification in fields like education or counseling.
Prospective students should consider that accreditation affects federal financial aid eligibility, transfer of credits, and employer recognition of degrees. Fresno Pacific University's regional accreditation and program accreditations collectively affirm its commitment to providing a credible and rigorous academic environment.
Fresno Pacific University requires applicants to have completed secondary education, including a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if a traditional diploma is not held. Prospective students must submit records from their secondary school and meet a minimum grade point average. Although recommendations are not specified, standardized test scores like the ACT are recommended, while the TOEFL exam is mandatory for non-native English speakers to demonstrate language proficiency.
Applicants do not need to provide their own computers, as the university offers computer leasing options. The institution does not operate under an open admission policy, indicating selective criteria for acceptance. Dual credit and credit for prior college courses are not offered, but Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted.
Fresno Pacific University reports an acceptance rate of approximately 58%, with an average ACT score of 21, which places admitted students in the lower quartiles nationally. The average SAT score stands at 1105, reflecting placement in the bottom 40 percent of test takers. These metrics suggest a moderately selective admissions process focused on academic preparedness and standardized testing evidence.
Fresno Pacific University requires prospective students to submit an application fee as part of the admission process. The standard application fee is set at a fixed amount to cover processing costs. However, the university offers waivers for this fee under certain circumstances to assist applicants for whom the fee might pose a financial burden.
Applicants who demonstrate financial need may be eligible to have the application fee waived. Additionally, fee waivers are often granted to students who participate in specific outreach programs or meet predefined eligibility criteria determined by the university.
To request a waiver, prospective students typically need to provide documentation supporting their financial situation or other qualifying factors. The university encourages applicants to inquire early about possible fee waivers to ensure their application process is not delayed.
Fresno Pacific University does not offer its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. Prospective students interested in participating in ROTC typically need to enroll through affiliated nearby institutions that provide Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC training.
Students can often coordinate with these external ROTC programs while maintaining their academic studies at Fresno Pacific University, allowing them to pursue military commissions alongside their chosen degrees. However, specific partnerships or arrangements for ROTC enrollment are not detailed publicly by the university itself.
Fresno Pacific University offers transfer opportunities during the fall, spring, and summer terms, facilitating flexible enrollment options throughout the academic year. The institution maintains a moderately difficult admissions process for transfer applicants, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity.
Prospective students can transfer previously earned credits, as the university recognizes and accepts coursework completed elsewhere. This includes credits obtained through standardized examinations such as CLEP subject and general exams, as well as DANTES assessments, which are all accepted to fulfill credit requirements.
Additionally, Fresno Pacific University considers recommendation letters as part of the transfer admission process, potentially strengthening an applicant's file. These policies offer transfer students multiple pathways to advance their education while acknowledging prior academic achievements.
Fresno Pacific University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include faculty-led short-term trips, semester-long exchanges, and international internships. Students can participate in faculty-led courses abroad, which combine classroom learning with immersive cultural activities in destinations carefully selected to complement their studies.
Additionally, the university facilitates semester or year-long study abroad opportunities through partnerships with institutions around the world, allowing students to live and study in a different country while earning credits toward their degree. These exchange programs emphasize academic rigor as well as cross-cultural engagement.
Internships abroad are also part of the study abroad offerings, granting students practical experience in global work environments while enhancing their understanding of international perspectives within their chosen fields.
Median composite SAT score
1105Median composite ACT score
21Percent of students submitting ACT scores
47%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer