Arizona Christian University is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with
disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for all visitors and applying
relevant accessibility standards to enhance usability and inclusivity.

Conformance Status
We are working toward conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
2.2, Level AA. While we strive to ensure that all content on our website is accessible, some areas
may not yet fully meet these standards.

Accessibility Features
Our website is designed with the goal of supporting a wide range of users, including those who
rely on assistive technologies. To promote accessibility, we aim to:

• Support navigation by keyboard and compatibility with commonly used screen readers
• Provide text alternatives for meaningful images and non-text content
• Maintain consistent structure, headings, and labeling to improve navigation and
  comprehension
• Design content with sufficient color contrast and readability in mind
  We also utilize certain tools and technologies intended to enhance accessibility and user
  experience. These tools are supplemental and do not replace our ongoing efforts to improve the
  underlying accessibility of our website.

Ongoing Efforts
Accessibility is an ongoing priority at Arizona Christian University. Our efforts include:

• Periodic evaluation of website content and functionality using a combination of
  automated tools and manual testing
• Identification and remediation of accessibility barriers
• Integration of accessibility considerations into design, development, and content creation
  processes
• Training for personnel responsible for maintaining website content

Known Limitations
Despite our efforts, some content may not yet be fully accessible. This may include:

• Legacy documents (such as older PDFs)
• Third-party content or functionality not fully controlled by the university
• Isolated instances where accessibility improvements are still in progress

We are actively working to address these issues.

Feedback and Assistance
If you experience difficulty accessing any content on our website or require assistance, we
encourage you to contact us. We are committed to responding promptly and providing alternative
access to the information you need.

Contact Information
AnnMarie Callahan, Disability Services Coordinator
Arizona Christian University
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (602) 489-5300 x3023

We aim to respond to accessibility-related inquiries within two (2) business days.

Formal Complaints
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may request further review through the
university’s formal grievance process. Information regarding this process is available upon
request through Disability Services.

Statement Updates
This accessibility statement will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect ongoing
improvements and changes in standards.

Last updated: March 24, 2026

Institutional Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Specialized Accreditation

ACU’s Primary and Secondary Education programs are accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). ACU’s Master of Arts in Education is under review by ACSI; accreditation is pending.

State Licensure

The Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (AZPPSE)

Affiliations

Memberships

Post-Graduate Affiliations

Program-Specific Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Some of ACU’s degree programs have program-specific accreditations, certifications, or licensures. Programs not included in the tables below do not have additional accreditation, certifications, or licensures.

Graduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs

Grievance Policy and Procedure

Arizona Christian University wants students to have a positive experience in which their grievances can be expressed openly and honestly. The university is committed to promptly addressing student grievances, both academic (Vice President of Academic Affairs) and non-academic (Dean of Students). Student grievances are taken seriously and will be responded to by the university in a timely manner.

Prior to reporting a complaint or grievance, the university encourages individuals to attempt to resolve the issue on their own first. If the issue cannot be resolved, the university encourages individuals to submit a formal complaint.

To register a grievance, the student should write a formal letter detailing the issue and address it to the Dean of Students and/or Vice President of Academic Affairs. A grievance may be signed or anonymous. However, if submitted anonymously, it will not be possible to contact or work directly with the student. Students are encouraged to provide their names.

The grievance will be reviewed by the Dean of Students and/or Vice President of Academic Affairs, who will acknowledge receipt and establish a file within ten (10) business days. The file will be kept separate from student academic records. All additional concerns can be sent to [email protected].

Grievance Procedure

External Complaint Procedures

If a student or non-student has exhausted the institution’s internal complaint process, he or she can submit an external complaint to the appropriate agency.

Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education

If the student complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 3008
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-5709
Website: ppse.az.gov

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Allegations regarding non-compliance with accreditation standards, policies, and procedures may be referred to the HLC:

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Website: www.hlcommission.org/HLC-Institutions/complaints.html

Distance Education Student Academic Complaint Policy

Arizona Christian University is committed to providing online educational programs that are biblically integrated and true to the university’s mission and vision. If a student believes that he or she has an issue that requires attention, the student should follow this procedure:

State-Specific Disclosures for Distance Education Students

Arkansas

ACU is certified with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) to offer online education to students in the state of Arkansas. AHECB certification does not constitute an endorsement of any institution, course, or degree program. Such certification merely indicates that certain minimum standards have been met under the rules and regulations of institutional certification as defined in Arkansas Code § 6-61-301.

The student should be aware that these degree programs may not transfer. The transfer of course/degree credit is determined by the receiving institution.

Within 20 days of completing ACU’s grievance procedures, the student may file the complaint in writing. The grievant must provide a statement from ACU verifying that the institution’s appeal process has been followed.

Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE)
101 East Capitol, Suite 300
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-371-2000
Email: [email protected]
Website: Student Grievance Form

Maryland

Arizona Christian University is registered with the Maryland Higher Education Commission and approved to offer online education to students in the state of Maryland. Complaints must first be submitted internally for resolution following ACU’s complaint policy. After exhausting ACU’s internal complaint process, online students residing in Maryland may appeal a complaint to the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Office of the Maryland Attorney General, or both.

Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 North Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-3300
Email: [email protected]
Website: Student Complaint Form

New Mexico

ACU is authorized by the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) to offer distance education to students residing in New Mexico. Only after exhausting ACU’s internal complaint policy may online students residing in New Mexico file a complaint with NMHED.

In accordance with NMHED regulations, ACU’s designated representative who investigates or addresses a complaint will serve in an impartial capacity and will not be directly involved in the subject matter of the complaint. ACU ensures that no adverse action shall be taken against a complainant for filing a complaint.

New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100
Phone: 505-476-8411
Email: [email protected]
Website: Student Complaints

Constitution Day

Constitution Day is celebrated annually on September 17. This day marks the anniversary of the nation’s founding document.

Background

President George W. Bush signed a bill on December 8, 2004 (Public Law 108-447) which designates every September 17 as Constitution Day for all schools eligible for Title IV funding. This provision was introduced by Senator Robert Byrd in order to increase general knowledge about the Constitution.

Voter Registration Information

Rock the Vote
USA.GOV

Other Resources

Constitution Day Website
Read the Declaration of Independence
Read the Constitution
Read the Bill of Rights
Schoolhouse Rock – The Preamble

Copyright Law

Copyright law provides protections to creators of works against the unauthorized duplication and distribution of their works. In exchange for these protections, the public is provided with specific rights for “Fair Use” of copyrighted works. More specifics on copyright law and fair use are available at The U.S. Copyright Office and the Copyright Office FAQ page.

Copyrighted works that are easily stored in digital form, such as software, music, videos, and photographs, can be easily acquired and distributed over computer networks using freely available file-sharing software. However, despite the ease of such transfers, it is illegal to download, store, and especially to distribute such copyrighted works without written authorization.

Every user is responsible for his or her own compliance with the law. Using the University network does not in any way shield you from potential law enforcement actions; users who download or distribute copyrighted works may face civil or criminal penalties in addition to discipline based on university policy.

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws

From the U.S. Department of Education

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504 and 505, and the U.S. Copyright Office.

File Sharing Software

Much of the illegal distribution of copyrighted works is done with peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing software. There are many different P2P protocols used for sharing, such as BitTorrent and Gnutella, but the primary characteristic of P2P systems is that there is no central server holding the shared files. Instead, every client computer can both download files for local use and serve files for download by other peers.

If you install peer-to-peer file sharing software, it is your responsibility to ensure that it does not illegally serve any copyrighted material on the P2P network. Since these networks only function if many peers share, the default action of most file sharing packages is to automatically share local files.

P2P file sharing can consume large amounts of network bandwidth. Since bandwidth from our campus to and from the Internet is a scarce and expensive resource, IT attempts to limit the amount of P2P traffic. If you need to download legal material from a P2P source, please contact IT for assistance at [email protected].

Legal Sources for Music and Video

There are many online sources that give legal access to copyrighted music and video:

Policy Violations

Violation of any provision of this policy may result in:

Compliance

All institutions participating in Title IV, HEA Student Financial Aid Programs must have this publication annually available to prospective and current students. The University’s Department of Information Technology will undertake an annual audit to assure the effectiveness of our technical deterrents and our compliance with the requirements of accreditation regulations and Federal Student Financial Aid Programs pertaining to copyright and file sharing.

The total Cost of Attendance (COA) at ACU includes tuition and fees, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, food and housing, living expenses, transportation costs, course materials, cost of obtaining a license, certification or first professional credential, miscellaneous personal expenses, and any additional costs for a program in which the student is enrolled or expresses an interest. The information in the following tables reflects typical costs of attendance. For specific program fees, see ACU’s schedule of tuition and fees.

The student’s choice of housing affects the COA. It is used to determine the maximum amount of financial aid given. For example, living in the residence halls will cost more than living at home. This means the choice of housing affects the total cost of attending ACU.

Bachelor’s Degree COA (Full-Time) — Full Year

Bachelor’s Degree COA (Full-Time) — Single Term

*Additional lab fee of $185 per lab, two labs required per Bachelor of Science programs only.

B.S. in Education — 1st Year (Full-Time) — Full Year

B.S. in Education — 1st Year (Full-Time) — Single Term

*Fingerprint clearance card is required for certification and cost incurred while enrolled (1st year).
*Additional lab fee of $185 per lab, two labs required per Bachelor of Science programs only.

B.S. Music Majors (Full-Time) — Full Year

B.S. Music Majors (Full-Time) — Single Term

*Additional accompaniment fee of $300/semester for vocal lessons only.
*Additional lab fee of $185/lab, 2 required labs per program.

B.S. Biology (Full-Time) — Full Year

B.S. Biology (Full-Time) — Single Term

In order to comply with state and federal regulations and because of our commitment to abide by our standards as a Christian institution:

1. Illegal Drugs: All ACU employees and students are strictly prohibited from possession, manufacture, use, and/or distribution of illegal drugs. Possession of or being under the influence of any type of illegal substance will be grounds for dismissal and will be turned over to the authorities for further action.

2. Alcohol: All ACU employees and students are strictly prohibited from possession, use, and/or distribution of alcohol on property owned or used by the university or serving alcohol as part of any university-sponsored activity, whether on or off campus. Additionally, employees should use discretion with regard to the use of alcohol as a representative of ACU, especially when ACU students are present.

Further details relating to a Drug-Free Workplace and resources can be found in the student, staff, and faculty handbooks.

Arizona Christian University’s Glendale campus spans nearly 70 acres and 50,000 square feet of campus building space. The campus has 28 fully functioning classrooms with a total of 4,316 seats. Each classroom is equipped with a computer, camera, microphone, monitors, and projection system to allow for a variety of multimedia presentations to enhance learning. In response to the COVID pandemic of 2020, 18 classrooms were set up for synchromodal learning, allowing students to be physically or virtually present for classroom activities, including collaborative engagement.

Library

The ACU Library offers a 35,000-sq.-ft. building with plenty of natural light, an information commons that houses 28 computers for student use with a book scanner and a multifunction copier, multiple study areas zoned for individual and collaborative study with a variety of seating options, four group study rooms, a media viewing room, and one classroom that can be split into two or three rooms.

The Academic Center for Excellence, a tutoring center with a writing center, resides in the library’s east wing and offers drop-in and appointment-based tutoring and academic success coaching.

At the end of 2022–2023, the library owned 55,456 titles (including physical items and electronic titles) and had access to an estimated 267,767 eBooks, 11,000 full-text electronic serials, and 64 online databases. Off-campus access to the library’s electronic resources is facilitated by a proxy server using ACU Google/Gmail credentials. The library also offers an interlibrary loan service to the university community.

Laboratories

ACU has state-of-the-art laboratories for its chemistry and biology programs. Each lab contains 24 workstations and is equipped with safety features such as fume hoods, eye wash stations, emergency showers, fire extinguishers, and ventilation systems to ensure the well-being of researchers and students. Strict protocols for handling hazardous materials and waste disposal are in place. The lab facilities include multimedia systems and demonstration stations to support effective teaching and learning.

Music and Communication

The Music and Communication building serves as the central hub for ACU’s music and communication programs. The facility includes four project studios for music and video production, an expansive recording studio for larger-scale projects with a comprehensive array of microphones, preamps, audio interfaces, and music software. Additional spaces include designated practice rooms, band rehearsal spaces, recording suites, a piano lab, a video recording stage, and the recently renovated Don & Mary King Performing Arts Auditorium.

Counseling Center

ACU offers free mental health counseling services to all students, staff, and faculty in an on-campus counseling center. This center also serves as a pre-practicum and practicum site for students in relevant degree programs. Students completing practicum are supervised by licensed faculty members and utilize a closed, HIPAA-compliant computer system to view sessions.

Event Center

The Event Center functions as the home court for the ACU men’s and women’s basketball teams, in addition to women’s acrobatics and tumbling. It also serves as the venue for the school’s twice-weekly chapel services, which include performances by praise and worship bands. Additional spaces on campus used for performances include the atrium of the administration building and the outdoor pavilion in the center of campus.

Athletic Venues

ACU’s campus affords plenty of space for athletic competition venues. The university installed a state-of-the-art artificial turf football field, multi-purpose soccer and football field, and softball field on the west side of campus during 2020–2021, and has since added a men’s baseball field and a competition soccer field.

Firestorm Recreation Center

The Firestorm Recreation Center (FRC), a former YMCA facility acquired in summer 2021, provides space for athletic teams, intramurals, and fitness facilities available to all students, faculty, and staff. The FRC includes a gymnasium, swimming pool, coaches’ offices, locker rooms, and team rooms.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA protects college students’ education records, so they remain confidential between the college and student. Information can be found in the U.S. Department of Education publication, An Eligible Student Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Protected education records include, but are not limited to, academic progress and grade reports, financial information, dorm life, student activities, and any disciplinary actions. These are all considered private and cannot be shared without the student’s written and signed consent.

Student Rights Under FERPA

The ACU Student Handbook provides a full notification of students’ rights under FERPA, as well as procedures for requesting information or filing a complaint. These rights include:

Right to Inspect and Review Records

Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days after the day that Arizona Christian University receives a request for access. The student should submit to the Office of the Registrar, in hardcopy form or via email to [email protected], a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The Office of the Registrar will notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Office of the Registrar, that office shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

ACU students have online access to their academic and financial records through their student account in Populi. Students do not need to submit a written request to review these records but may still request an amendment as stated below.

Right to Request an Amendment

Students have the right to request an amendment of their records that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask ACU to amend a record should write to the Office of the Registrar, clearly identifying the part of the record to be changed and specifying why it should be changed. If ACU decides not to amend the record as requested, the Office of the Registrar will notify the student in writing of the decision and of the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.

Note: This process cannot be used to contest or change a grade, nor can it be used to dispute a charge on a student’s account.

Right to Consent to Disclosure

Students have the right to provide written consent before ACU discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA permits the disclosure of education records to school officials who need to review such records in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities to ACU.

A school official typically includes:

Right to File a Complaint

Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by ACU to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Students are encouraged to first contact University Registrar Services at (480) 965-7302. A complaint may be filed in writing with:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

Directory Information

ACU may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless the student has advised ACU to the contrary in accordance with ACU procedures. ACU does not publicly release a student directory or any directory information outside of ACU, except for graduation programs, which may contain student names, degrees, majors, and graduation honors.

Internal to ACU, the Populi dashboard allows certain student directory information to be viewed by other active students and staff who also have access to Populi. This information includes the student’s name, photo, degree and major, and school email.

Any student can opt out of providing this information by setting his or her Populi profile to Private. After logging into Populi, the student should click on his or her thumbnail photo in the top right, select “My Profile” from the dropdown menu, and then select “Yes” under “Make My Profile Private.”

Health and Safety Exemption

The university is permitted to disclose, without student consent, the information in a student’s education record — including personally identifiable, non-directory information — in connection with a health or safety emergency. The situation must present an imminent danger to a student or other member of the university community to qualify for this exemption. A health and safety exemption request must be approved by one of the following: the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Campus Operations, Director of Campus Safety, or University Registrar.

Arizona Christian University offers degree programs that may lead to professional licensure with the State of Arizona and other states. ACU has made a good faith effort to determine if successful completion of its programs meets individual states’ educational licensure or certification requirements.

This information is provided per U.S. Federal Regulations, 34 CFR § 668.50 (2016 Rules) and 34 CFR § 668.43 (2019 Rules). Some states require individuals to complete additional requirements, such as exams or special state-specific courses, that are in addition to educational prerequisites satisfied by ACU’s degree programs. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate state agency to confirm a particular state’s exact requirements for licensure or certification.

Elementary and Secondary Education Bachelor’s Degrees

Updated October 2024

Arizona Christian University’s certified education programs may lead to professional licensure or certification. The table below represents the results of the university’s reasonable, good-faith efforts to determine whether its certified education programs meet the applicable professional licensure or certification education requirements.

The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) publishes information for out-of-state applicants for teacher certification in jurisdictions that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Graduates of ACU’s certified education programs who go on to obtain Arizona teacher certification may be able to obtain a reciprocal certification from the NASDTEC-participating jurisdictions. Visit NASDTEC Interstate Agreements for more information.

Education Master’s Degree

Updated October 2024

Arizona Christian University’s certified education programs may lead to professional licensure or certification. The table below represents the results of the university’s reasonable, good-faith efforts to determine whether its certified education programs meet the applicable professional licensure or certification education requirements.

The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) publishes information for out-of-state applicants for teacher certification in jurisdictions that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Graduates of ACU’s certified education programs who go on to obtain Arizona teacher certification may be able to obtain a reciprocal certification from the NASDTEC-participating jurisdictions. Visit NASDTEC Interstate Agreements for more information.

Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

Updated May 2024

Arizona Christian University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) may lead to professional licensure or certification. The table below represents the results of the university’s reasonable, good-faith efforts to determine whether the MSMFT program meets the applicable professional licensure or certification counseling requirements.

Student textbook information can be found in the student information system (SIS), Populi. Students are expected to purchase required textbooks and other course materials prior to the start of class.

Required textbooks for each course are listed in the course information at the time of registration. Students are expected to bring their own textbooks, paper, and pencil or pen to class.

Because publishers revise textbooks often, students are encouraged to purchase the textbooks and course materials listed in the course information in order to obtain the correct editions for their classes.

Return of Aid Policy

The Return of Aid Policy is employed when a student withdraws from Arizona Christian University. Any student who is officially withdrawn from ACU will have his or her aid package reviewed for the percentage of funding earned based on the rules and regulations set forth by the Department of Education.

A student can initiate a withdrawal from ACU by contacting his or her Enrollment Management Specialist (EMS) via a phone call, electronic submission, in-person meeting, or someone else authorized to act on the student’s behalf. Upon completion, the Office of Financial Aid has 45 days to complete the review of all federal aid and submit any unearned funding to the student’s lender. Students are required to meet with their assigned EMS to discuss any outstanding financial obligations.

Federal Return to Title IV Policy

A percentage of federal aid must be returned to the Title IV program(s) if a student withdraws on or before completing 60% of the semester and/or payment period. The percentage of Title IV aid to be returned is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester/payment period divided by the number of calendar days attended by the student in the semester/payment period. Scheduled breaks of more than five consecutive days are excluded.

Withdrawal (official or unofficial) within a term containing modules (i.e., coursework taken within a term where no courses taken span the entire length of the term) will be subject to modular refund policy.

The calculation of the return of these funds may result in the student owing a balance to ACU and/or the Department of Education. It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from all classes. If the student completes 60.01% or more, the student earns 100% of aid.

Students who are no longer attending at least six credit hours at the time loan funds are scheduled to be disbursed are not eligible to receive those funds. The loan will be canceled, and all loan funds returned to the Department of Education.

Order of Return to Federal Aid Programs

In accordance with federal regulations, when Title IV, HEA financial aid is involved, the calculated amount of the R2T4 funds is returned in the following order:

Note: If prior to withdrawing, funds were released to a student because of a credit balance on the student’s account, the student may be required to pay a balance to the university upon withdrawal.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursements

If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him or her, the institution would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be paid within 120 days of the student’s withdrawal. To be eligible, a student must have a complete financial aid file (verification completed and all tracking requirements satisfied) and meet all eligibility requirements.

Grants from a post-withdrawal disbursement may be credited to the student’s school account without obtaining student permission; however, it may only be credited for tuition, fees, and room and board (if the student contracts with the school) or disbursed directly to the student. The university must obtain confirmation from the student, or from a parent for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan, before making any disbursement of loan funds.

Withdrawal Date Determination

Official Withdrawal

If a student expresses intent to withdraw from the university, the withdrawal date is the date the student provided notification to the Enrollment Management Specialist.

Unofficial Withdrawal

Students who do not notify the university to withdraw are considered unofficial withdrawals. The withdrawal date will be the student’s last day of academic-related activity. If a last day of academic-related activity cannot be identified, the withdrawal date will be the mid-point of the semester (or payment period).

R2T4 Calculation

Federal financial aid is awarded under the assumption that a student will complete attendance for the entire period of enrollment for which aid was awarded. When a student withdraws from all courses, regardless of the reason, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of the federal financial aid originally awarded. The student will only be eligible to keep the “earned” portion of the federal financial aid received for that term.

Federal regulations require a recalculation of financial aid eligibility if a student:

Note: ACU’s institutional refund policy is separate from the federal R2T4 regulation to return unearned aid.

Calculation Formula

The percentage of federal aid earned is determined by dividing the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date by the total number of calendar days in the semester/payment period. Scheduled breaks of five days or more are not included in the total days. If a student attended more than 60% of the period of enrollment, the student is considered to have earned 100% of the Title IV funds.

The calculation must be performed within 30 days of the date the institution determines that a student has completely withdrawn. The institution must return the unearned funds within 45 days of the calculation.

R2T4 Exemptions

There are three exemptions enacted by the Department of Education that exempt a student from the R2T4 calculation process (per the September 2, 2020 final rule amending 34 CFR §668.22). A student is not considered to have withdrawn if the student meets any of the following:

If a student meets any of the R2T4 exemptions, the student is considered a “completer” and is not considered withdrawn for Title IV purposes.

Students Enrolled in Parts of Term (Modules)

For students enrolled in multiple parts of terms, ACU combines all courses to form a payment period. The R2T4 is calculated based on the parts of terms within the payment period. A student is considered withdrawn if the student does not complete all the days in the payment period that the student was scheduled to complete.

If a student withdraws from a course in a later part of the term while still attending a current part of term, the student is not considered as withdrawn. However, a recalculation of aid based on the change in enrollment status may be required.

Students who provide written confirmation to the Office of Financial Aid at the time of ceasing attendance in a part of the term, but who plan to attend another course later in the same payment period, are not considered to have withdrawn from the term. Registration alone does not meet this requirement — written confirmation is required.

Loan Repayment Information

The loan grace period begins on the withdrawal date from the institution or when a student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. If the student does not re-enroll as a half-time student within six months of withdrawal, or enrolls at less than half-time, the loan(s) enters repayment. The promissory note signed by the borrower outlines the repayment obligations. The student should contact his or her loan servicer to make repayment arrangements.

Arizona Christian University maintains written arrangements with select institutions to expand academic opportunities for our students at both the undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Undergraduate Affiliations

Arizona State University

In collaboration with Arizona State University, ACU offers the opportunity in limited circumstances for students to take classes online through ASU. In particular, ACU’s online biology program offers some of the required classes through ASU online.

Post-Graduate Affiliations

Cedarville University Graduate School

Cedarville offers preferred status to students of ACU who enroll in professional healthcare programs at Cedarville.

Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS)

In collaboration with DTS, ACU offers a combination of courses at the undergraduate and graduate level fulfilling a 4+1 or a 4+2 program in which students can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

ACU graduates who meet the stated conditions are guaranteed an interview for admissions to VCOM.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

ACU students have the opportunity to enter LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program and to procure a conditionally reserved seat.

Midwestern University

Midwestern provides guaranteed interviews and reserve acceptances for qualified ACU applicants per admissions year.

Phoenix Seminary

In collaboration with Phoenix Seminary, ACU provides a pathway for students to advance from a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies degree into a Master of Divinity degree or a MA in Biblical and Theological Studies or MA in Ministry at Phoenix Seminary.

According to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended, the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (HERA), Pub.L.109-71, and the Department of Education’s regulations, Arizona Christian University is not subject to any sanctions based on Arizona Christian University’s FY 2020 CDR.

The national average cohort default rate for Fiscal Year 2020 is 0.0%. The percentage of full-time, beginning undergraduate students who took out loans for school year 2020–2021 is 74%.

Arizona Christian University’s Three-Year Official Cohort Default Rate

What is a cohort default rate?

For schools having 30 or more borrowers entering repayment in a fiscal year, the school’s cohort default rate is the percentage of a school’s borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) and/or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans (Direct Loans) during that fiscal year and default (or meet the other specified condition) within the cohort default period. For schools with 29 or fewer borrowers entering repayment during a fiscal year, the cohort default rate is an “average rate” based on borrowers entering repayment over a three-year period.

What is a cohort default period?

The phrase “cohort default period” refers to the three-year period that begins on October 1st of the fiscal year when the borrower enters repayment and ends on September 30th of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the borrower entered repayment. This is the period during which a borrower’s default affects the school’s cohort default rate.

How is the cohort default rate calculated?

The formula the Department uses for calculating a school’s cohort default rate depends on the number of borrowers from that school entering repayment in a particular cohort fiscal year and the number of cohort default rates previously calculated for the school. Note that cohort default rates are based on the number of borrowers who enter repayment, not the number of loans that enter repayment. A borrower with multiple loans from the same school whose loans enter repayment during the same cohort fiscal year will be included in the formula only once for that cohort fiscal year.

Disclosure of Student Cohort Default Rate

In compliance with federal requirements and the Department of Defense, if Arizona Christian University’s Cohort Default Rate (CDR) exceeds the national average CDR, Arizona Christian University will disclose this information and provide our students with the loan repayment data. The Cohort Default Rate is updated on a yearly basis.

Completion rates are based on the fall cohort of full-time, first-time degree-seeking students. Rates reflect a 6-year period and include time to degree for both associate and baccalaureate programs. Data is reported annually to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) in compliance with the Student Right-to-Know Act.

First-Time, Full-Time Freshmen Retention Rates

Bachelor’s Degree 6-Year Completion Rates

2025 Completions by Gender

2025 Completions by Category (Degree & Certificate)

For the most detailed and current data, visit our institutional profile on College Navigator.

4-Year Graduation Rates: Students Receiving Athletic Aid, 2020 Cohort

Arizona Christian University’s graduation rates are based on the incoming fall cohort of full-time, first-time degree-seeking students. Graduation rates are determined by the number of students in a cohort who earn a baccalaureate degree in four years.

Table 1: Graduation Rate by Race and Sex

Table 1 shows the 4-year graduation rate of all first-time freshmen entering in fall 2020 who received institutional athletic aid. The graduation rate is disaggregated by race and sex.

Table 2: Graduation Rate by Sport

Table 2 shows the 4-year graduation rate of all first-time freshmen entering in fall 2020 who received institutional athletic aid. These rates are disaggregated by sport.

Table 3: Graduation Rate by Gender, Race, and Sport

Table 3 shows the 4-year graduation rate of all first-time freshmen entering in fall 2020 who received institutional athletic aid. The rates are grouped by race, sex, and sport. Only race/sex/sport combinations that contain 5 individuals or more in the 2020 cohort are shown.

All other race/sex/sport combinations omitted as their entrance cohort is fewer than 5 individuals.

All data above is sourced from Arizona Christian University’s student information system unless otherwise specified. Updated June 20, 2024.

Graduates from ACU’s certified Elementary and Secondary Education programs may seek Arizona Educator Certification.

Graduates from ACU’s Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program may seek licensure with the AMFTRB.

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) requires co-educational institutions of postsecondary education that participate in a Title IV federal student financial assistance program and have an intercollegiate athletic program to prepare an annual report on athletic participation, staffing, and revenues and expenses by men’s and women’s teams. The following data reflects the reporting year July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.

General Information

Athletics Participation

Number of participants as of the day of the first scheduled contest.

Head Coaches — Men’s Teams

Head Coaches — Women’s Teams

Head Coaches’ Salaries

Assistant Coaches’ Salaries

Athletically Related Student Aid

Recruiting Expenses

Operating (Game-Day) Expenses by Team

Total Expenses by Team

Total Revenues by Team

Revenues & Expenses Summary

Data reported in compliance with the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA). OPE ID: 00711300.

The following data came from the most recent iteration of Arizona Christian University’s Graduation Survey (Spring 2023–2024). This survey is sent to all ground graduating seniors in the semester of their graduation. The information is self-reported by students, and while responses are highly encouraged, completion of this survey is not mandatory. Results are reviewed by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and distributed to university leadership.

Employment After Graduation

68 responses

Job Field Relevance to Major

Graduate or Professional School Plans

68 responses

Student Persistence and Retention Rates

Persistence rates refer to the proportion of students retained between adjacent terms, minus those who complete programs of study. This may be extended to year-over-year persistence.

Spring-to-Fall Persistence

Fall-to-Fall Retention

Retention rates reflect the percentage of first-time, full-time (freshman) students who return to ACU for their sophomore year.

Arizona Christian University Student Diversity

Enrollment as of Census Day – 1/17/2025

Spring 2025 Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

Fall 2024 Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

Spring 2024 Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

Fall 2023 Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

Countries Represented

41 campus students from 26 countries.

States Represented

483 ground students (undergraduate and graduate) from Arizona. 431 ground students (undergraduate and graduate) from 37 other states.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) is a federal law that requires colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime and fire statistics, along with security information, through a published annual report.

Arizona Christian University, in compliance with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act — which amended the Clery Act — reports annually to employees, current students, and prospective students the crime statistics for the past three years pertaining to reported crimes that have occurred on campus, in certain non-campus buildings used by the University, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

What This Report Includes

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report covers the University’s policies and procedures related to campus safety, crime prevention, incident reporting, prevention and awareness training related to violence and sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and victim’s rights. The report also includes fire safety information for on-campus student housing facilities.

Your Role in Campus Safety

The safety of our campus community is a shared responsibility. All members of the University community are encouraged to be alert to suspicious or criminal activity and to report all criminal actions and other emergencies immediately.

Campus Safety Office: (602) 489-5301
Emergency: 911
Glendale Police (Non-Emergency): (623) 930-3000
Email: [email protected]

The Department of Campus Safety is located in Building 1100, next to the Event Center on the southwest corner of campus. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), Arizona Christian University (ACU) has established a code of conduct to which its employees in the Office of Financial Aid and employees who have responsibilities with respect to educational loans must adhere.

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships conducts its student loan programs by the policies and procedures contained in this Code of Conduct.

Basic eligibility requirements are that you must:

Qualifying for a College or Career School Education

You can show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by:

Important: On the FAFSA form, a contributor refers to anyone (you, your spouse, your biological or adoptive parent, or your parent’s spouse) who’s required to provide information on the FAFSA form. If a required contributor doesn’t provide consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred into your FAFSA form, you won’t be eligible for federal student aid — even if they manually enter tax information into the FAFSA form.

Loan Counseling

Entrance Loan Counseling

Entrance Loan Counseling reviews loan terms and conditions, along with the borrower’s rights and responsibilities.

Master Promissory Note (MPN)

The Master Promissory Note is a legal document where a student promises to repay their loan and any applicable interest to the U.S. Department of Education.

Exit Loan Counseling

Students who withdraw or drop to a less-than-half-time status are required to complete exit loan counseling and are notified by the Office of Financial Aid of this requirement.

Policy

Arizona Christian University (ACU) complies with Section 487(a)(20) of the Higher Education Act (HEA), which prohibits the University from providing incentive compensation to employees or third-party entities for their success in securing student enrollments or the awarding of Title IV HEA program funds.

As ACU meets its enrollment goals, the University will keep the educational interests of all prospective students and the University at the forefront of admissions and recruitment and financial aid disbursement practices. ACU will provide accurate information to assist all prospective students in making informed application and enrollment decisions, including information about college admissions, costs, and other information that will allow students to determine whether a campus is a good fit for them.

Activities Covered by the Ban

ACU may not provide any commission, bonus payment, merit salary adjustment, or promotion based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or awarding of federal financial aid, to any person or entity engaged in any student recruitment or admissions activity or in making decisions regarding the award of Title IV funds (including Department of Defense Tuition Assistance funds).

Activities covered by the ban include, but are not limited to:

Examples of activities that are exempt from the ban (if the employee is not also engaged in covered activities):

These rules do not apply to the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to receive federal student assistance. The Office of Admissions will refer any applicants/students that identify as Military or Veteran beneficiaries of educational benefits to the Director of Financial Aid for advising, benefit eligibility, and financial questions.

Employees Covered by the Ban

These rules apply to any employee that is directly engaged in restricted activities, including athletics coaches. Special care should be taken when reviewing the performance of employees who may perform restricted activities as a nominal part of their work to ensure that compensation decisions are not made in relation to the success of these activities in securing student enrollment or the awarding of financial aid.

Generally, these rules do not apply to senior level managers and executive employees that are only involved in the development of policy and do not engage in individual student contact related to the restricted activities.

Merit-Based Awards for Employees Covered by the Ban

Commissions, bonus payments, merit salary adjustments, or promotions may be awarded to individuals covered by these rules according to the following standard evaluative factors:

With respect to athletic personnel, bonus or other incentive payments are typically permitted for successful athletic programs including compensation for a successful athletic season, team academic performance, or other measures of team success. When employees covered by these rules receive commissions, bonus payments, merit salary adjustments, or promotions, justification using the above factors must be documented.

Third-Party Vendors

These rules extend to payments to third-party entities. However, specific rules may apply if a vendor is providing bundled activities that include covered as well as other activities. Third-party agreements should be reviewed to ensure they do not include incentivized payments for the covered activities. Assistance from ACU’s General Counsel should be requested before authorizing any third-party agreements that may contain these activities.

Definitions

For additional information regarding this policy, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Arizona Christian University does not currently host a study abroad program.

If a study abroad program becomes available in the future, information will be provided on this webpage.

Financial Aid Disbursements to Your Student Account

The type of aid you accepted affects when your aid will be posted to your student account. Most federal aid funds are posted to your student account to the term/semester awarded after the add/drop period for that term/semester.

Grants and Student Loans

Generally, your grant or loan money is disbursed in at least two payments called disbursements. Arizona Christian University will post your grant or loan money at least once per term (semester or payment period) per award year. If your term (semester or payment period) is a single term for the award year, your loans are required to be disbursed into two disbursements for that term.

Note: If you’re a parent taking out a Direct PLUS Loan, the loan funds will be disbursed according to the same type of schedule.

The following may apply if you haven’t taken out a federal student loan before:

Work-Study

If you’re going to have a work-study job, you’ll be paid at least once a month.

Institutional or Outside Financial Aid

Institutional aid will be posted to your student account on a term or semester basis as awarded. Outside financial aid sources will be posted to your student account as we receive the funds from the source. The funds will be split into Fall/Spring disbursement unless otherwise indicated on the scholarship documentation.

Arizona Christian University
Office of Financial Aid
1 W Firestorm Way
Glendale, AZ 85306

Phone: 1(602) 489-5300

Email: [email protected]

Private Loans

Private loan programs offer competitive interest rates and borrower benefits. To increase chances of approval and possibly improve the rate you receive, students are strongly recommended to apply with a creditworthy co-signer. Some lenders require students to apply with a co-signer regardless of your income or credit rating. Look at each loan program for these requirements. Private loans are also available for parents or guardians.

FASTChoice

FASTChoice is a loan comparison service offered free-of-charge to schools by the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation. Private loan options are available for both students and parents.

Once in FASTChoice, students and parents will be able to compare various loan programs and link directly to the lender of their choice to begin an application. Lenders will automatically notify Arizona Christian when an application is fully approved. Then they will request school certification electronically. When requested, provide your lender with these identifiers:

Tips for Borrowers