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Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA·Private nonprofit·1,614 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. no major red flags in the data. 59% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

58%
Accept
1,614
Students
N/A
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$45,600
Earnings
10 yr
$23,146
Debt

About This School

Fresno Pacific University is a private nonprofit institution located in Fresno, California with approximately 1,614 undergraduate students enrolled. Fresno Pacific University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 58%. In-state tuition is $35,558 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $45,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is a private Christian university in Fresno, California, United States. It was founded as the Pacific Bible Institute in 1944 by the Pacific District Conference of U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. The university awarded its first Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. The first master's degree program was introduced in 1975.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — an 81% freshman retention rate suggests students who enroll generally feel supported, but a 56% graduation rate means nearly half don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before committing. Median earnings of $45,600 a decade out are modest, though the $23,146 median debt is relatively manageable by private university standards. This is worth considering if you're drawn to a tight-knit Christian community with small-college feel, but ask hard questions about academic support and what's driving that graduation gap.

Founded
1944

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$35,558
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,558
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants59%
Median debt at graduation$23,146

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
81%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,146
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,146
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White20%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino62%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,614 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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