America Evangelical University
America Evangelical University — Online Programs, Tuition & Accreditation
America Evangelical University
All programs offered completely via distance education
1204 W 163rd St, Gardena, California 90247-4432
Phone: (323) 643-0301
Website: www.aeu.edu
Quick Facts
| Type | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Accreditation | Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation (ABHE) — accredited since February 2015, next review February 2030 Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) — accredited since January 2023, next review March 2028 |
| Total Enrolment | 307 (73 undergraduate, 234 graduate) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 15 to 1 |
| Faculty | 2 full-time (1 instructional, 1 research), 1 part-time |
| Online Programs | Both undergraduate and graduate — 100% of students enrolled exclusively in distance education |
| Awards Offered | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Doctor's degree (research/scholarship) |
| Carnegie Classification | Special Focus Four-Year: Faith-Related Institutions |
| Religious Affiliation | Wesleyan |
| Federal Financial Aid | Yes — eligible for Pell Grants and Direct Loans |
| Credit Accepted | Institution does not accept dual, credit for life, or AP credits |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Admissions Policy | Open admissions |
A Note on Accreditation
America Evangelical University holds specialised accreditation from two faith-based accrediting bodies: ABHE and ATS. Both are recognised by the U.S. Department of Education. However, these are not regional/institutional accreditors (like HLC, SACSCOC, or WSCUC). Credits from institutions with specialised faith-based accreditation may not transfer to regionally accredited schools, and some employers outside the ministry and faith sectors may not be familiar with these accreditors. If you plan to transfer credits or pursue further secular education, verify acceptance with your target institution first.
Mission Statement
The mission of America Evangelical University is to prepare students for ministries in the church of Jesus Christ by equipping them with the knowledge of the Word of God, academic competence, professional skills, and cultural sensitivity.
Tuition & Fees (2024–2025)
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | $6,200 per year |
| Graduate Tuition | $6,000 per year |
| Graduate Fees | $200 per year |
| Books & Supplies (estimated) | $1,200 per year |
| Total Estimated Cost — Off Campus | $26,400 per year |
| Total Estimated Cost — Living with Family | $11,900 per year |
Tuition has remained unchanged since 2021–2022. A tuition payment plan is available. Figures are sourced from NCES College Navigator — verify directly with the institution before making financial decisions.
Financial Aid Snapshot (2023–2024)
| Students Receiving Any Financial Aid | 100% of full-time beginning students |
| Students Receiving Grants/Scholarships | 100% — average award $5,913 |
| Students Receiving Pell Grants | 100% — average award $4,548 |
| Students Receiving Institutional Aid | 40% — average award $3,441 |
| Students Taking Federal Loans | 60% — average loan $4,739 |
| Average Net Price (2023–2024) | $18,070 |
Average Net Price by Family Income (2023–2024)
| $0 – $30,000 | $16,941 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $16,753 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $20,946 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $18,975 |
Retention & Graduation
| Full-Time Student Retention | 54% (students who began Fall 2023 and returned Fall 2024) |
| Part-Time Student Retention | 67% |
| Overall Graduation Rate (150% time) | 33% (students who began Fall 2018) |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 33% |
| 6-Year Graduation Rate | 33% (67% for Fall 2016 cohort) |
Graduation and retention figures should be interpreted with caution for small institutions where a few students can significantly shift percentages. 86% of entering students were counted as full-time, first-time in 2024.
Student Demographics (Fall 2024)
| Undergraduate Attendance | 89% full-time, 11% part-time |
| Gender (Undergraduate) | 59% male, 41% female |
| Age (Undergraduate) | 93% aged 25 and over, 7% aged 24 and under |
| Residency | 48% in-state (California), 33% out-of-state, 19% foreign countries |
| Graduate Attendance | 80% full-time, 20% part-time |
Online Programs Offered
Theology & Religious Vocations
- Theology/Theological Studies (Bachelor's) — 8 awards conferred in 2023–2024
- Divinity/Ministry (Master's) — 17 awards conferred
- Missions/Missionary Studies (Master's)
- Pastoral Studies/Counseling (Doctorate)
Business
- Business Administration and Management, General (Master's)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's)
Education
- Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services (Master's) — 2 awards conferred
All programmes are offered entirely via distance education. 31 total awards were conferred in 2023–2024. Programme availability may change — verify current offerings directly with AEU.
Student Services Available to Online Students
- Academic and career counselling
- Disability services — learn more
- Weekend/evening college options
Important Links
| Admissions | www.aeu.edu |
| Net Price Calculator | Net Price Calculator |
| Disability Services | aeu.edu/Application |
About America Evangelical University
America Evangelical University is a small, private, non-profit Christian institution based in Gardena, California (near Los Angeles), affiliated with the Wesleyan tradition. It operates entirely online and focuses primarily on theological education, ministry preparation, and related fields. The university offers bachelor's through doctoral programmes in theology, divinity, pastoral counselling, and business. With 307 students and a notably diverse, international student body (19% from foreign countries, 93% adult learners), it serves a global community of students preparing for ministry and church leadership. AEU holds dual specialised accreditation from ABHE and ATS, both recognised by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuition is very affordable at $6,200 per year for undergraduates, and 100% of beginning students receive financial aid. Prospective students whose goals extend beyond ministry and faith-based careers should consider how the specialised accreditation may affect credit transferability and employer recognition outside religious contexts.
Community Discussion
Have you attended America Evangelical University or are you considering it? Share your experience or ask questions in our Course & Program Reviews forum.
Information on this page is sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator database and the institution's official website. Data reflects the most recently available reporting year. Details may have changed — always verify directly with America Evangelical University before making enrolment or financial decisions. Last updated: April 2026.