America Evangelical University
General Information
Overview
America Evangelical University (AEU) is a small, private evangelical institution rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, dedicated to training Christian leaders, ministers, and professionals for ministry work around the globe. Located in Gardena, California, AEU emphasizes spiritual formation, academic rigor, and vocational preparation, seeking to integrate faith and learning throughout its curricula. The university fosters a close-knit community, with a student‑faculty ratio of about 13:1, allowing for mentorship, personal discipleship, and meaningful interaction between students and faculty. While its primary mission is theological education, AEU also values cultural sensitivity, ethical leadership, and practical skill development, preparing graduates not only for church-related service but also for broader community engagement.
AEU’s identity is shaped by its evangelical and Wesleyan heritage, and its educational philosophy centers on nurturing both intellectual competence and spiritual maturity. It is deeply connected to the Korean Evangelical Church of America, which plays a central role in its governance and mission. The university emphasizes cultivating not just scholarship but character, believing that effective ministry requires both theological depth and relational wisdom. In addition to degree programs, AEU offers various student services designed to support holistic growth: spiritual formation, mentoring, and professional development.
Contact Information
Address: 1204 W. 163rd Street, Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: (323) 643‑0301
Email: via administrative offices; inquiries typically go through the main administrative or admissions office
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | Around 2000; institutional board organized in January 2001 |
| Motto / Mission | To prepare students for ministries in the church of Jesus Christ by equipping them with knowledge of the Word of God, academic competence, professional skills, and cultural sensitivity |
| Religious Affiliation | Wesleyan, Korean Evangelical Church of America |
| Accreditation | Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), Commission on Accreditation; recognized by Theological Schools (ATS) |
| Regulatory Approval | Approved by California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) |
America Evangelical University Rankings
| Ranking Scope | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| National (USA) | Not widely ranked in major national research‑university listings; focuses on theological education |
| Global | No formal global ranking; specialized evangelical/theological institution |
America Evangelical University Academics
Faculties / Departments
AEU’s academic structure is organized around its mission as a theological university, and its main faculties / departments typically include:
- Biblical Studies / Theology
- Ministry Leadership / Pastoral Studies
- Christian Education
- Missions & Evangelism
- Church Leadership / Administration
Courses and Programs / Majors
Key programs and majors offered by AEU include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry / Church Leadership
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership
- Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
- Certificate programs in theological education and Christian ministry
Online Learning
AEU provides online and distance education options, allowing students to take significant portions of their coursework via remote learning. The university is approved to offer online education, including comprehensive delivery of certain programs.
Average Test Scores
AEU does not publish average SAT, ACT, or GRE scores for applicants. Admissions emphasize spiritual readiness, ministry calling, and academic potential rather than standardized test metrics.
Retention and Graduation Rates
The retention rate for AEU is around 67%. Its graduation rate is very high at 100%, indicating that students who enroll are well supported toward completing their programs.
America Evangelical University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
AEU does not specify a strict GPA requirement or SAT/ACT range. Admission decisions are based more on a candidate’s spiritual calling, fit with the university’s mission, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
America Evangelical University Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 47% |
Application Requirements
To apply for admission to AEU, prospective students must complete an application form, submit transcripts (high school for undergraduates, previous degrees for graduate students), and provide evidence of Christian faith or vocational calling. Applicants may also submit a personal statement or testimony, and letters of recommendation from pastors or church leaders. Graduate-level programs typically include interviews with faculty or admissions staff to assess both academic readiness and spiritual maturity.
Application Process
- Choose the program level (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral)
- Fill out and submit the application form
- Provide relevant transcripts (high school or prior college)
- Supply a personal statement or testimony about faith and ministry calling
- Submit letters of recommendation, often including pastoral reference
- Attend an admissions interview for ministry degrees
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Program | Important Date / Note |
|---|---|
| Academic Year Applications | Deadlines vary by program; applicants should consult AEU for specific term-by-term dates (fall, spring) |
| Enrollment Cycle | AEU may operate on semester or modular schedule; prospective students should confirm with the registrar or admissions office for upcoming start dates |
Essay Prompt
AEU typically requires a personal statement or testimony rather than a traditional essay. Applicants are asked to articulate their faith journey, calling to ministry, and alignment with AEU’s mission.
America Evangelical University Scholarships
AEU offers financial aid and scholarships to support students in their vocational training. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for institutional scholarships, grants, or awards based on academic merit, ministry potential, or financial need. Many students also receive church sponsorship or denominational support.
America Evangelical University Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Estimated Cost / Tuition |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Approximately US$ 6,200 per year |
| Graduate Tuition & Fees | About US$ 6,200 per year |
| Cost per Credit Hour | Undergraduate: US$ 250; Graduate: US$ 300 |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
AEU has a total enrollment of 207 students (undergraduate and graduate combined). The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, allowing for personalized instruction. Gender and age breakdowns are not broadly published, but the university attracts both younger students and older, experienced church leaders pursuing advanced ministry training.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Specific data on low-income or students with disabilities is limited. Modest tuition and financial aid programs suggest that AEU is accessible to students with constrained financial resources. Its small size and faith-based community provide personalized support for students facing economic or personal challenges.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~207 |
| Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Students | ~159 |
| International Students | Not widely reported; likely a small proportion |
University Diversity
AEU, while rooted in the Korean Evangelical Church, welcomes a diverse student body united by Christian ministry commitment. The university emphasizes cultural sensitivity and prepares students for both local and global ministry. Its seminary environment fosters community, mentorship, and cross-cultural awareness, equipping leaders with both theological knowledge and practical skills for ministry leadership.
Average Earnings
AEU graduates typically pursue pastoral roles, church leadership, missions, or Christian education. While these vocations may not yield high market salaries, the university emphasizes servant leadership, ministry impact, and community influence. Graduates may supplement ministry roles with teaching, counseling, or nonprofit work. Success is measured more by vocational impact and community contribution than financial compensation.
America Evangelical University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
AEU has a small faculty, allowing for close mentorship and guidance. Faculty provide both academic instruction and spiritual mentorship. Administrative staff support student services, spiritual formation, admissions, and academic advising, reinforcing the integration of faith, scholarship, and service.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty possess advanced theological degrees and practical ministry experience. Their expertise spans biblical studies, pastoral leadership, Christian education, and missions. Faculty emphasize spiritual formation alongside academic excellence, mentoring students to integrate theology with real-world ministry. Many faculty actively serve as pastors, missionaries, or church leaders.
America Evangelical University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
AEU’s Gardena campus is modest and community-focused. On-campus housing is limited, so many students live off-campus or attend online/hybrid courses. Student life emphasizes spiritual formation, including chapel services, prayer groups, Bible studies, and mission activities. The small size fosters strong peer and faculty relationships, creating a tight-knit community.
Transportation
The Gardena campus is accessible via public transportation and offers parking for commuting students. Flexible class schedules, including evening or modular courses, allow students to align commuting with work and personal responsibilities. On-campus mobility is manageable due to the compact campus layout.