FPU already has the highest four-year graduation rate in the Central Valley, two or three times better than other area universities. In addition, FPU has room for more students.
"Unlike some universities, we are not cutting back on classes or limiting the number of students who can apply," said Stephen Varvis, vice president of enrollment management.
"We will be accepting applications through the spring and summer," he added. "And we have financial aid available."
Grads are also getting jobs.
Noah Lawson (BA '06, TC '07) is serving as district director for California Assemblyman Danny Gilmore (30th District), working in the Hanford office.
"The experiences I took from Fresno Pacific that aided me and continue to aid me were the ability to think critically, write creatively and analytically, think quickly and to deal with the pressure," he said.
Tana Drost (BA '08) is among those students who turned a summer internship into a fulltime position. The business administration major (accounting emphasis) spent a summer at accounting firm Deloitte & Touche, LLP.
After a few weeks of training, "I went out with clients and basically did what first-year auditors do," she said.
Fresno Pacific has always been dedicated to giving students what they need to succeed. "Our professors are enthusiastic teachers with the professional expertise and local contacts needed to mentor students," Varvis said.
"In these difficult times, FPU's four-year guarantee and employment record will give students and families some assurance as they plan for the future," he added.
The university will guarantee graduation within four years to qualified students entering the traditional undergraduate program. "We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation," Varvis said.
Students who fulfill their responsibilities and are not able to graduate in four years will receive the needed courses in the next semester at no cost in tuition or student fees.
The guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements for a single major with no minor. Transfer, degree completion and graduate students are not part of the guarantee.
Student responsibilities include:
* Signing up for the guarantee during the freshman year, choose a major by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
* Make course plans with their advisor, follow those plans and meet all advising, registration and financial aid deadlines.
* Complete at least 32 units per year with passing grades in each course and remain in good standing behaviorally.
"This guarantee further demonstrates that a degree from FPU is an excellent investment in academic quality as well as professional, ethical and spiritual development," Varvis said.