American Jewish University Admissions Programs Housing and Campus

American Jewish University (AJU) is a private nonprofit school in Los Angeles, California. It’s based on Jewish values and gives the students a solid education to help them become caring leaders. The school accepts students from all backgrounds and has a 71% acceptance rate.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs. With small classes and a focus on personal attention, AJU helps students get ready to make a difference in their jobs and communities.

In this blog, you'll discover what sets the American Jewish University courses and campus life apart.

American Jewish University: An Overview

American Jewish University, Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA, was founded in 2007. It was formed through the merger of the University of Judaism Los Angeles and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute. The University of Judaism, established in Los Angeles in 1947, was created to represent Jewish thought and tradition. It became an independent institution in the 1970s, expanding its academic and cultural reach. 

At the center of what AJU stands for are five main values:

• Judaism: Learning based on Jewish beliefs, ethics, and community.
• Knowledge: Aiming for strong academics and helping students grow their minds.
• Innovation: Teaching students creative ways to think and solve problems.
• Connection: Creating strong relationships with others.
• Israel: Helping students understand and connect with Israel.

American Jewish University Courses

American Jewish University Los Angeles offers different programs that help students get ready to become leaders in education, business, and Jewish life.

AJU offers programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The school places special focus on early childhood education, Jewish studies, and leadership training.

Some of the programs offered include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
• Master of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education (MAEd ECE)
• Doctorate in Education in Early Childhood Education Leadership (EdD ECE)
• Jewish Education Excellence Project: Mentor Teacher Training Program (JEEP)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Arts in Rabbinic Studies (MARS)

American Jewish University Admissions

The admissions process at American Jewish University welcomes many types of students, including those applying for college, graduate, or professional programs. Each application is looked at as a whole, focusing on school history, personal goals, and how well the student fits with AJU’s values.

Admission Requirements at the American Jewish University

To help students succeed, American Jewish University LA asks for several important documents during the application process. The school carefully reviews each application to make sure the student is prepared.

Here are some parts of the application process:

• Online Application: Fill out and submit the full application form through AJU’s official admissions website.
• Admissions Essays: Write a Statement of Purpose (SoP) that explains your background, your goals, and why you want to join the program you chose.
• Official Transcripts
  
  • Required from all colleges or universities attended.
  • If transcripts are not in English, a notarized English translation must be included.
• Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution, either:
  
  • Electronically to: registrar@aju.edu
  • By mail to:
    Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
    American Jewish University
    350 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
• If you haven’t yet graduated, submit academic transcripts of completed coursework to date. Final proof of your degree will be required upon admission.
• Letters of Recommendation: Submit four letters from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background for admission to the Jewish University Los Angeles.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable $100 USD fee must be submitted with the application.
• Hebrew Assessment: Complete the required Hebrew language assessment.

Application Process at AJU

American Jewish University Los Angeles CA has a clear admissions process. 

1. Submit Online Application: Choose your program and complete the official form via AJU’s admissions portal.
2. Apply with Required Materials: Provide all necessary items, including essays, transcripts, recommendation letters, and the application fee, per program-specific instructions.
3. Transcripts Submitted: Make sure your official school records are sent to AJU either online or by mail.
4. Recommendation Letters: Collect the letters needed, following the rules for your program.
5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the $100 non-refundable fee.
6. Interview: Some programs may ask you to do an in-person interview.
7. Complete Additional Assessments: You might need to take placement tests, share a portfolio, or complete language exams, depending on the program.
8. Admission Decision: Once your application is complete, AJU will notify you via email with acceptance, denial, or waitlist status.

American Jewish University Tuition Fees

The cost of attending AJU varies by program, credit load, and enrollment status. Below is a breakdown of American Jewish University tuition rates for degree and non-degree programs across the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and the School for Jewish Education and Leadership. These estimates are for the upcoming academic years and help students plan their educational journey effectively.

Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

New Students (Starting Fall 2025)

American Jewish University Student Life

Student life at this Jewish university in Los Angeles is built around community, culture, and connection. AJU has a friendly campus. There are plenty of opportunities to take part in activities outside the classroom.

• Jewish life is a core part of the AJU experience.
• Students and faculty regularly participate in monthly themed Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and Israeli cultural programs.
• Both formal observances and informal gatherings provide shared spiritual moments that strengthen community bonds.

Campus clubs and community building:

• The J-Life Club, in collaboration with the Office of Student Life, organizes events that celebrate Jewish heritage and encourage cultural exchange.
• Campus traditions and casual meetups help students connect, relax, and feel at home throughout their time at AJU.

American Jewish University Scholarships

American Jewish University is committed to making education accessible and affordable. Approximately 92% of AJU students receive some form of scholarship support.

Scholarships at AJU are awarded based on merit, financial need, and leadership qualities. Most are available to incoming undergraduate students, while others support students in graduate and rabbinic programs.

Student Housing Near American Jewish University AJU

Located in the upscale Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, the American Jewish University campus offers a quiet, scenic environment with easy access to nearby shopping areas, cultural hubs, and dining spots in Westwood and Brentwood. For students who prefer to live on-site, American Jewish University housing offers on-campus options, including double-occupancy rooms that foster a close-knit residential experience.

To support students relocating from outside the area, AJU offers the Housing Grant, a full year of free on-campus housing (double occupancy) for new undergraduate students whose permanent residence is 75+ miles from campus and who meet specific academic criteria.

For those seeking off-campus options, AJU partners with amber, a trusted student housing platform that helps students find nearby accommodation in the safest neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

Off-Campus Housing options:

• 1539 Beloit Ave, Los Angeles
• 1515 Colby Ave, Los Angeles
• 1265 Barry Ave, Los Angeles

These housing choices provide comfortable, secure living spaces within easy reach of AJU’s campus and surrounding neighborhoods.