Hope International University is not only planted in the heart of one of the largest urban areas of the world, but it is also situated in the midst of a significant academic complex of five colleges and universities that together serve over 50,000 students. The largest of these institutions is California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Hope enjoys an especially close relationship with CSUF, one that affords students a rare opportunity to take advantage of the strengths of the small university and the wide range of offerings of a state university at the same time.

Hope's placement in the midst of this active academic setting and large, multi-ethnic, greater Los Angeles environment symbolizes the University's desire to interact with our world. In addition, students from more than forty countries enhance Hope's global perspective. Institutionally and individually, Hope seeks to be an agent of change in a troubled culture. The University seeks to prepare students who, regardless of their major, will be Christian servant-leaders impacting the Church and society through their service in volunteer or professional ministries.

To this end, curriculum is designed to motivate and equip every Hope major to render significant service to society and church. Hope International University does not offer students a quiet, ivory-towered retreat from community responsibility. Although high academic standards are maintained, faculty members encourage students to seek more than high academic achievement; faculty and student body alike are involved in activities of service, even as the students prepare for lives dedicated to being servant leaders in their chosen profession.