Biola University
Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74.4%, average net price of $31,495, and a national rank of #822 (Grade B), with a 67.6% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $45,752 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Biola University is a private nonprofit university in La Mirada, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 33.0%, roughly 16.9 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Biola University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Biola University graduates 67.6% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Biola University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $62,757 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Biola University students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,752
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,752
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 74.0%
- Employment Rate 87.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Biola University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Biola University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Biola University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Biola University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Biola University graduates earn $45,752 median, the 33.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-700
- SAT Math 560-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 67.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Biola University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Biola University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 74.4%, Biola University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 74.4% acceptance rate, Biola University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1370 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Biola University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.6%
- Psychology, General 10.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.3%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 6.0%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 4.0%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 3.8%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 3.7%
- Biology, General 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $88,061
- 2. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $76,744
- 3. Political Science and Government $76,335
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General $69,000
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $65,246
- 6. Communication and Media Studies $59,996
- 7. Biology, General $58,547
- 8. Sociology $54,914
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $53,454
- 10. Psychology, General $51,956
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degree) $98,460
- 2. Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other (Master's Degree) $76,926
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $74,838
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $72,766
- 5. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $70,949
- 6. Education, General (Master's Degree) $67,062
- 7. Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (Master's Degree) $53,899
- 8. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $51,063
- 9. Bible/Biblical Studies (Master's Degree) $40,757
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $88,061—69% more than Psychology, General ($51,956). Graduate: Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs lead with $98,460 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Biola University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other (Master's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 42 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (36 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Journalism
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mathematics
- History
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Engineering Physics
- Philosophy
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Design and Applied Arts
- Social Sciences, General
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physical Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (12 programs)▼
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Accounting and Related Services
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Anthropology
- Religious Education
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 39.4%
- Asian 12.9%
- Hispanic 24.1%
- Black 3.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Biola University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Biola University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Biola University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Biola University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Biola University has a diverse student body, with 39.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Biola University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Biola University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Biola University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 33.0% ROI. Ranked #822 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $31,495 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $45,752 median earnings. With 67.6% graduating within six years and 83.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Biola University's Positioning
With a B grade and #822 ranking, Biola University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $31,495 annually, Biola University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $22,046 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 33.0% ROI and $45,752 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $21,495+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Biola University ranks #822 of 6119 institutions, with 3513 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 67.6% six-year graduation rate sits 5.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.9% first-year retention is 7.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 33.0% return on investment is 16.9 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,752 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $31,495 is roughly $14,068 higher than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.1% employment rate within three years sits 18.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $31,495 is about $14,068 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Biola University is a private nonprofit university based in La Mirada, CA and earns a B overall grade. It is currently ranked #822 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Expect about 67.6% of students to graduate within six years. Return on investment currently measures 33.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $31,495 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $62,757.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,262 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,752 at the median. That sits about 5% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 87.1% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 33.0%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Biola University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Biola University's acceptance rate?
Biola University's acceptance rate is 74.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Biola University cost?
At Biola University, the average net price after aid is $31,495. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Biola University's ranking?
Biola University ranks #822 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Biola University's graduation rate?
At Biola University, the six-year graduation rate is 67.6%.
What are Biola University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Biola University report median earnings of $45,752 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address La Mirada, CA 90639-0001
- Website www.biola.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$146.2M