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56.6%Acceptance
$46,704Tuition
3,390Students
69%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,778Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Undenominational

About Biola University

Biola University trains students through a biblical lens across theology, business, and the arts. The 3,390-student campus draws future pastors like Craig Groeschel and Christian musicians like Matt Redman and Rebecca St. James. Students find a tight-knit community in this suburban Los Angeles setting where faith shapes every academic program. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally.

The sticker price hits $59,138, but most families pay far less after aid. The average net price drops to $28,101, making this Christian education more accessible than it appears. Graduates earn a median of $56,778 ten years out, while typical debt loads reach $23,875. Those numbers suggest the investment pays off reasonably well for a private religious institution. Monthly loan payments average $253 for borrowers.

The student body leans female at 59.53% and reflects California's diversity with 23.63% Hispanic and 12.86% Asian students. The 85.26% retention rate shows students stick around once they arrive. Biola competes in NCAA Division II with 16 varsity sports and awards $4.7 million in athletic scholarships. The Eagles particularly excel in programs that blend academic rigor with spiritual formation.

Academics & Faculty

Biola builds its academic reputation on integrating Christian faith with rigorous scholarship across theology, business, cinema, and psychology programs. The university's 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom. Students graduate at a 68.8% rate within six years, reflecting the supportive but demanding academic environment. Biola's School of Cinema and Media Arts ranks among the top Christian film programs nationally. The Talbot School of Theology attracts future pastors and missionaries from around the world. Business and psychology majors benefit from faith-based approaches to their fields. The semester system allows students to dive deep into coursework while maintaining strong relationships with faculty who share their Christian worldview.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
70.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
68.8%
Retention Rate
85.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,778
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business/Commerce, General. Master $90,856
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $74,576
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. Doctoral $63,328
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Doctoral $62,012
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other. Master $53,775
Education, General. Master $51,273
Computer Science. Bachelor $47,260
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. Master $47,260
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $44,711
Bible/Biblical Studies. Master $41,565

View all 85 programs →

Campus Life

Biola's suburban campus sits 22 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, where students enjoy year-round sunshine and rarely need more than a light jacket. About 82% of undergraduates live on campus in a close-knit community of 3,390 students. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name.

Weekend life revolves around chapel attendance, beach trips to nearby Orange County, and exploring LA's cultural attractions. Students gather for worship concerts, intramural sports among 16 varsity programs, and community service projects that reflect the university's Christian mission. The gender split favors women at 59.53%, creating a balanced social active. With 65.59% of students from California, many head home on weekends, though campus programming keeps residential students engaged. The university's undenominational Christian identity shapes daily rhythms through required chapel services and biblically integrated coursework. Small class sizes and the suburban setting foster deep friendships, while LA's proximity offers internships and entertainment just a drive away.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
2,773 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1908

Campus Safety (2023)

22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 5 3 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 5
Fondling 3 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Domestic Violence 0 0 1 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
46°–68°F
July Avg
66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
11.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Students come to Biola from across California and beyond, drawn by its evangelical Christian mission and strong programs in ministry, business, and the arts. The student body of 3,390 is diverse, with Hispanic students comprising nearly a quarter of enrollment and Asian students making up another 13 percent. Women outnumber men , reflecting the university's emphasis on education, psychology, and nursing programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Biola attracts families committed to faith-based education across income levels.
Men
40.5%
Women
59.5%
White
40.3%
Black
3.1%
Hispanic
23.6%
Asian
12.9%
In-State Students
65.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.0%

Location

Biola University sits in La Mirada, California, roughly 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies 95 acres in this suburban community of about 50,000 residents. Students get easy access to both LA's cultural attractions and Orange County's beaches within an hour's drive. The surrounding area blends residential neighborhoods with shopping centers and parks. La Mirada offers a quieter alternative to big city life while keeping urban opportunities nearby. The mild Southern California climate supports year-round outdoor activities. With 65.59% of students coming from in-state, many are already familiar with the region's lifestyle. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Biola University with similar schools in the region.
Address
La Mirada, California 90639-0001
Biola-1912-1916
Biola-1912-1916
Jesus wall, Biola University
Jesus wall, Biola University
Biola University Lecture Hall
Biola University Lecture Hall

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,778
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,263
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$38,700
Loan Repayment Rate
74.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$253/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,875

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Biola University?

Biola University accepts 56.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need an SAT score around 1235 or ACT score of 27 to be competitive. The Christian university seeks students who align with its biblical worldview and academic standards.

How much does Biola University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,101 annually after aid, despite a sticker price of $59,138. The university offers substantial institutional grants averaging $26,521 to 18.70% of students. Graduates leave with a median debt of $23,875 and monthly loan payments of $253.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Biola University?

Biola University maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,390 total students. The Christian university emphasizes biblically centered education across programs in theology, business, and the arts. Students benefit from small class sizes that support both academic and spiritual development.

How much do Biola University graduates earn?

Biola graduates earn a median salary of $56,778 ten years after graduation with a 93.0% employment rate. The university's strong alumni network includes prominent Christian leaders like pastor Craig Groeschel and worship leader Matt Redman. About 74.03% of graduates successfully repay their student loans.

Where is Biola University located?

Biola University sits in La Mirada, California, a large suburban setting in Los Angeles County. The campus houses 2,773 students in residence halls with 85.26% of freshmen returning for sophomore year. About 65.59% of students come from California, creating a strong regional presence.

Does Biola University have sports teams?

Biola University fields 16 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division II as the Eagles. The university awards $4,734,777 in athletic scholarships to 368 student-athletes in the Pacific West Conference. The Christian institution balances competitive athletics with its commitment to biblical values and academic excellence.