At $28,101/yr net price, Biola University graduates earn $56,778/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,778/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,101 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,404 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,778/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,778/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,875 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,001/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,504/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,038/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,830/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,263/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $90,856 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $29,000 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology. | Doctoral | $63,328 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $62,012 | $152,555 |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other. | Master | $53,775 | $43,500 |
| Education, General. | Master | $51,273 | $19,797 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $24,906 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,711 | $21,500 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Master | $41,565 | $29,727 |
The Risk Factor
68.8% of students at Biola University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Biola University delivers uneven financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $28,101 annual net price creates a reasonable debt load for most students, but earnings vary dramatically across programs.
Business majors see the strongest payoff with median earnings of $90,856, making the investment worthwhile. Nursing graduates earn $74,576 with manageable debt of $29,000, providing solid returns in Southern California's healthcare market. Missions studies and psychology majors face tougher economics, with psychology students carrying particularly heavy debt loads of $152,555 that create long-term financial strain.
The 69% graduation rate presents a significant risk since you only benefit from the degree if you complete it. With 85% of students returning for sophomore year, most who start do persist, but nearly one in three students leave without graduating.
Biola works financially for students pursuing business or nursing who can handle the Christian university environment. The school's location in greater Los Angeles provides access to diverse job markets, particularly benefiting business graduates. Psychology students should carefully consider whether the heavy debt load aligns with typical counseling salaries.
Only 26% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but you'll need strong academic credentials to secure meaningful awards. The relatively low aid percentage means most families pay close to full price.
Skip Biola if you're considering lower-paying majors like philosophy or if you need substantial financial aid. The combination of high costs and limited aid makes this a poor choice for students without clear career plans or family financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biola University worth the cost?
Biola's graduates earn $56,778 after 10 years, which is below average for the $28,101 annual cost. The school's Christian focus and specific programs like nursing provide value for students seeking faith-based education, but purely financial returns are modest.
What are the best paying majors at Biola University?
Business graduates from Biola earn around $90,856 after 10 years, making it the highest-paying program. Nursing graduates earn $74,576, which offers solid career prospects in a growing field.
How much student debt do Biola University graduates have?
Biola graduates leave with a median debt of $23,875, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, lower starting salaries mean debt payments may take longer to handle comfortably.
Does Biola University have good financial aid?
Biola's net price of $28,101 represents significant aid from the full sticker price. The school provides substantial financial assistance, though costs remain high relative to typical graduate earnings in many programs.