
Christian college
#1 Best Christian colleges for philosophy in CaliforniaBiola University
La Mirada, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Nondenominational and Interdenominational
Real cost
Average price after aid $31,495 a year
Median debt at graduation: $23,875 (all students)
Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator
Biola University is an interdenominational Christian university in La Mirada, California. Its chapel program schedules several services each week, the Bible and theology core is one of the larger required sequences described on its catalog pages, and its student-led missions organization sends teams on trips each year.
Faith life at a glance
A week at Biola University
MonToday
- 9:30AMChapel
TueToday
- 9:30AMChapel
- 9:10PMChapel
WedToday
- 9:30AMChapel
ThuToday
- 5:00PMPrayer
FriToday
No set time
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
- 8:00PMWorship night
No set time: Fri, Sat
Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.
In the college’s own words
Source: biola.edu“We help foster thinking and culture-making that is faithful and creative, bringing into conversation the historic, Christian faith with the best of human learning.”
Source: biola.edu“Discipleship groups are the heartbeat of our ministry.”
Source: biola.edu“We partner with local churches and organizations throughout LA County and Orange County to build long-term, meaningful relationships.”
Questions students ask
Do I have to go to chapel?
Chapels are required of all undergraduate students, and full-time undergraduates complete 20 chapel credits each year.
Source: biola.eduWhat's a normal week?
Chapels meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with a Thursday prayer time and a Sunday Singspiration worship evening.
Source: biola.eduWhere do I find community?
Discipleship groups of about 8 to 10 students meet regularly, each led by two upperclassmen.
Source: biola.eduCan I serve or go on mission trips?
Teams travel on winter, spring and summer breaks, and local partners in Los Angeles and Orange counties offer more ways to serve.
Source: biola.eduRankings
Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list
In America
- Best Christian colleges in America#1 of 145
- Best Christian colleges for business in America#1 of 142
- Best Christian colleges for education in America#1 of 138
- Best Christian colleges for psychology in America#1 of 138
- Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in America#1 of 135
- Christian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology in America#1 of 132
Show 30 more
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- Best Christian colleges for communications and journalism in America#1 of 124
- Best Christian colleges for history in America#1 of 124
- Best Christian colleges for English in America#1 of 123
- Best Christian colleges for exercise science and kinesiology in America#1 of 122
- Best Christian colleges for mathematics in America#1 of 110
- Best Christian colleges for accounting in America#1 of 109
- Christian colleges with the strongest Christian community in America#1 of 106
- Best Christian colleges for nursing in America#1 of 94
- Best Christian colleges for chemistry in America#1 of 92
- Best Christian colleges for art and design in America#1 of 90
- Best Christian colleges for political science and pre-law in America#1 of 88
- Best Christian colleges for theology in America#1 of 82
- Christian colleges with a full-time campus pastor in America#1 of 68
- Best Christian colleges for computer science in America#1 of 65
- Best Christian colleges for engineering in America#1 of 59
- Christian colleges with chapel three or more times a week in America#1 of 49
- Best Christian colleges for philosophy in America#1 of 49
- Best mid-size Christian colleges in America#1 of 38
- Christian colleges where every professor affirms the statement of faith in America#1 of 35
- Best Christian colleges for NCAA Division II athletes in America#1 of 33
- Christian colleges with the biggest discount off the sticker price in America#8 of 132
- Christian colleges with the strongest worship and chapel in America#11 of 142
- Christian colleges that spend the most on teaching in America#16 of 132
- Best Christian colleges in the Los Angeles area#1 of 8
- Christian colleges with the highest graduation rates in America#28 of 145
- Christian colleges where the most freshmen return in America#26 of 132
In California
- Best Christian colleges in California#1 of 12
- Best Christian colleges for business in California#1 of 12
- Christian colleges that require the most Bible and theology in California#1 of 12
- Best test-optional Christian colleges in California#1 of 12
- Best Christian colleges for communications and journalism in California#1 of 11
- Best Christian colleges for English in California#1 of 11
Show 19 more
- Best Christian colleges for exercise science and kinesiology in California#1 of 11
- Best Christian colleges for psychology in California#1 of 11
- Christian colleges with the strongest Christian community in California#1 of 11
- Christian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology in California#1 of 11
- Christian colleges with the strongest worship and chapel in California#1 of 11
- Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in California#1 of 11
- Best Christian colleges for biology and pre-med in California#1 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for education in California#1 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for history in California#1 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for mathematics in California#1 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for music in California#1 of 10
- Best Christian colleges for accounting in California#1 of 9
- Best Christian colleges for art and design in California#1 of 9
- Best Christian colleges for chemistry in California#1 of 9
- Best Christian colleges for political science and pre-law in California#1 of 9
- Christian colleges with a full-time campus pastor in California#1 of 8
- Best Christian colleges for nursing in California#1 of 8
- Best Christian colleges for philosophy in California#1 of 8
- Christian colleges that spend the most on teaching in California#3 of 12
Academic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.68%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.84%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,261 · ACT 26.5
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.15 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$12,866
Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.
Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))
Faith scorecard
Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.
Worship and chapel
91 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapels Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on the regular weekly schedule, plus Thursday prayer.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Tuesday Talbot Chapels 9:30-10:20 a.m., Calvary Chapel”
“Monday / Wednesday “Unstoppable” Chapels 9:30-10:20 a.m., Ethel Lee Auditorium (Sutherland)”
“Tuesday “AfterDark” Chapels 9:10-10:10 p.m., Ethel Lee Auditorium”
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Full-time undergraduates are required to complete 20 chapel credits each year.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel Policies & FAQs | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/policy · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“20 Spiritual Development/Chapel Chapels + 5 Conference credits”
“chapels, like classes, are required of all undergraduate students.”
- Chapel Policies & FAQs | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/policy · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Sunday Singspiration worship evening listed each week.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Sunday “Singspiration” 8-9 p.m., Chase Gymnasium”
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly
Sources (2)
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Thursday “Fives” Prayer 5-5:45 p.m., Calvary Chapel”
- Serve Together | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“as well as during Torrey Conference, Missions Conference, and the spring Day of Prayer.”
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
Sources (1)
- Pastoral Care | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/pastoral-care · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Pastoral Care offers a safe place for you to talk, pray and receive guidance on a variety of topics”
- Pastoral Care | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/pastoral-care · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Calvary Chapel is listed as a campus chapel location.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Tuesday Talbot Chapels 9:30-10:20 a.m., Calvary Chapel”
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer5 or 6 times a week (6 weekly times documented: 4 chapel, 1 worship night, 1 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
Bible and theology
100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Most traditional undergraduates take 10 courses (30 credits) in Bible and theology; students who transfer with 45+ credits or enroll in select majors take 6 courses (18 credits). Minimum counted: 6.)
Sources (1)
- Core Curriculum: Bible and Theology Courses | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Most traditional undergraduates complete the following 10 courses as part of Biola’s academic core curriculum, for a total of 30 credits in biblical and theological studies.”
“have the option to complete a reduced requirement of 18 credits in biblical and theological studies.”
- Core Curriculum: Bible and Theology Courses | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Old Testament History and Literature and New Testament History and Literature are both foundational required courses.)
Sources (1)
- Core Curriculum: Bible and Theology Courses | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“BBST 209 | Old Testament History and Literature”
“BBST 210 | New Testament History and Literature”
- Core Curriculum: Bible and Theology Courses | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (1)
- Core Curriculum | Undergraduate Education | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“sharing a cohesive integration of faith and learning across and through a variety of disciplines”
- Core Curriculum | Undergraduate Education | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
- Degrees, Majors & Programs | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/majors-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Biola’s Bible, theology and ministry major will equip you with the tools you need to effectively study and teach Scripture”
- Degrees, Majors & Programs | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/majors-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
- Theological Positions | Biola Universitybiola.edu/about/theological-positions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“have been and continue to be the stated theological position of Biola University”
- Theological Positions | Biola Universitybiola.edu/about/theological-positions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Christian community
100 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)5 or more (Five named spiritual development staff on the staff page.)
Sources (1)
- Our People | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Mike Ahn Dean of Spiritual Development Chad Miller Director, Pastoral Care and Student-led Ministries Noreen Muehlhoff Associate Director of Chapel Programs Megan Ashor Associate Director of Student Ministries Landon White”
- Our People | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearSeveral (Torrey Memorial Bible Conference, Missions Conference and spring Day of Prayer.)
Sources (1)
- Serve Together | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“as well as during Torrey Conference, Missions Conference, and the spring Day of Prayer.”
- Serve Together | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Discipleship groups (8 groups met on campus last year), Pastoral Care Groups and student-led prayer and worship teams.)
Sources (1)
- Discipleship Ministries | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/discipleship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Discipleship groups are the heartbeat of our ministry. Each group is led by two upperclassmen leaders and includes about 8–10 students.”
- Discipleship Ministries | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/discipleship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (All faculty, staff and board members recommit to the Articles of Faith each year.)
Sources (1)
- Faith in Action | Biola Universitybiola.edu/faith-in-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“And all faculty, staff and board members recommit to our Articles of Faith each year.”
- Faith in Action | Biola Universitybiola.edu/faith-in-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Stated generally for each residential community.)
Sources (1)
- Housing and Residence Life | Biola Universitybiola.edu/housing/explore · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Each residential community offers programs that will help nurture your faith, put your classroom learning into practice”
- Housing and Residence Life | Biola Universitybiola.edu/housing/explore · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
Sources (1)
- Church Life | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/resources/church-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Every Fall, Spiritual Development hosts a Church Fair for students to meet and connect with local churches.”
- Church Life | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/resources/church-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning.)
Sources (1)
- Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning | Biola Universitybiola.edu/integration-of-faith-and-learning · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“We help foster thinking and culture-making that is faithful and creative, bringing into conversation the historic, Christian faith with the best of human learning.”
- Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning | Biola Universitybiola.edu/integration-of-faith-and-learning · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Missions and service
100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (1)
- Serve Together | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Discover how you can get involved and serve our community — both locally and globally — this semester.”
- Serve Together | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Winter, spring and summer break mission trips each year (the 'Many each year' option).)
Sources (1)
- Global Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/global-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Our Winter Break trips (7–10 days) typically go to Central America, where we return year after year”
- Global Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/global-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (Five named local ministry partners.)
Sources (1)
- Local Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/local-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“We partner with local churches and organizations throughout LA County and Orange County to build long-term, meaningful relationships.”
- Local Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/local-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany
Sources (1)
- Global Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/global-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“we’ve sent teams to more than 50 countries during winter, spring, and summer breaks”
- Global Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/global-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
- Student Missionary Union | Offices and Servicesbiola.edu/smu · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“SMU exists to motivate and mobilize students to align their lives towards the completion of the Great Commission.”
- Student Missionary Union | Offices and Servicesbiola.edu/smu · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Strengths
- Chapel services are offered on at least three weekdays, and full-time undergraduates have a set requirement of 20 chapel credits.
Sources (2)
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Monday / Wednesday “Unstoppable” Chapels 9:30-10:20 a.m., Ethel Lee Auditorium (Sutherland)”
“Tuesday “AfterDark” Chapels 9:10-10:10 p.m., Ethel Lee Auditorium”
- Chapel Policies & FAQs | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/policy · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“20 Spiritual Development/Chapel Chapels + 5 Conference credits”
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Most traditional undergraduates take ten Bible and theology courses, including Old and New Testament history courses.
Sources (1)
- Core Curriculum: Bible and Theology Courses | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Most traditional undergraduates complete the following 10 courses as part of Biola’s academic core curriculum, for a total of 30 credits in biblical and theological studies.”
“BBST 209 | Old Testament History and Literature”
“BBST 210 | New Testament History and Literature”
- Core Curriculum: Bible and Theology Courses | Biola Universitybiola.edu/academics/undergrad-education/biblical-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- All faculty, staff and board members recommit to the Articles of Faith each year.
Sources (1)
- Faith in Action | Biola Universitybiola.edu/faith-in-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“And all faculty, staff and board members recommit to our Articles of Faith each year.”
- Faith in Action | Biola Universitybiola.edu/faith-in-action · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Short-term mission trips run during winter, spring and summer breaks, with partners in more than 50 countries.
Sources (1)
- Global Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/global-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Our Winter Break trips (7–10 days) typically go to Central America, where we return year after year”
“we’ve sent teams to more than 50 countries during winter, spring, and summer breaks”
- Global Missions | Student Missionary Unionbiola.edu/smu/global-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Concerns
- Hall-level faith programs are described only in general terms on the public pages.
Sources (1)
- Housing and Residence Life | Biola Universitybiola.edu/housing/explore · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Each residential community offers programs that will help nurture your faith, put your classroom learning into practice”
- Housing and Residence Life | Biola Universitybiola.edu/housing/explore · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.
Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.
Campus ministry home
Department of Spiritual Development
- Address: 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639
- Location: On campus
- Facilities: chapel, prayer team meeting space
Campus ministry
Sources (2)
- Our People | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Mike Ahn Dean of Spiritual Development Chad Miller Director, Pastoral Care and Student-led Ministries Noreen Muehlhoff Associate Director of Chapel Programs Megan Ashor Associate Director of Student Ministries Landon White”
- Spiritual Development | Biola Universitybiola.edu/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Phone (562) 777-4041 Email spiritual.development@biola.edu”
Christian clubs and student life
5 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 1 off campus
Service 3
- Global short-term mission tripsOff campusWinter, spring and summer breaksTeams sent to partner ministries abroad.
- Student Missionary UnionOn campusStudent-led missions organization offering local and global trips.
- Annual Serve DayOn campusCampus-wide day of service.
Faith formation 2
- Discipleship groupsOn campusWeeklyGroups of about 8 to 10 students led by two upperclassmen.
- Campus Prayer TeamOn campusStudent prayer team serving at chapels and conferences.
Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.
Chapel, worship and prayer
Confirm with the campus ministry
Chapel 3
- Monday, Wednesday9:30 AMEthel Lee Auditorium · Unstoppable morning chapels.
- Tuesday9:30 AMCalvary Chapel · Talbot Tuesday chapels.
- Tuesday9:10 PMEthel Lee Auditorium · AfterDark student-led chapel.
Worship night 1
- Sunday8:00 PMChase Gymnasium · Singspiration worship evening, 8 to 9 PM.
Prayer 1
- Thursday5:00 PMCalvary Chapel · Fives prayer, 5:00 to 5:45 PM.
Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.
Sources for these times (1)
- Chapel Opportunities | Spiritual Developmentbiola.edu/spiritual-development/about-chapel/opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Thursday “Fives” Prayer 5-5:45 p.m., Calvary Chapel”
“Sunday “Singspiration” 8-9 p.m., Chase Gymnasium”
“Monday / Wednesday “Unstoppable” Chapels 9:30-10:20 a.m., Ethel Lee Auditorium (Sutherland)”
“Tuesday Talbot Chapels 9:30-10:20 a.m., Calvary Chapel”
“Tuesday “AfterDark” Chapels 9:10-10:10 p.m., Ethel Lee Auditorium”
Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.
| Family income | Price after aid |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | |
| $30,001–$48,000 | |
| $48,001–$75,000 | |
| $75,001–$110,000 | |
| Over $110,000 |
Full cost of attendance before aid: $62,757 a year.
Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.
Cost and value
Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.
| Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS) | 3,395 |
|---|---|
| Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023 | Men 42% · Women 58% |
| First-generation students College Scorecard | 24% |
| First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023 | 31% |
| Total students | 5,296 |
| Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid | $31,495 |
| Cost of attendance (per year) | $62,757 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $23,875 |
| Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time | 68% |
| Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years | 69% |
| Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years | 68% |
| Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years | 74% |
| First-year retention | 84% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $56,778 |
| Admission rate | 74% |
| Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24 | $45 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 26% |
| Average SAT | 1261 |
|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 600–700 |
| SAT math | 560–670 |
| ACT composite | 24–29 |
| Test policy | Considered but not required |
Value index: 57 / 100 (how it’s computed)
Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.
Earnings by major
Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).
| Major | Median earnings |
|---|---|
| Nursing | |
| Accounting | |
| Computer science | |
| Business (general) | |
| Speech-language pathology | |
| Political science | |
| Public relations | |
| Broadcasting | |
| Biology | |
| Journalism | |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | |
| Communication studies | |
| Teacher education | |
| Music | |
| Psychology | |
| Fine arts | |
| Sociology | |
| English | |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies | |
| Religious Education |
Also offered (no earnings published yet): Anthropology, Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education, Biochemistry, Business administration, Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Design, Education (general), Engineering Physics, Film and video, General studies, Health sciences, History, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Mathematics, Natural resources and conservation, Philosophy, Physical Sciences, Physics, Public health, Religious Music and Worship, Romance languages, Secondary education, Social sciences, Special education, Theatre, Theology, Urban Studies/Affairs.
What students study most
Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).
| Field | Share of degrees |
|---|---|
| Business | |
| Health professions | |
| Visual and performing arts | |
| Psychology | |
| Theology and religious studies |
Campus facts
| School colors | |
|---|---|
| Setting | Suburb |
| Part-time undergraduates | 9% |
| Undergraduates aged 25 and older | 8% |
| On-campus room and board (per year) | $13,130 |
| Sports | NCAA Division II · Pacific West Conference |
| ROTC | Army · Air Force |
| Study abroad | Offered |
| Students per faculty member | 15 to 1 |
| Faculty who are full-time | 100%College Scorecard, fall 2023 |
| Endowment per student | $32,935IPEDS, 2023, per student |
| Dorm space | For about 82% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus |
| Nearest airport with airline service | Long Beach International Airport (LGB)About 10 miles away |
| Nearest major airport | John Wayne Orange County International Airport (SNA)About 18 miles away |
| Town population | 47,180Census, 2020–2024 |
| Nearest city of 250,000 people or more | Long BeachAbout 12 miles away |
| Typical weather | 58°F in January · 75°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Fullerton Municipal Airport, CA, about 3 miles away |
Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.
Campus safety reports
On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.
| Category | This campus | U.S. rate |
|---|---|---|
| Rape | 0.18 | 0.07 |
| Robbery | 0.00 | 0.01 |
| Aggravated assault | 0.09 | 0.04 |
| Burglary | 0.18 | 0.08 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 0.09 | 0.15 |
Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.
Christian churches nearby
No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.
Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.
Questions families ask
- Is Biola University a Christian college?
- Yes. Biola University is a Christian college.
- What is Biola University’s Compass Score?
- 92 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
- Where is chapel held at Biola University?
- Chapel is listed at Ethel Lee Auditorium and Calvary Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
- Is Biola University Compass Recommended?
- Yes. Biola University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.
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About this school’s data
- IPEDS unit ID 110097
- Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Undenominational
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