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Biola University

La Mirada, CA·Private nonprofit·3,390 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

60%
Accept
3,390
Students
$28,101
Net Price
69%
Grad Rate
$50,700
Earnings
10 yr
$19,000
Debt

About This School

Biola University is a private nonprofit institution located in La Mirada, California with approximately 3,390 undergraduate students enrolled. Biola University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 60%. The average net price after financial aid is $28,101 per year. The graduation rate is 69%, and the typical graduate earns $50,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Biola University is a private, nondenominational, evangelical Christian university in La Mirada, California, United States. It was founded in 1908 as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles as a center for biblical and missionary training. Its campus in downtown Los Angeles features iconic "Jesus Saves" signs and a 3,500-seat auditorium. In 1949, it became Biola College and later adopted the name Biola University in 1981. The school relocated to La Mirada, California, in 1959 and has maintained a strong evangelical identity rooted in conservative theology, as reflected in its association with The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth.

Worth considering if you're a Christian student seeking a faith-integrated education in Southern California — the 85% freshman retention rate suggests students generally feel at home here, and the $19,000 median debt at graduation is a reasonable load. That said, a 69% graduation rate means roughly 3 in 10 students don't finish, which is worth asking the admissions office about directly. At $28,101/year after aid, with median earnings of $50,700 a decade out, this is a workable investment — but not a slam dunk financially, so major choice matters a lot.

Founded
1908
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts18%
Business & Marketing15%
Health Professions12%
Psychology11%
Communications8%
Biological Sciences6%
Education4%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John ThuneScott DerricksonZach KingNoah MunckSikhanyiso DlaminiJosh McDowellJudith HillSteve BridgesNabeel Qureshi

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1258
Reading 75th %ile690
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$46,704
Out-of-State Tuition
$46,704
Avg Net Price
$28,101
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$19,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
69%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White40%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino24%
Asian13%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,390 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Biola University

13800 Biola Ave

La Mirada, CA 90639-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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