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Founded in 1908, Biola University. is a Private college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 4,091 full time undergraduate students, and 2,004 full time graduate students.
The Biola University Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 267 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Biola University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,75% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 20 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
88% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 64% were in the top quarter, and 34% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Biola University.
200 Students rated on-campus housing 4.1 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
134 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
208 Students rated campus food 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.
209 Students rated campus facilities 4.4 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.
209 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.
209 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
211 Students rated local services 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.
209 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.
73 Students rated Biola University
As a film student, I've been able to gain so much from the services and opportunities provided by Biola University. From rentable equipment to professors sharing their stories and wisdom from their work in the industry (including a former Universal executive,) there is a huge wealth of knowledge that can't be passed up on. In other areas however, Biola does leave much to be desired. Every semester you are required to attend a total of 20 chapels, or else you'll be fined $375, whether you've attended 19 chapels or no chapels. This can definitely pose many issues when the most ideal chapel for you is during a class period, or as you near the final's period. The cafeteria food has also been a divisive subject, mainly due to lack of variety and quality control with what's usually served. While major has definitely been worth studying, there is still much to be desired when it comes to other aspects of the school.
I am actually an online student that will visit campus soon but this is a Christian based school so I wish I would’ve went here for my undergraduate studies because there is no alcohol, drugs or party culture. This would have been a much safer place for me to go as a young sheltered 18 year old college kid. The focus here is on what matters. Your academics, your faith,, and how you show up in the world. The professors are very personable, and caring. They care about you as a whole human being and not just as a student to grade. They also pray for you. It is a very supportive environment and I love the faith integration. I feel encouraged and cared for even as an online student. Parents send your college kids here. My program is also very academically rigorous. Which can be a challenge, but I appreciate it. I definitely feel like I will make much more valuable contributions to society and to the world as a result of being a student here. And I now have the encouragement and desire to do so thanks to my experiences at Biola. And before attending I had my assumptions but I couldn’t chosen a better university. I am currently getting my teaching credential and hope to also receive my masters here.
I could write a book about my bad experiences here, and I withdrew during my first semester. However, this will be a fair and honest review, so I will share all-around positive and negative feedback. Violence- I was placed in the middle of a violent dorm situation, and witnessed non-physical abuse. I had to be emergency rehoused then moved, and this student continued attending Biola despite my reports. Alpha dorm staff complained right in front of me about having to work overtime as I was reporting the emergency, and offered me no help moving my things. They emphasize that moves are not usually approved, and I had to report my situation twice before swift action was taken. Meanwhile, my new roommate was constantly ranting about drama in her relationship, and as soon as she cried to the office that she was going through too much and needed her own space, they moved her. I did not have a problem with living alone, but this inconsistency was seriously troubling. In addition, I watched dorm staff assist her in moving her things, but I was offered no assistance either of the times I moved, or when I had to leave Biola (all of which times I desperately needed it). I was in Alpha (not a Greek community, just a building) and from my experiences I believe dorm staff are completely unprofessional and incompetent. They are supposed to be "on call" but are generally hard to reach, and frequently out of office. They expect us to respect hours that are not posted when it is hard to reach them even DURING the business day. No idea if things are better in other dorms. Disability- I found out I had a chronic illness during my stay. Some teachers were very understanding, while others were incredibly unhelpful, suggesting my condition was due to "stress" (but ironically refusing the accommodations that might have relieved my stress). I received plenty of thoughts and prayers though! By the time I was forced to medically withdraw, I was incredibly sick and starving in my dorm because I was struggling to walk to the caf/ grocery. When I reached out to my dorm staff for help with my things, they said there was nothing they could do, and threatened to fine me if I left anything behind. Absolute nightmare. Admissions- Horrible. I was given wrong information by the undergraduate admissions counselor twice: first I was given a very important deadline incorrectly. Second, I was told I could not be a third culture kid because I currently live in the United States? Completely ignorant. Student advisors- Mine was amazing, really listened to me, and helped me choose my classes and manage problems as they came. However, I was told not to worry about my concentration because all employers care about is work experience. I believe this was bad advice, as I am paying a huge amount to prepare for a career and want to be educated with relevant material (a broadcast concentration and a writing and publishing concentration involve very different classes for example). Some dorms are extremely small, like shoebox. Beware Blackstone. Rules- Students are generally unhappy with curfews that prevent opposite sexes from being in dorms with the doors closed, and to visit outside of certain very specific hours. Fines- huge fines are liberally given out, as if tuition isn’t steep enough. They tried to fine me for not attending weekly covid tests when I am fully vaccinated and had uploaded my required vaccine card. Made multiple trips to the health center to fix the issue, was assured it was resolved, and then received a citation. Had to visit campus safety, followed their incorrect instructions, and had to defend myself a different way to finally be cleared. It was incredibly time-consuming, not to mention stressful. They are greedy for money, and I question how well they manage their budget if they rely on these fines. Food- Honestly delicious, buffet all-you-can-eat style. But if you have a special diet (in my case, I don't eat meat) expect portions to be gone when you arrive frequently. This even if you arrive at a reasonable time (dinner starts at 4 pm). They need to take a poll to find out the size of their veg community. If you care about Greek life, there is none. If you care about sports, there are a lot of events, official sports as well as recreational sports clubs. But if it's not your thing, your social life won't suffer. There are plenty of other extracurriculars. If you're looking to party, not much of that. However, despite the student guidelines there are students who vape, smoke weed, drink and apparently even deal cocaine. Campus- Beautiful, not too difficult to navigate. I tried to visit an art gallery after dark during open hours and it was dark and locked. Some buildings require access, and I could not get into one of my first classes because I had not been granted access. Safety- Campus officers respond swiftly to concerns, and I felt safe walking around after dark for a brief period of time. Took a RAD self defense class while I attended. However, their acceptance rate means most people who apply will get in. I did not feel safe around all of the students I met. Technology- My student ID did not work for about a week after I arrived, and you need one to enter your dorm and access your meal credits. Canvas is used to process all assignments. Assignment due dates were not always announced well in person (nearly failed a huge project because one teacher directed us to just look online, but deadlines were not always posted there either). Coursework- Rigorous, which can be a good thing. But a huge number of Bible credits are required, regardless of your major (potentially 2 a semester, or more for transfers). I was honestly not impressed with my journalism program. Faith/religion- I came as a committed Christian, and left struggling heavily with my faith, because the way many students and staff lived out theirs was so far from what the Bible teaches? I rarely felt God's presence on campus- maybe once? Chapels are mandatory, about 2 per week, but for the most part, I did not feel edified. Covid- No social distancing, except during the worst outbreaks on campus. Most people do wear masks inside in crowded areas. Mental health support- Absolutely horrible. I called regarding the violent situation I was placed in the middle of, before things escalated and I chose to involve campus safety. It is supposed to be one of the only two resources to talk about those kinds of situations, but I was met with incredible rudeness and talked down to. I was told "if you are experiencing this much anxiety about it, you should be the one in therapy." I understand this could sound like an encouraging statement, but it was spoken in a frustrated, accusing tone. I was literally fearing for my life at the time and felt completely dismissed and condescended, not supported. Responsive title IX coordinator. One male student on campus continually made offensive, sexist, even pedophilic jokes. Decently diverse, which is a plus. Students are generally friendly, but can be extremely rude/ immature once you get to know them. I made a handful of genuine, caring friends. Bottom line: I found there was much more of an emphasis on policy, procedure and money here than on God or the individual students. I had horrible experience after horrible experience, and could not honestly recommend it to anyone.
Biola is a wonderful university. The community found among the student body is rich and diverse. It is apparent that students are there to learn and grow and engage in conversations that will enhance their walk with the Lord. Professors and staff are kind, encouraging, and deeply desire to give their students the best possible college experience. They are available and care to know their students, and are learning alongside their students. I never feel unsafe on campus, and the resources available to students are top-notch. I would suggest this university to anyone who is looking to really be stretched in their faith and academic learning.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Biola University is 64%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.
It?s the moment you?ve been anticipating: college. Uprooting from one part of the country to another will enable you to experience an entirely different environment: perfect for burgeoning into a woman. You can start fresh. Every new place is grayscale and brand-new memories color vibrant hues. This is refreshing, yes. However remember, everyone has a story. It?s as if it?s entrenched in our DNA; it?s what makes us unique. You cannot escape it. While you start new experiences in California, beware, those ugly memories of your abusive alcoholic father you fled in Milwaukee will seep through your new life. Accept this, not as a sign of shame but resilience. Your life as a foster child will equip you in ways unimaginable. You will be fierce. A go-getter. Unstoppable. Your passion for writing will overlook the absence of owning a car in Los Angeles and every internship will bring you closer to your writing dream. Even so, your passion is a result of your story. In those lonely moments, when the world has turned against you and you?re alone, hold on to your story. Not the tragedy, but the triumph that ensues.
Classmates are very social and relatively easygoing.
The downside to many of the great aspects of Biola is it's high tuition. Even with FAFSA and a few internal scholarships, the cost was still over $20,000. Regardless of summer jobs or grants, most students end up taking out loans. For me, the reward of achieving a career in the film industry through the connections Biola offers will be worth any period of debt I must struggle through.
Biola is a training ground where a person learns how to use his or her career to influence others for the better; Biola teaches students how to unite the sometimes abstract concepts of academia with the practical knowledge and experience of caring for their fellow human beings as creatures beloved of God.
Biola University's Cinema and Media Arts program is excellent. In a few short months, my knowledge of cinematography has already grown in ways I had never imagined. Professors want to see you improving in every aspect of filmmaking, including the ones they do not teach. Other students have been eager to help out with film projects and collaborate on their assignments. Numerous oppertunities for internships and on set experience are offered, both on campus and in Hollywood. In short, Biola is my path to sucess as a filmmaker.
Biola welcomes all types of people, but I feel that those who do not want to learn about the Lord and further his kingdom would not be happy here simply because that is what Biola's mission is. Biola strives to incorporate the Christian worldview into every class, and if this is not what you want to spend your days doing, Biola is probably not the school for you.
Someone who is serious about their Christian faith and their relationship with God who is also seeking a top-notch education.
Biola is the only school that I could find that emphasized Biblical beliefs, as well as other majors. Every student at Biola is required to take 30 units in Bible classes along with all of their major courses. This appealed to me because I wanted to gain more knowledge about my religious beliefs. However, I also know that I want to be a nurse when I graduate, and wanted to attend a school that encourages many different career paths. Biola is the only Christian university that effectively focuses on the Bible and all other majors.
I wish I had known how much fun college and making new friends would be. I wish I had known that the mystery of college is a fun adventure. I wish I had known that I shouldn't worry or be afriad of college, and the unknown isn't a bad thing but something that can be embraced. I wish I had known how helpful everybody is at Biola with helping people adjust to being away from home and at college. I wish I hadn't worried, stressed out, or been scared but had been excited before I left home.
My school is best known for incorporating a biblical understanding into academic learning. We are also known for having a great community that is rich in traditions and building life long friendships.
The students are super friendly and fun. The professors care a lot about students and are very good at teaching, very helpful. The campus is a great size: you small enough to walk across but big enough to hold everything you need. And it's beautiful. The library is wonderful: great resources, great places for studying. On-campus eating is actually really easy and the food is surprisingly good. The academic programs are excellent.
Some classes are offered too early in the morning.
Students at Biola have a reputation for being religious and morally conservative because of the profession of Christian faith and community contract all undergraduates agree to upon entry. Everyone signs their name to a statement of agreement- that means no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking, no sex, no gambling and there is even a no dancing policy while you are enrolled. Although this stereotype does accurately describe many of the students at Biola, there are plenty of undergraduates who choose to disregard this standard and most get away with it. The administration also makes some exceptions to these long-standing rules by allowing dances to take place off campus, and on campus as long as they are choreographed, previewed and deemed appropriate.
From my experience working as a school ambassador, as well as through conversations with people around campus, I have heard a broad spectrum of reasons for why students come to Biola. Whether its the girl-guy ratio (around 4-1, lots to choose from gentleman!) to our school being one of the few Christian institutions that actually does a decent job with academics to our great weather (70 and sunny year-round baby!) or that you are 10 minutes from Disneyland and 20 minutes from the beach. But the number one most cited reason I have heard for why students eventually decide to cough up the outrageous $40,000 a year to come live in a dorm and eat caf food is one word: community. This is the reason I myself turned down full ride scholarships at other schools to come to Biola. Because from the minute I stepped on campus, I felt a warmth that had been missing everywhere else I had visited. Sure, some schools have fancier buildings and frat parties and maybe a football team, but what we have is so much more than that. We have professors who truly care about us as individuals and students from all over the world who will soon become your friends for life. We have our school traditions, like our annual dorm dodgeball competition, and the mysterious concrete egg which is constantly being stolen and re-hidden under cover of darkness. We have impromptu worship sessions at 2 in the morning in our dorm hallway and our life-long basketball rivalry with neighboring school Azusa Pacific. But no matter what happens during your four years at Biola, you can be sure that you are surrounded by people who care. Students, faculty, alumni, and even the maintenance man Jose who says “Hi!” to me in the mornings. Among our student body of around 6,000, you are not alone, and you are not unseen. And that is more than can be said of many schools.
The professors at Biola value you as an individual and not a number. Going in to my sophomore year as a communications major I have learned so much from interpersonal communication to argument and debate; communicating properly in the workplace can be very important in future jobs to be successful.The Professors truly care for every student and want to make sure that every student understands their lectures. Most professors love to talk after class and make sure they're connecting with their students. Academically Biola can be challenging but the professors explain everything and try their best to help any student that needs extra help.
I mentioned earlier that the student ratio of lovely and single 18 to 22 year-old girls to suave debonair gentleman is about 4-1. This means that if all the guys had girlfriends, 75 percent of all the women on campus would be out of luck. This creates a very competitive atmosphere for the dating arena because men are a rarity and are fought over like meat thrown to lions. One day walking through campus, I heard a father telling his prospective Biola student son, “You should really come to school here son, even you could find a wife here.” There is a phrase, more of a challenge really, among girls at Biola. You see, all the men and women at Biola are fairly marriageable. Similar beliefs, money to be able to attend the university, they are in college so most likely heading to a good career, so the girls have a maxim, “Ring by Spring.” There have been attempts to trivialize it, pass it off as a joke, but everyone knows that it is truly their goal. So when a girl says, “Would you like to get coffee at Common Grounds?” (the undersized campus coffee shop) what she’s really saying guys is, “Hey Sexy, I want to marry you, so here is a free chance to check me out and see how cute and funny I am, because I’m totally trying to one up all the other girls on campus and put a ring on this finger” (*holds up left hand, points to ring finger and tilts head to the side, raising her eyebrows and pursing her lips expectantly). But, of course, that’s just my interpretation.
I decided to go to Biola University because I wanted to go to a school that was centered around christ and his teachings. I also wanted to go to a school that was the right distance from my home where I could go home when I needed to but I could also live on campus because it was too far to commute every day to and from school.The class sizes were also a big plus for me because with smaller classes the teachers really get to know the students and take an interest in their lives. Also it didn't hurt that everyone was so friendly and cared about me as a person and not just another student applying.
Classes are challenging and a lot of work, but always manageable. The professors are always available to help and classmates are really supportive and willing to help out.
The small, quaint town of La Mirada California.
Each dorm has a different personality and a different feel; all good, for the most part. You have the all-girls dorm, the all-boys dorm, the crazy, Scottish-themed dorm, the small, tight-knit dorm, the large, hotel-looking dorm, the newest and highly sought after dorm among the incoming students, and the nerdy, yet secretly cool dorm. All of the dorms have comfortable rooms. If you're in a dorm with community bathrooms, you'll have to get used to sharing the environment with a lot of other people, but you'll always have your privacy when you need it! If your dorm is suite style, you can decorate your bathroom a bit! Unfortunately, you have to clean it yourself most of the time. The common areas are also quite cozy in all the dorms.
64%
female
36%
male
Total Undergrad Enrollment
Total Grad Students
Out-Of-State
In-State
International
Student Organizations
Fraternities
Sororities
On-Campus Housing
of students living on campus
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
98% of students attending Biola University receive some sort of financial aid. 30% were awarded federal grants. While 63% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
Tuition and fees(Out of state)
Books and Supplies
Room and Board
Total On Campus
We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.
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