Biola University
La Mirada, United States
- Cost of Living$ 27,912
- Tuition Fee From$ 18,990
- Country Rank#546
- Batch Strength5,555
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Biola University is a private Christian university located in La Mirada, California, United States. It was founded in 1908 and has a rich history of providing students with a rigorous academic education that is grounded in Christian values. The university is recognised as one of the premier Christian universities in the country and attracts students from all over the world who are looking for a high-quality education. The university offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programmes in various disciplines, including business, communication, education, humanities, music, science, and theology. The university is known for its excellent faculty, which are not only experts in their respective fields but also deeply committed to their faith. The faculty's commitment to faith and learning creates a unique learning environment where students are challenged academically while also growing spiritually.
The Torrey Honours Institute at Biola University offers a Great Books programme for undergraduate students. The programmes of this university provide students with a comprehensive education in the Humanities, including Literature, Philosophy, Theology, and History, through a series of seminars and discussions. The Torrey Honours Institute has been recognised as one of the top liberal arts programmes in the country and has produced many successful graduates. The university also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, theatre, and community service. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and offers a variety of sports programmes, including basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The university's music programme is also highly regarded and offers a variety of ensembles and performance opportunities for students.
This commitment is reflected in the university's campus culture, which emphasises community, service, and spiritual growth. In addition to its academic and extracurricular offerings, the university is also known for its commitment to global outreach. The university has several international programmes, including study abroad programmes, mission trips, and partnerships with other universities around the world. These programmes provide students with the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural learning and service while also deepening their faith.
Ranking
Biola University has consistently ranked highly in various national and international rankings, particularly among Christian universities. US News and World Report of 2024 ranked the university at #236 in National Universities list. Another list, the university appeared in was Top Performers on Social Mobility at #280. These rankings are based on subjects offered, faculty, staff and facilities, student satisfaction, etc. Below are the highlights of the rankings of the institution -
- #634 - In North America - EduRank 2024
- #579 - In the United States - EduRank 2024
- #52 - In California - EduRank 2024
- #9 - Best Christian Colleges in America - Niche 2024
- #203 - Most Diverse Colleges in America - Niche 2024
Course-wise Rankings:
- #34 - Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America - Niche 2024
- #51 - Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America - Niche 2024
- #114 - Best Colleges for Design in America - Niche 2024
- #125 - Best Colleges for Biology in America - Niche 2024
- #136 - Best Colleges for Art in America - Niche 2024
- #160 - Best Colleges for Psychology in America - Niche 2024
- #179 - Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America - Niche 2024
- #228 - Best Colleges for Business in America - Niche 2024
- #245 - Best Colleges for History in America - Niche 2024
- #262 - Best Colleges for Political Science in America - Niche 2024
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
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Facilities
Biola University focuses on innovation and growth. The facilities offered at the university meet the diverse needs of the community and foster a vibrant and dynamic campus culture. Some of these facilities include -
Libraries: The university has two libraries, the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library and the Talbot Library. Both libraries offer extensive collections of books, journals, and other resources to support the research and academic needs of the university community.
Student Housing: Biola provides on-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a range of housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and townhouses.
Athletic Facilities: There is a range of athletic facilities, including a gymnasium, fitness centre, swimming pool, and tennis courts. The university's athletics programme offers opportunities for students to participate in a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field.
Dining Services: The university has several dining options on campus, including a food court, coffee shops, and restaurants. The university offers a range of meal plans to suit the needs of its students, faculty, and staff.
Performing Arts Centre: The Performing Arts Centre hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theatrical performances, and lectures. The centre features a state-of-the-art concert hall, theatre, and other performance spaces.
Health Services: The university offers health services to its students, including medical care, counselling, and wellness programmes. The university also has a health centre on campus, staffed by licensed healthcare professionals.
Research Facilities: There are several research facilities, including laboratories and equipment for science and engineering research. The university also offers research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
Biola University acceptance rate stands at 57% for the 2024 intake. This placed the university among the 19% of the most difficult universities to gain admission in the United States.
The school accepted 61% of applicants in 2023. This reflected a high acceptance rate. It welcomed 51-100% of all students who applied during the 2021-2022 academic year. The school retained 88% of its full-time students, as those who enrolled in Fall 2020 continued studies in Fall 2021. Out of the full-time students that began in Fall 2015, 70% graduated from the institution.
Biola University Entry Requirements
Biola University is a selective institution with an acceptance rate of 70% and admission requirements vary depending on the programme of study. Applications are accepted for the Fall and Spring semester. The admissions committee considers a range of factors when making admission decisions, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Here are the general requirements for admission -
Undergraduate Requirements
- Application fee of $45
- Applicants have to be believers in the Christian faith
- The applicants must have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA in high school
- The applicant should have a 26 reading test score on the new SAT pattern
- ACT score of 19 to be considered for admission
Graduate Requirements
- Application fee of $65
- Transcripts sent directly from the institution or through electronic medium or physical
- GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)
- A competitive GRE score is required if the GPA is less than 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 (89-90%)
- Verified bank statements
- Valid visa
- Letter of Recommendation.
- Resume/ CV
- Evidence of financial support
- Proof of English proficiency
Accepted English proficiency test scores
- TOEFL iBT - 26
- IELTS - 7.5
- Duolingo - 120
Biola University Fees
Biola University offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the fees based on popular courses offered by the institution -
- Bachelor of Science [B.S] Studio Art - $41,976 /Year
- M.B.A - $15,066/Yr
- M.A Applied Linguistics - $12,564
- M.A Intercultural Studies - $12,564
- M.A Science and Religion - $16,752
- M.A Teaching - $16,752
- Bachelor of Science [B.S] Biochemistry - $41,976 /Year
- Master of Science [M.S] Special Education - $16,752 /Year
- Bachelor Music Composition - $41,976 /Year
- Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] - $23,880 /Year
- Bachelor of Science [B.S] Business Management - $41,976 /Year
Note: The specific minimum fee structure requirements may vary depending on the programmes and level of study.
Placements
Biola University has a strong record of job placements for its graduates, with many students securing employment within six months of graduation. The university provides a range of career development services to help students prepare for their future careers, including career counselling, resume and cover letter assistance, job search strategies, and networking opportunities. According to the university's First Destination Survey, 94.2% of graduates were either employed, continuing their education, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation.
Scholarship
Biola University offers financial assistance to its students in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Remarkably, the university provides financial aid to almost 99% of its student population. In addition to the university's aid programmes, there are other scholarships available for studying in the USA that can offer substantial rebates on the cost of attendance. Biola University offers numerous merit and need-based scholarships to international students. Some of the freshman academic scholarships available for international undergraduates are
- Dean's Scholarship - $18,000
- Provost's Scholarship- $19,000
- Founder's Grant- $10,000
- President's Scholarship- $1,000
- Eagle's Grant - $10,000
Irrespective of your chosen academic programme, Biola University and various external organisations such as UniScholars offer a wide range of scholarship opportunities. The abundance of available scholarships allows international students to significantly reduce the financial strain associated with pursuing higher education in a foreign country. Students can conveniently apply for scholarships to attend Biola University through the UniScholars platform.
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to use scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Biola University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
La Mirada is a city located in Southern California, known for its friendly community, beautiful parks, and proximity to major attractions in Los Angeles County. As a student in La Mirada, you will have access to a variety of educational institutions, recreational activities, and cultural experiences. Living in the city can be a bit expensive depending on the personal choices of the student. Prices of houses and rent depend on the locality. Students planning to move to La Mirada should plan the budget wisely beforehand. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind -
|
Items |
Cost |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1,542 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,262 |
|
Transportation |
$112 |
|
Food Cost |
$371 |
|
Utility Cost |
$187 |
|
Entertainment |
$92 |
|
Groceries |
$59 |
|
Clothes |
$150 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation |
$2,593 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation |
$2,313 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$27,756 |