Founded in 1908, Biola University is a private, evangelical Christian university located in Southern California. The university’s main campus is in La Mirada and additional locations exist in Chino Hills, Inglewood, San Diego, and Laguna Hills. The university also founded the Charles L. Feinberg Center for Messianic Jewish Studies, in New York City.
| Overall Score (about) | 89.0 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $56,956 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| ACT / SAT 75%ile scores | 27 / 1260 |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 16 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 86% / 100% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 6,109 |
With 37 undergraduate majors and more than 145 academic programs through its six schools, the university offers degrees that range from bachelor’s to doctorate degrees. The university is divided into the Crowell School of Business, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the Rosemead School of Psychology, the Cook School of Intercultural Studies, the Talbot School of Theology, and the School of Professional Studies. All of these schools integrate evangelical Christian doctrine. The most popular majors include: Psychology; Business, management, marketing, and related support services; Social sciences; Communication, journalism, and related programs; and Theology and religious vocations.
All of the faculty, staff and students are professing Christians, with the most represented denominations at the university being the Baptist and the Evangelical Free. The school holds to the key doctrine of Biblical inerrancy, which is the idea that the original writings of the Bible were flawless in its theological and non-theological teachings. The university has been committed to biblically centered education, spiritual development and vocational preparation. All undergraduate students are required to take 30 units of Bible classes, which gives them a minor in theological and biblical studies. Each year, there are two student conferences: the Torrey Memorial Bible Conference during the fall semester, and the Missions Conference during the spring semester. All graduate and undergraduate students are required to attend both conferences. The Missions Conference is the largest annual missions conference and the second largest missions conference in the world.
Admissions processes are different for first time college students, home-schooled students, transfer students, international students, and readmit students, so students should verify requirements through the university’s website or by contacting the Office of Admissions. First-time students must submit a completed application form, the nonrefundable application fee, an official transcript from all high schools and/or colleges attended, SAT or ACT score reports, and a reference form from a member of the pastoral staff of the church that the student attends. All students must be an evangelical believer in the Christian faith, have a minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA, and have at least a 920 Critical Reading / Math score on the SAT, or a Composite 19 score on the ACT.
The university offers Early Action 1, Early Action 2, and Regular Decision admission plans for the fall. Early Action 1 applicants must submit their applications by November 1, and will be notified of their admission status by January 15. Early Action 2 applications are due in mid-January, and candidates are notified by mid-February. The deadline for Regular Decision candidates is March 1, and they will be notified by early April. The university also offers Regular Decision admissions for the spring semester. Applications for the spring semester are due November 15, and are processed on a rolling basis.
All students who wish to be considered for financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) soon after January 1 of each year that the student plans to enroll. This application determines students’ eligibility for federal and student loans and grants, as well as need-based institutional aid. California residents must file the FAFSA application and the Cal Grant GPA verification form before March 2.
Nearly 70% of students live on campus. There are 8 residence halls and 6 apartments. The university’s Residence Life staff works organizes fun events, runs Bible studies, provides peer counseling, and offers training. Some of the most popular activities for residents include GYRAD – Get Your Roommate a Date.
The university also has numerous student organizations, such as the Biola Men, Maharlika, the Film Music Guild, the Biola Asian Student Association (BASA), and the King’s Daughters. There are more than 50 student-run clubs and organizations, as well as an Associated Student government with a student Senate and an events board composed of students. The Student Missionary Union (SMU) is another important student organization. There are also many diversity programs and special events. One very popular event that takes place each year is Sola Soul, a concert where students explore unity and diversity through hip-hop. Students can watch b-boys, see graffiti, and listen to spoken word and DJ’s.
Part of the NAIA Division I, the Eagles compete in the Golden State Athletic Conference in the following 17 intercollegiate sports:
The men’s lacrosse club competes in the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference (SLC). Other club sports include men’s volleyball and archery. There is also a wide variety of intramural sports available.
Notable alumni include:
Accreditation is granted by Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Some of its programs are accredited by institutions such as the California Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing, the National League for Nursing, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
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