Biola University

Biola University is a private, nonprofit Christian university in La Mirada, California, with more than 250 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online. Its academic schools span business, psychology, arts and letters, education, science and health, cinema and media arts, and Talbot School of Theology. The university’s evangelical Christian identity is woven into its academic and community life. Students seeking a deeply faith-centered campus may find that a strength; anyone unsure should look closely at chapel and community expectations before choosing a program.

Programs and admissions

Biola offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, credential, and certificate programs. Areas include nursing and health sciences, business, psychology, teacher education, film and media, music, social work, and theology. More than 250 options are listed across in-person, online, and hybrid formats; some programs have distinct prerequisites, professional placements, or accreditation. Apply through the route for your level—traditional undergraduate, graduate, transfer, international, or online—and review the specific program requirements before assembling transcripts, essays, recommendations, or portfolios. The official program finder lets applicants search all fields and delivery formats, while campus visit and tour options can help prospective students speak with admissions staff and current students.

Tuition and financial support

For 2026–27, traditional undergraduate tuition is $26,472 per semester for 12–18 credits, or $52,944 for the academic year. Biola’s published estimate for tuition, housing, and a 12-flex meal plan is $65,314 before aid; the university’s reported average scholarships and gift aid are $31,856 per year, leaving an estimated $27,958 for an average student living on campus. These are averages and do not guarantee an individual award or cover every student’s indirect expenses. For Fall 2027–Spring 2028, incoming undergraduate academic scholarships are listed from $14,000 to $25,000 annually, depending on eligibility; selected first-year students may compete for the Trustee Scholarship, which covers tuition but not fees, books, housing, or other costs. Biola says new traditional undergraduate students receive at least one form of aid. Check graduate and online costs separately, then use the net-price calculator and request a program-specific estimate. The current tuition and cost page and scholarship terms explain how awards combine with grants and loans.

Faith commitments and campus culture

Biola describes itself as a Christ-centered community, and its community expectations and spiritual formation requirements are part of the student experience. Student reviews frequently praise caring professors, close friendships, and the integration of faith and academics. Other comments mention the expense, loneliness for some students, limited social activities outside particular groups, and the time commitment of chapel credits. Experiences differ by school and student; these comments are prompts to investigate rather than a prediction of your own experience. Before enrolling, ask how many chapel credits your program requires, what community standards apply, how faith is incorporated in coursework, and what support is available if you are new to this kind of Christian campus.

La Mirada campus and practical details

The main campus is at 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639; the university’s main telephone is (562) 903-6000. Admissions Operations lists regular office hours as Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; summer hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.–noon Friday. Tour dates and counselor availability vary, so register before traveling. Biola also has residential housing; students under 21 who do not live at home are generally required to live on campus and purchase a meal plan, which should be included in the budget. Biola’s officially managed accounts include Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and TikTok; the university’s social media page links to each account.

Accreditation and program checks

Biola is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which lists it as accredited. Several schools and programs hold additional professional accreditations, including nursing, psychology, social work, business, education, and theology. Accreditation is program-specific in many fields: students considering licensure, transfer, or professional graduate study should verify the status of their particular degree and placement requirements rather than assume the university-wide accreditation answers every question.