Biola University
Biola University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Biola University at a Glance
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 str…
1908
118 years old
$146M
$146 million (2023)
3,596
475
96 acres
Identity
Is Biola University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Biola University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,778 — 6% above average — while paying $31,495/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Biola University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Biola University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #71 of 101 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | St. Joseph's University-New York | 56 | $19,035 | $63,905 |
| #5 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #6 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #71 | Biola University | 31 | $31,495 | $56,778 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Biola University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in CA.
Best Programs at Biola University
The highest-earning program at Biola University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $75,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies at $20,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Biola University earns $75,500, while a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduate earns $20,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $23,250 for Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,495/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $75,500 | $75,500 | $31,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $42,100 | $42,100 | $23,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,200 | $30,200 | $23,961 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | $30,200 | $30,200 | $24,062 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $27,600 | $27,600 | $26,333 |
| Psychology, General | $26,500 | $26,500 | $24,188 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $26,500 | $26,500 | $22,000 |
| Sociology | $26,100 | $26,100 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $26,000 | $26,000 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $24,400 | $24,400 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $23,900 | $23,900 | $27,000 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $23,400 | $23,400 | $25,620 |
| Journalism | $23,100 | $23,100 | $26,754 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies | $20,400 | $20,400 | $23,250 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- La Mirada, CA
- Student Body
- 3,474 students
- Admission Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,495
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,778
- Median Student Debt
- $23,875