
13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639-0001, USA


Biola University holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, which is recognized as a regional accrediting agency. This accreditation signifies that the university meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. Additionally, certain programs at Biola University maintain specialized accreditations from professional bodies relevant to their fields, ensuring the education provided complies with industry-specific standards. Such endorsements are particularly important for prospective students seeking assurance about the value and recognition of their chosen degrees.
Biola University requires applicants to hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or its equivalent. Prospective students must submit their secondary school academic records, and a minimum grade point average from high school is mandatory. While the university recommends submission of secondary school rank, participation in a college preparatory program, and letters of recommendation, these are not strictly required. Additionally, demonstrating certain competencies is encouraged to strengthen the application.
English proficiency is a requirement; therefore, international applicants must submit TOEFL scores. Other standardized test scores, apart from TOEFL, are recommended but not compulsory. Biola University does not follow an open admission policy, meaning there are selective admissions rather than guaranteed acceptance to all qualified applicants.
Credit for prior college coursework and Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized, allowing admitted students to potentially reduce their course load. Dual credit from high school is not accepted.
The acceptance rate at Biola University stands at approximately 60%, reflecting a selective but accessible admissions environment. The average SAT score for enrolled students is 1226, placing them in the top 35% nationally, with an average math score of 600 and writing score of 626. The university's average ACT score is 26, ranking within the top 40% of test takers.
Biola University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee helps cover the processing costs associated with evaluating applicants. However, the university offers fee waivers under certain circumstances to accommodate students who demonstrate financial need or qualify based on specific criteria. These waivers aim to reduce economic barriers for applicants, providing greater accessibility to the admissions process.
Students interested in obtaining a fee waiver typically need to submit appropriate documentation or meet eligibility guidelines outlined by the admissions office. This ensures that the waiver is granted fairly and supports those who might otherwise be unable to afford the application fee. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Biola University's admissions department directly for detailed information on how to apply for a fee waiver and what qualifications must be met.
Biola University does not have its own ROTC branch units on campus and does not currently host any ROTC programs directly. Prospective students interested in participating in ROTC must consider programs available through cooperating host institutions, as Biola does not provide these units internally.
Biola University welcomes transfer students for multiple terms, including fall, spring, and summer sessions. Prospective transfer students can submit credits from various standardized exams, as the university accepts CLEP General and CLEP Subject exams as well as DANTES credits. Additionally, Biola University admits transfer applicants who provide recommendations, reflecting a consideration of qualitative factors in the admissions process. The institution also accepts transfer credits broadly, facilitating continued academic progression for students coming from other colleges or universities.
Biola University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of its students. These programs include semester-long, short-term, and faculty-led options that cover diverse global locations, allowing students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning academic credit.
The university emphasizes integrative learning by combining coursework with practical engagement in local communities, fostering a deeper understanding of global perspectives in various fields of study. This global exposure is meant to complement the university's academic programs and support students' personal and professional growth.
Students have the option to participate in semester-long programs that provide comprehensive cultural immersion and academic rigor, as well as shorter summer or winter break programs that focus on specific themes or disciplines. Faculty-led trips often include service projects, internships, or research components, further enhancing the educational value of the abroad experience.
This array of study abroad formats enables students at Biola University to select programs that best fit their academic goals, schedules, and interests, thereby supporting a personalized approach to global education.
Median composite SAT score
1226Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
9%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
20%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer