Biola University vs. Caltech

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than Caltech based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 2,430 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; California Institute of Technology 3:1.

Biola University vs. Caltech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Caltech? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Institute of Technology than Biola University ($14,513 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 35.3% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($13,130 vs. $20,283).
• California Institute of Technology is 34.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $16,914 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.5% higher at Caltech than at Biola University (about $16,914 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at California Institute of Technology (99% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 151.1% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($72,373 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. Caltech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or Caltech? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Caltech and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 290 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; California Institute of Technology 1530/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; California Institute of Technology 35/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Caltech - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 61.2% at Caltech.

Biola University vs. Caltech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Caltech? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $36,900 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $10,150 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($14,350 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($148 vs. $253).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.