Biola University vs. California Lutheran University

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); California Lutheran University is in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; California Lutheran University 13:1.

Biola University vs. California Lutheran University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or California Lutheran University? 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 Lutheran University than Biola University ($32,774 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 21.9% lower than at California Lutheran University ($13,130 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 7.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $3,576 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.3% higher at California Lutheran University than at Biola University (about $3,576 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Biola University as at California Lutheran University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($35,855 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. California Lutheran University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or California Lutheran University? 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 California Lutheran University and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 30 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1240).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; California Lutheran University 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; California Lutheran University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; California Lutheran University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• California Lutheran University has a higher acceptance rate (75.7%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 11% at California Lutheran University.

Biola University vs. California Lutheran University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and California Lutheran University? 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).

• Biola University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than California Lutheran University's (64%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, California Lutheran University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($237 vs. $253).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California Lutheran University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 70%)

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.