Biola University vs. California Lutheran University

Should I go to Biola University or California Lutheran University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Biola University or California Lutheran University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Biola University vs. California Lutheran University comparison
Biola University California Lutheran University College 3 College 4
Biola University California Lutheran University
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Overview

Biola University California Lutheran University
Location La Mirada, CA Thousand Oaks, CA
Setting Large Suburban Midsize City
Enrollment 5,296 3,413
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #260 #359
Religious Affiliation Undenominational Evangelical Lutheran Church - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website biola.edu callutheran.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Biola University California Lutheran University
Tuition (In State) $46,704 $49,880
Tuition (Out of State) $46,704 $49,880
Room & Board $11,234 $17,734
Avg Net Price $30,510 $27,080
Avg Grant Aid $28,096 $36,687
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 100%

Admission

Biola University California Lutheran University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,003 5,290
Admitted 2,405 4,702
Acceptance Rate 60.1% 88.9%
Enrolled % 31.3% 12.2%
Avg High School GPA 3.61 3.73
Typical High School Grades B+ A-
Admissions Standards Difficult Difficult
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 24/30 23/29
SAT Range 1130/1360 1134/1320
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Jan 1, 2026

Academics

Biola University California Lutheran University
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 13:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (19%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (13%)
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (12%)
  • Psychology (10%)
  • Social Sciences (9%)
  • Business (27%)
  • Communication (13%)
  • Social Sciences (11%)
  • Psychology (9%)
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (8%)

Outcomes

Biola University California Lutheran University
Graduation Rate 71% 64%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $48,900 $57,900
Making Student Loan Payments 75% 70%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,500 $23,000
Median Loan Payment $253 $237

Diversity

Biola University California Lutheran University
% Men 20% 10%
% Women 16% 20%
Racial Diversity Very High Very High
HBCU No No
% White 49% 49%
% Black 2% 4%
% Hispanic 19% 27%
% Native American 0% 1%
% Pacific Islander 0% 1%
% Two or More Races 6% 5%
% International 3% 4%
% Unknown Race 2% 4%

Students

Biola University California Lutheran University
% In-State 65% 80%
% Out-of-State 29% 16%

Campus

Biola University California Lutheran University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No Yes
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Biola University is larger than than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (5,296 students vs. 3,413 students)

Biola University vs. California Lutheran University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or California Lutheran University?

  • California Lutheran University is 6.8% more expensive to attend than Biola University for in-state tuition ($49,880.00 vs. $46,704.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 6.8% higher at California Lutheran University than Biola University ($49,880.00 vs. $46,704.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Lutheran University than Biola University ($27,080 vs. $30,510)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 57.9% lower than costs at California Lutheran University ($11,234 vs. $17,734)
  • The same percent of students receive financial grant aid at Biola University as California Lutheran University (100% vs. 100%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 30.6% larger than aid received Biola University ($36,687 vs. $28,096)

Biola University vs. California Lutheran University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or California Lutheran University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between California Lutheran University or Biola University .

  • The average SAT score at Biola University (1115) is 6 points higher than at California Lutheran University (1109)
  • Incoming Biola University students have at the same average ACT score (25) as students at California Lutheran University (25)
  • 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 (88.9%) than Biola University (60.1%)

Biola University vs. California Lutheran University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Biola University or California Lutheran University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between California Lutheran University and Biola University.

  • The graduation rate at Biola University is higher than California Lutheran University (71% vs. 64%)
  • Graduates from California Lutheran University earn on average $9,000 more per year than Biola University graduates after ten years. ($57,900 vs. $48,900)
  • California Lutheran University students graduate with a $1,500 lower median federal student loan debt than Biola University graduates. ($23,000 vs. $24,500)
  • California Lutheran University graduates are paying $16 less per month on federal student loans 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/