Biola University vs. Cal State Fullerton

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Fullerton is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); California State University Fullerton is in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; California State University Fullerton 26:1.

Biola University vs. Cal State Fullerton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Cal State Fullerton? 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 State University Fullerton than Biola University ($7,064 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 31.2% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($13,130 vs. $19,080).
• Biola University is 555.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $41,514 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.1% higher at Biola University than at California State University Fullerton (about $28,914 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at California State University Fullerton (99% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 156.5% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($28,817 vs. $11,234).

Biola University vs. Cal State Fullerton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or Cal State Fullerton? 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 Cal State Fullerton and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 180 points higher than at Cal State Fullerton (1090).
• Incoming Biola University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Cal State Fullerton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; California State University Fullerton 1000/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; California State University Fullerton 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Cal State Fullerton - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton.

Biola University vs. Cal State Fullerton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Cal State Fullerton? 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 State University Fullerton's (50%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton earn a median of about $100 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($155 vs. $253).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State Fullerton students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 69%)

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.