Biola University vs. Drake

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Drake University in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Drake University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Drake University 11:1.

Biola University vs. Drake Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Drake? 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 Drake University than Biola University ($29,565 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 5.2% lower than at Biola University ($12,452 vs. $13,130).
• Drake University is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $3,146 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at Drake than at Biola University (about $3,146 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Biola University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 23.2% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($35,498 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. Drake Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Biola University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Drake (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Drake University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Drake University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Drake - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 9.8% at Drake.

Biola University vs. Drake Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Drake? 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $19,600 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($253 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 75%)

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.