Biola University vs. Fairfield University

Should I go to Biola University or Fairfield University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Biola University or Fairfield 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. Fairfield University comparison
Biola University Fairfield University College 3 College 4
Biola University Fairfield University
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Overview

Biola University Fairfield University
Location La Mirada, CA Fairfield, CT
Setting Large Suburban Large Suburban
Enrollment 5,296 6,289
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #260 #128
Religious Affiliation Undenominational Roman Catholic - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website biola.edu fairfield.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Biola University Fairfield University
Tuition (In State) $46,704 $55,510
Tuition (Out of State) $46,704 $55,510
Room & Board $11,234 $17,400
Avg Net Price $30,510 $47,630
Avg Grant Aid $28,096 $25,877
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 95%

Admission

Biola University Fairfield University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,003 15,463
Admitted 2,405 6,956
Acceptance Rate 60.1% 45%
Enrolled % 31.3% 20.6%
Avg High School GPA 3.61 3.67
Typical High School Grades B+ B+
Admissions Standards Difficult Very High
Applicant Competition Low Low
ACT Range 24/30 29/32
SAT Range 1130/1360 1240/1380
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 15, 2026

Academics

Biola University Fairfield University
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 12:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (19%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (13%)
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (12%)
  • Psychology (10%)
  • Social Sciences (9%)
  • Business (34%)
  • Social Sciences (14%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Communication (8%)
  • English and Literature (7%)

Outcomes

Biola University Fairfield University
Graduation Rate 71% 82%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $48,900 $77,100
Making Student Loan Payments 75% 82%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,500 $27,000
Median Loan Payment $253 $279

Diversity

Biola University Fairfield University
% Men 20% 7%
% Women 16% 14%
Racial Diversity Very High Low
HBCU No No
% White 49% 76%
% Black 2% 2%
% Hispanic 19% 7%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 6% 1%
% International 3% 2%
% Unknown Race 2% 8%

Students

Biola University Fairfield University
% In-State 65% 15%
% Out-of-State 29% 84%

Campus

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

Comparable Facts

  • Fairfield University is larger than than Biola University based on total student enrollment (6,289 students vs. 5,296 students)

Biola University vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Fairfield University?

  • Fairfield University is 18.9% more expensive to attend than Biola University for in-state tuition ($55,510.00 vs. $46,704.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 18.9% higher at Fairfield University than Biola University ($55,510.00 vs. $46,704.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Biola University than Fairfield University ($30,510 vs. $47,630)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 54.9% lower than costs at Fairfield University ($11,234 vs. $17,400)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Biola University than Fairfield University (100% vs. 95%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 8.6% larger than aid received Fairfield University ($28,096 vs. $25,877)

Biola University vs. Fairfield University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

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

  • Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Biola University (3.61)
  • Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (60.1%) than Fairfield University (45%)

Biola University vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Biola University or Fairfield 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 Fairfield University and Biola University.

  • The graduation rate at Fairfield University is higher than Biola University (82% vs. 71%)
  • Graduates from Fairfield University earn on average $28,200 more per year than Biola University graduates after ten years. ($77,100 vs. $48,900)
  • Biola University students graduate with a $2,500 lower median federal student loan debt than Fairfield University graduates. ($24,500 vs. $27,000)
  • Biola University graduates are paying $26 less per month on federal student loans than Fairfield University graduates. ($253 vs. $279)
  • More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/