Biola University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Biola University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Messiah 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 Messiah University than Biola University ($29,408 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 0.2% lower than at Biola University ($13,098 vs. $13,130).
• Biola University is 16% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $6,744 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16% higher at Biola University than at Messiah University (about $6,744 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Biola University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 8.4% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($28,817 vs. $26,576).

Biola University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Biola University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Messiah 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Biola University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $1,489 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($253 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.