Biola University vs. Oxy

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than Oxy based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Occidental College is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Occidental College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Occidental College 9:1.

Biola University vs. Oxy Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Oxy? 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 Biola University than Oxy ($34,082 vs. $48,400).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 31.8% lower than at Occidental College ($13,130 vs. $19,252).
• Occidental College is 35.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $17,290 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.3% higher at Oxy than at Biola University (about $17,290 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at Occidental College (99% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Occidental College students is 26.3% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($36,400 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. Oxy Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Occidental College (1450) is 180 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming Oxy students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Occidental College 1380/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Occidental College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Oxy - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oxy Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oxy students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Oxy (44.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 17.8% at Oxy.

Biola University vs. Oxy Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Occidental College's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Occidental College earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,600 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Occidental College graduates have a $848 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($23,652 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Oxy graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($244 vs. $253).
• More Oxy graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.