Biola University vs. PLNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than PLNU based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 4,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Point Loma Nazarene University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Point Loma Nazarene University 13:1.

Biola University vs. PLNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or PLNU? 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 PLNU ($34,082 vs. $39,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 3.8% lower than at Point Loma Nazarene University ($13,130 vs. $13,650).
• Biola University is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than PLNU (about $2,734 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Biola University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (about $2,734 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $46,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at Point Loma Nazarene University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 39.2% larger than aid received by Point Loma Nazarene University students ($28,817 vs. $20,702).

Biola University vs. PLNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is the same as at PLNU (1270).
• Incoming PLNU 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; Point Loma Nazarene University 1175/1365.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Point Loma Nazarene University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; PLNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLNU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLNU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• PLNU has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 21.4% at PLNU.

Biola University vs. PLNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Point Loma Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than PLNU graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLNU graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.