Biola University vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Biola University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Biola University vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Providence? 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 Providence ($34,082 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 26.4% lower than at Providence College ($13,130 vs. $17,840).
• Providence College is 29.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $14,566 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.7% higher at Providence than at Biola University (about $14,566 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at Providence College (99% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Providence College students is 10.6% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($31,873 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Providence College (1320) is 50 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming Providence students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Biola University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Biola University vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Providence College earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.