Biola University vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

Biola University vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State University than Biola University ($14,704 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 43% lower than at San Diego State University ($13,130 vs. $23,030).
• Biola University is 461.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $40,256 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.7% higher at Biola University than at San Diego State University (about $27,656 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at San Diego State University (99% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 139.1% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($28,817 vs. $12,053).

Biola University vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 70 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Incoming Biola University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

Biola University vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and San Diego State? 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).

• Biola University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $9,151 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($15,349 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $95 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($158 vs. $253).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 65%)

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.