Biola University vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Biola University vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or San Jose 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 Jose State University than Biola University ($13,892 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 37.4% lower than at San Jose State University ($13,130 vs. $20,971).
• Biola University is 482.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $40,574 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.1% higher at Biola University than at San Jose State University (about $27,974 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at San Jose State University (99% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 133.3% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($28,817 vs. $12,353).

Biola University vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 140 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Biola University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Biola University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Biola University vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and San Jose 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 Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($155 vs. $253).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 73%)

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.