Biola University vs. SCU

Comparable Facts

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

Santa Clara University is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Biola University vs. SCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or SCU? 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 SCU ($34,082 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 34% lower than at Santa Clara University ($13,130 vs. $19,893).
• Santa Clara University is 25.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $12,309 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.1% higher at SCU than at Biola University (about $12,309 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at Santa Clara University (99% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 1.6% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($28,817 vs. $28,368).

Biola University vs. SCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Santa Clara University (1420) is 150 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming SCU 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; Santa Clara University 1350/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Santa Clara University 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; SCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SCU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than SCU (48%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 17.7% at SCU.

Biola University vs. SCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Santa Clara University's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $33,000 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Santa Clara University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, SCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($222 vs. $253).
• More SCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.