Biola University vs. UC Davis

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Davis is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (40,065 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); University of California Davis is in Davis, CA (Small Suburban setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California Davis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; University of California Davis 22:1.

Biola University vs. UC Davis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or UC Davis? 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 University of California Davis than Biola University ($17,270 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 32.4% lower than at University of California Davis ($13,130 vs. $19,426).
• Biola University is 192% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC Davis (about $32,210 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $16,774.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at UC Davis than at Biola University (about $1,990 more per year; $50,974.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at University of California Davis (99% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 17.2% larger than aid received by University of California Davis students ($28,817 vs. $24,591).

Biola University vs. UC Davis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Davis (1280) is 10 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming UC Davis students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; University of California Davis 1160/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; University of California Davis 25/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; UC Davis - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Davis Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UC Davis students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than UC Davis (41.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 16.4% at UC Davis.

Biola University vs. UC Davis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and UC Davis? 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).

• University of California Davis's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from University of California Davis earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,200 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Davis graduates have a $9,824 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($14,676 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, UC Davis graduates have an estimated $102 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($151 vs. $253).
• More UC Davis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.