Biola University vs. UCSD

Comparable Facts

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

University of California San Diego is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (44,256 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 San Diego is in La Jolla, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of California San Diego is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; University of California San Diego 19:1.

Biola University vs. UCSD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or UCSD? 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 San Diego than Biola University ($14,047 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 30.8% lower than at University of California San Diego ($13,130 vs. $18,970).
• Biola University is 192.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSD (about $32,226 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $16,758.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at UCSD than at Biola University (about $1,974 more per year; $50,958.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at University of California San Diego (99% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 11.9% larger than aid received by University of California San Diego students ($28,817 vs. $25,757).

Biola University vs. UCSD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California San Diego (1380) is 110 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming UCSD students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; University of California San Diego 1270/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; University of California San Diego 28/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; UCSD - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSD Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UCSD 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 UCSD (26.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 20.4% at UCSD.

Biola University vs. UCSD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and UCSD? 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 San Diego's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from University of California San Diego earn a median of about $19,000 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California San Diego graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($18,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, UCSD graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($191 vs. $253).
• More UCSD 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.