Biola University vs. USD

Comparable Facts

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

University of San Diego is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (9,714 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 San Diego is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of San Diego is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; University of San Diego 13:1.

Biola University vs. USD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or USD? 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 USD ($34,082 vs. $37,918).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 34.1% lower than at University of San Diego ($13,130 vs. $19,918).
• University of San Diego is 21.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $10,502 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.4% higher at USD than at Biola University (about $10,502 more per year; $59,486.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at University of San Diego (99% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Diego students is 42.2% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($40,965 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. USD Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; USD - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: USD Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman USD students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than USD (52.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 12.4% at USD.

Biola University vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and USD? 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 San Diego's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from University of San Diego earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,200 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of San Diego graduates have a $1,596 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($22,904 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, USD graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($236 vs. $253).
• More USD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.