Biola University vs. USF

Comparable Facts

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

University of San Francisco is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (8,913 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 Francisco is in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; University of San Francisco 11:1.

Biola University vs. USF Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or USF? 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 USF ($34,082 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 33.6% lower than at University of San Francisco ($13,130 vs. $19,764).
• University of San Francisco is 23.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $11,508 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at USF than at Biola University (about $11,508 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at University of San Francisco (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Francisco students is 20.5% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($34,723 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. USF Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of San Francisco (1290) is 20 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming USF students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; University of San Francisco 1190/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; University of San Francisco 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; USF - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Biola University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at USF (3.57).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 6% at USF.

Biola University vs. USF Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and USF? 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 University of San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $21,500 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF 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.