Biola University vs. USC

Comparable Facts

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

University of Southern California is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (46,566 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 Southern California is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; University of Southern California 9:1.

Biola University vs. USC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or USC? 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 USC ($34,082 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 34.1% lower than at University of Southern California ($13,130 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 47.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $23,113 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.2% higher at USC than at Biola University (about $23,113 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at University of Southern California (99% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern California students is 62.7% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($46,897 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. USC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 230 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming USC students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; University of Southern California 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; University of Southern California 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; USC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman USC students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 43.3% at USC.

Biola University vs. USC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and USC? 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 Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $36,600 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern California graduates have a $2,125 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($22,375 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, USC graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($231 vs. $253).
• More USC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.