Biola University vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

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

Biola University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Whittier College 8:1.

Biola University vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Whittier College? 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 Whittier College than Biola University ($28,101 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 23.1% lower than at Whittier College ($13,130 vs. $17,082).
• Whittier College is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Biola University (about $2,366 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at Whittier College than at Biola University (about $2,366 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $48,984.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Biola University as at Whittier College (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 25.5% larger than aid received by Biola University students ($36,176 vs. $28,817).

Biola University vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 30 points higher than at Whittier College (1240).
• Incoming Whittier College 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; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Biola University students have the same average high school GPA (3.61) as students at Whittier College (3.61).
• Whittier College has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

Biola University vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Whittier College? 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 Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from Biola University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Biola University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Whittier College graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Biola University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whittier College graduates ($253 vs. $263).
• More Biola University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 69%)

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.