Biola University is a private Christian university in La Mirada, California, founded in 1908 and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. It is tied at #31 in US News Best Undergraduate Teaching 2025 with Cornell, MIT and Georgia Tech, a placement Indian applicants weigh alongside the national rank of #242.
Biola runs over 150 undergraduate and graduate programmes across six schools, including Crowell School of Business, Talbot School of Theology and Rosemead School of Psychology. All degrees are taught in English, with Fall and Spring intakes open to international applicants. Biola treats international candidates on parity with domestic applicants for merit scholarships and charges one common tuition schedule.
- US News rank: #242 National Universities 2026; #31 Best Undergraduate Teaching 2025
- Acceptance rate: 76% (estimated)
- Intakes for Indian applicants: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Undergraduate tuition 2026-27: USD 52,944 per year (INR 50.03 lakh)
- Merit scholarships: USD 14,500 to full tuition per year for freshmen
- Post-study work: 12-month OPT; 36 months for STEM degrees
Also Check: MS in USA for Indian Students
Tuition at Biola is uniform for US and international students, with merit awards for freshmen ranging from USD 14,500 to a full-tuition Trustee Scholarship. Indian graduates qualify for a 12-month OPT window after F-1 study, extended to 36 months for STEM majors; full F-1 visa steps and cost-of-living benchmarks sit in the country guides.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The international deadline for Spring 2027 entry is 15 November 2026, roughly eight weeks from today. For Fall 2027 entry, Early Action 1 closes 30 November 2026, Early Action 2 closes 15 January 2027, and Regular Decision closes 1 March 2027. Indian applicants should start WES credential evaluation now to meet either window.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Biola University 2027
- Biola University Admission 2027
- Biola University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Biola University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Biola Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Biola University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Biola University Scholarships 2027
- Biola University Rankings 2027
- Biola University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Biola University vs Peer Universities
- Biola University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Biola University 2027
Biola University charges a flat undergraduate tuition of USD 52,944 for full-time students in the 2026-27 catalog. Graduate programmes are priced per credit and vary sharply by school, from USD 539/credit at Talbot’s Doctor of Ministry to USD 1,504/credit at Rosemead School of Psychology. All figures below are official 2026-27 rates from the Biola Academic Catalog.
Biola Fees for Top 10 PG Programs
Most master’s programmes run 30 to 60 credits over two years. As per Biola University Academic Catalog, per-credit rates are fixed by school; totals below are computed at typical credit counts and should be verified against each programme’s degree plan.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 30,132 (estimated) | 28.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.A. Leadership and Innovation | 30,132 (estimated) | 28.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 35,868 (estimated) | 33.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| M.S. Speech-Language Pathology | 67,620 (estimated) | 63.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| M.S. Occupational Therapy | 105,120 (estimated) | 99.3 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy | 53,040 (estimated) | 50.1 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.A. Education | 27,396 (estimated) | 25.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.A. TESOL | 19,560 (estimated) | 18.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.A. Theology (Talbot) | 44,700 (estimated) | 42.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Doctor of Ministry (Talbot) | 32,340 (estimated) | 30.6 lakh (estimated) | Accredited master’s degree (recommended) |
[Source: Biola University Academic Catalog 2026-27]
Biola Fees for Top 5 UG Programs
All undergraduate majors share the annual tuition of USD 52,944 for 12-18 credits per semester in 2026-27. A four-year total therefore lands near USD 211,776. Entry benchmarks reflect Biola’s minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA policy translated to the Indian scale.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.S. Computer Science | 211,776 | 200.1 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% (recommended) |
| B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies | 211,776 | 200.1 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| B.A. Intercultural Studies | 211,776 | 200.1 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| B.A. Spanish | 211,776 | 200.1 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% (recommended) |
| B.S. Nursing (BSN) | 211,776 | 200.1 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% Science stream (recommended) |
[Source: Biola University Academic Catalog 2026-27]
Insider note: Indian graduate applicants cluster in the MBA, Talbot theology and Rosemead psychology programmes; MBA remains the most cost-efficient PG route at Biola on a per-credit basis.
Biola University Admission 2027
Biola runs two annual intakes for Indian applicants, Fall (August) and Spring (January), with international decisions issued on a rolling basis. The full document checklist and waiver logic sit in the Admissions silo linked below.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 international deadline | 15 November 2026 | Apply via Biola Application; Common App not accepted for Spring |
| Fall 2027 Early Action 1 | 30 November 2026 | Decision notification by 15 January 2027 |
| Fall 2027 Early Action 2 | 15 January 2027 | Decision notification by 15 February 2027 |
| Fall 2027 Regular Decision | 1 March 2027 | Rolling notifications |
| WES credential evaluation | Start 8 to 12 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course report required for degree applicants |
[Source: Biola University International Admissions]
Planning note: Graduate deadlines vary by school and are not aligned with the undergraduate calendar; Talbot, Rosemead and Crowell each publish their own dates. Verify at the Biola Graduate Admissions page before applying.
Read More: Biola University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Biola University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Biola requires English proficiency, academic transcripts and financial documentation from every Indian applicant, with test scores optional for undergraduate admission.
PG Applicant Checklist
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 minimum (recommended); WES course-by-course credential evaluation mandatory
- English test: TOEFL iBT 4.5 (1-6 scale), IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 58, or Duolingo English Test 125
- Financial: Affidavit of Financial Support plus sponsor bank statements covering full first-year cost of attendance
- Programme-specific: Rosemead PsyD requires GRE plus interview; MBA does not require GMAT for most applicants
UG Applicant Checklist
- Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% aggregate (recommended); Biola requires an unweighted 3.0 high school GPA equivalent
- English test: TOEFL iBT 4.5 (1-6 scale), IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 58, or Duolingo English Test 125; committee review available at TOEFL 4.0, IELTS 6.0, PTE 50, Duolingo 110
- Financial: Affidavit of Financial Support, sponsor letter, and bank statement showing at least one year of tuition plus living costs
Key insight: Biola waives the English test requirement for Indian applicants who complete a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English at a recognised institution; carry a medium-of-instruction letter from your college registrar to trigger the waiver.
Biola University Acceptance Rate 2027
Biola University reports an acceptance rate of 76% (estimated) for its most recent admission cycle, placing it in the moderately selective band among US private universities. The early action pool sees a materially higher admit rate, reported at 85.8%.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76% (estimated) | Steady |
| 2025 | 74% (estimated) | Marginal rise |
[Source: US News Best Colleges data]
Median admitted SAT scores land between 1160 and 1370, and ACT composites between 24 and 30, per US News. Biola is test-optional for domestic applicants but strongly recommends test scores from international candidates.
Reality check: A 76% admit rate does not mean Biola is easy to join; Indian applicants still need clean transcripts, a Christian faith statement, and full financial documentation for the F-1 visa. Weak applications are rejected regardless of rate.
Read More: Biola University Acceptance Rate
Biola Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian undergraduate at Biola sits near USD 73,000 to USD 78,000 (INR 68.9 to 73.7 lakh), covering tuition, on-campus housing, meals, health insurance and personal expenses.
Biola Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-27
Undergraduate tuition is a fixed annual rate; graduate rates are per credit. Both are official from the 2026-27 Biola catalog.
| Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (12-18 credits) | 52,944 | 50.03 lakh |
| Graduate MBA / MA Leadership | 10,044 to 15,066 per year | 9.49 to 14.24 lakh |
| Graduate Education / TESOL | 7,830 to 13,700 per year | 7.40 to 12.95 lakh |
| Rosemead Psychology (PsyD) | 36,100 per year (block rate) | 34.11 lakh |
[Source: Biola University Academic Catalog 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in La Mirada for Indian Students
La Mirada sits in Los Angeles County; on-campus housing is the most cost-efficient option in the first year. Off-campus rents in nearby Whittier and Cerritos run higher.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus) | 900 to 1,200 (estimated) | INR 85,050 to 1.13 lakh |
| Food and meal plan | 500 to 700 (estimated) | INR 47,250 to 66,150 |
| Transportation | 100 to 180 (estimated) | INR 9,450 to 17,010 |
| Books and supplies | 100 (estimated) | INR 9,450 |
| Personal expenses | 200 to 300 (estimated) | INR 18,900 to 28,350 |
| Total monthly | 1,800 to 2,480 (estimated) | INR 1.70 to 2.34 lakh |
| Total annual | 21,600 to 29,760 (estimated) | INR 20.41 to 28.12 lakh |
[Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics regional data, Los Angeles County]
Insider note: Biola requires all F-1 international students to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan, which is not included in tuition and adds roughly USD 2,400 per year to the budget.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Biola University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Biola operates a single 95-acre residential campus in La Mirada, a suburb of Los Angeles about 40 kilometres southeast of downtown LA and 30 kilometres from LAX.
- Location and transport: Suburban campus with car-dependent access; LA Metro bus route 460 links the campus to central LA and Anaheim
- Housing: First-year international students are guaranteed on-campus housing across four residence halls and apartment-style units
- Signature facility: The Talbot Library holds one of the largest theological collections on the US West Coast
- Indian community: Small but active South Asian Christian Fellowship on campus; International Student Services team hosts orientation programming each intake
What Indian students say: Common feedback highlights faculty accessibility during office hours, the strong sense of community across residence halls, and the value of the guaranteed on-campus housing in a high-rent LA market.
Biola University Scholarships 2027
Biola confirms six named institutional scholarships open to international undergraduate freshmen for 2026-27, all awarded automatically at admission based on GPA and test scores. No India-specific scholarship exists.
| Scholarship | Type | Value (USD) | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition merit | Full tuition (approx 52,944) | 3.8 GPA plus SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+ | 15 January 2027 |
| President’s Scholarship | Merit | 24,500 per year | Top-tier unweighted GPA plus test scores | 1 May 2027 |
| Provost’s Scholarship | Merit | 23,500 per year | High GPA plus test scores | 1 May 2027 |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Merit | 22,500 per year | Strong GPA plus test scores | 1 May 2027 |
| Eagle’s Scholarship | Merit | 19,500 per year | Solid GPA plus test scores | 1 May 2027 |
[Source: Biola Undergraduate Scholarships]
Planning note: Trustee Scholarship interviews are held in February; Indian applicants must be admitted by Early Action 2 and complete a separate application by 15 January 2027 to be considered.
Read More: Biola University Scholarships Guide
Biola University Rankings 2027
Biola’s strongest rank is #31 in US News Best Undergraduate Teaching 2025, tied with Cornell, MIT and Georgia Tech; overall it sits at #242 in the US News 2026 National Universities table.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | 2026: #242 | 2025: #236 | 2024: #236 |
| US News Best Undergraduate Teaching | 2025: #31 (tied) | NA | NA |
| US News Social Mobility | 2026: #198 | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | NA | NA |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, QS, THE]
Subject-wise, Biola’s film school is ranked among the top 50 in North America by Variety 2026 for the eighth year running, and #22 out of 50 top film schools by TheWrap 2025.
Key insight: Biola is unranked in QS and THE global tables but holds credible US-specific accreditation and rankings; this is sufficient for F-1 visa, WES equivalency and most Indian employer recognition, though not for organisations that filter on global top-500 status.
Read More: Biola University Rankings Analysis
Biola University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Biola does not publish a formal placement rate; career outcomes are tracked through the Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health and the Career Center’s annual first-destination survey.
- Median starting salary: USD 55,000 to 62,000 (market median, INR 51.98 to 58.59 lakh) across all majors, based on regional Los Angeles graduate outcomes
- MBA post-graduation salary: USD 70,000 to 85,000 (market median, INR 66.15 to 80.33 lakh)
- Employment support: Career Center offers OPT workshops, resume clinics and one-on-one advising for international students
- Recruiter sectors: Christian nonprofits, media production houses, K-12 school districts, and Los Angeles healthcare providers; top-company recruiter list not officially disclosed
- Post-study work: 12-month OPT extended to 36 months for CS, Nursing, and STEM-designated majors
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates typically use the 24-month OPT extension to build enough US work runway for an H-1B lottery attempt; non-STEM graduates should plan on a single lottery cycle.
Biola University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below compares Biola to other private US universities with similar admit rates, tuition bands, and Christian or faith-affiliated identity.
| University | US News National Rank 2026 | Avg Annual UG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biola University | #242 | 52,944 / 50.03 lakh | Christian identity plus film school in Top 50 |
| Azusa Pacific University | #254 (estimated) | 48,800 / 46.12 lakh (estimated) | Nursing and teacher education strength in LA basin |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | #280 (estimated) | 44,700 / 42.24 lakh (estimated) | Coastal San Diego campus, smaller cohort |
| Wheaton College (IL) | #78 (estimated) | 47,000 / 44.42 lakh (estimated) | Higher research profile, more selective |
| Pepperdine University | #54 (estimated) | 73,400 / 69.36 lakh (estimated) | Malibu campus, top-tier ranking, higher cost |
Biola stands out for stacking Christian mission with a top-tier Best Undergraduate Teaching rank at a lower price point than Pepperdine or Wheaton. Its film programme is the strongest differentiator versus Azusa Pacific.
Biola University is a strong fit for Indian students seeking a values-driven US bachelor’s or master’s at a mid-band private tuition, with an estimated total investment of INR 200 lakh over four undergraduate years against a median starting salary of INR 51 to 58 lakh. Its guaranteed on-campus housing and full-tuition Trustee Scholarship pathway make it accessible for merit applicants planning to use F-1 OPT for US work experience.
Biola University is not the right pick for applicants who need a QS top-200 name, prefer secular campuses, or want a research-intensive doctoral pathway; Pepperdine or a Cal State ranked programme is a more realistic alternative for that profile.
Biola University FAQs
Ques. What English test waivers does Biola University accept?
Ans. Biola University waives the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo requirement for Indian applicants who completed a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English at a recognised Indian college. You must submit a medium-of-instruction letter from your college registrar on official letterhead. Applicants from schools that switched from vernacular to English mid-programme should submit the transcript with the letter to prove full English coverage. Contact Biola International Admissions before applying to confirm your specific case qualifies.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Biola?
Ans. Yes. F-1 visa rules let Indian students at Biola work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during official breaks. Off-campus work is restricted to Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training authorisations after the first academic year. On-campus roles include library assistants, dining services and tutoring, typically paying USD 15 to 18 per hour aligned with the California minimum wage.
Ques. Is GRE or GMAT required for Biola graduate programs?
Ans. Most Biola graduate programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores. The Crowell School of Business waives GMAT for MBA applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance. The Rosemead School of Psychology PsyD programme still requires GRE General scores plus a subject portfolio and interview. Talbot School of Theology and School of Education do not require standardised tests. Check the specific programme page for updated requirements before submitting your application.
Ques. What is the Biola application fee for Indian applicants?
Ans. Biola charges USD 45 for undergraduate applications and USD 65 for graduate applications. The undergraduate fee is often waived during Biola open house events, virtual college fairs, and CommonApp fee-waiver windows for eligible international applicants. Graduate schools set their own waiver policies; contact your target programme’s admissions office. Fee waivers must be requested before you pay, not refunded after; keep an eye on Biola’s counsellor emails after inquiring for waiver codes.
Ques. Does Biola require a faith statement from Indian applicants?
Ans. Yes. All applicants to Biola submit a personal faith essay describing their relationship with Jesus Christ; Biola is a doctrinally Christian university and treats this as a core admission criterion regardless of nationality. Indian applicants of any denomination may apply, but the essay should reflect genuine engagement with Christian doctrine. Non-Christian applicants are eligible for select graduate programmes at Talbot and Crowell but face heightened scrutiny during the review; be honest and specific in your essay.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for Biola University?
Ans. SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda and Prodigy Finance all list Biola University in their approved US universities for education loans. Loan amounts of up to INR 1.5 crore are available for four-year undergraduate degrees, with SBI offering the lowest interest rates for property-backed cases. NBFC lenders such as Auxilo and Avanse offer unsecured loans up to INR 60 lakh subject to co-applicant income and CIBIL score. Compare processing fees before committing.
Ques. How does Biola support Indian students on the F-1 visa?
Ans. Biola’s International Student Services team issues the I-20 within two weeks of admission and SEVIS fee payment. They run pre-arrival webinars covering DS-160, visa interview coaching, US embassy documentation, and first-week arrival logistics. On-campus orientation includes bank account setup, SSN application for on-campus workers, and CPT/OPT policy briefings. The team also files STEM OPT extensions and handles Change of Status requests for students moving between visa categories.
Ques. What documents does WES need for a Biola application?
Ans. WES requires official bachelor’s or Class 12 transcripts sent directly from your Indian university or CBSE/ICSE/State Board to WES Canada or WES USA. Add the degree certificate, mark sheets for every semester, and a payment of roughly USD 220 for the course-by-course evaluation. Processing takes 7 to 14 working days once WES receives all documents. Biola accepts the WES report emailed directly from WES; do not submit a photocopy from your own file. Start the process at least 8 weeks before your Biola deadline.
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Biola University Reviews
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1 Reviews Found
Overview
I opted for this particular college due to the well known religious and quality of education. I also saw graduates from this college obtain a certain confidence and leadership skill I also wanted. To me, it was a chance to pick a college to grow and become a better person while obtaining a high education.
Fees
I bought books on my own, paid for all fees before the semester started which included food, courses, & room/board.
Biola University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Biola University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.biola.edu/undergrad/admissions#apply-now
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Biola University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3906 | 3626 | 280 | - |
Comments
Found 2 Comments
Dear Sir/Madam Am Ibrahim Kwendo Onyango from Africa, Kenya.I am interested in studying for a Bachelor in Leadership at your institution. Kindly advise how I can apply for a scholarship. I am looking forward to your response.
Applying for a scholarship can be an exciting step towards achieving your academic goals. However, check the available scholarships, benefits, and eligibility from the Biola University Scholarships.
Biola University offers financial aids to its domestic and international students in the form of scholarships, grants and educational loans. Students with good academic records are awarded scholarships automatically. However, there are some scholarship programs that require separate applications.