Biola University logo

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Above All Give Glory to God”

Private university
Type
3,390
Total Students
3,596
Undergrad
1,959
Graduate
$155M
Endowment
(2018)
$47K
Tuition (In-State)
$47K
Tuition (Out-State)
$28K
Avg Net Price
60%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
6-year
85%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Barry H. Corey

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Biola University

Biola University: Integrating faith and rigorous academics for a purposeful future.

Biola University stands as a distinctive institution in Southern California, known for its unwavering commitment to integrating evangelical Christian faith with comprehensive academic excellence. Since its founding, Biola has been dedicated to equipping students not just with knowledge, but with a profound sense of purpose, guided by its motto, "Above All Give Glory to God." It offers a vibrant campus life in La Mirada, blending spiritual development with robust intellectual inquiry.

The university's roots trace back to 1908 as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, established by visionary leaders like Lyman Stewart and Thomas C. Horton, with an initial focus on biblical and missionary training. Over the decades, Biola strategically expanded its scope, evolving from a Bible institute to Biola College in 1949, and finally to Biola University in 1981. This growth marked a significant expansion of its academic offerings, transforming it into a multifaceted institution while steadfastly maintaining its conservative theological identity.

Today, Biola University boasts an impressive array of academic strengths, providing 47 undergraduate majors and over 150 professional fields of study, leading to degrees from B.A. to Ph.D. Its distinguished professional schools, including the Talbot Theological Seminary, Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Crowell School of Business, School of Intercultural Studies, and the School of Education, reflect its broad commitment to diverse professional training. Beyond the classroom, students engage in dynamic campus life, participating in NCAA Division II athletics as the Biola Eagles, and enriching their spiritual and intellectual journey through annual events like the Missions Conference and the Torrey Memorial Bible Conference, alongside various academic centers.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1908, evolving from a Bible institute to a comprehensive university in La Mirada, California.
  • ✦A private, nondenominational evangelical Christian university deeply integrating faith with all academic programs.
  • ✦Offers 47 undergraduate majors and over 150 professional fields of study, ranging from B.A. to Ph.D.
  • ✦Features prominent professional schools such as Talbot Theological Seminary and Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology.
  • ✦Supports a vibrant student body of 3,596 undergraduates and 1,959 postgraduates (as of 2022).
  • ✦The Biola Eagles compete in 18 NCAA Division II varsity sports within the Pacific West Conference.
  • ✦Boasts an impressive alumni network, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and filmmaker Zach King.

Timeline

1908
Founded as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles.
1912
R. A. Torrey appointed as dean.
1913
Construction began on its iconic downtown Los Angeles building, featuring the "Jesus Saves" signs.
1949
Renamed Biola College, reflecting its broadened curriculum.
1959
Relocated its campus to La Mirada, California.
1977
Acquired the graduate programs of Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology.
1981
Adopted the name Biola University.
1983
Established the School of Intercultural Studies.
1993
Opened the Crowell School of Business.
2007
Established the School of Education.

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Biola University

🏫

Talbot Theological Seminary

Biola's first graduate school, focusing on comprehensive theological education.

🎓

Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology

A leading school for professional psychology, acquired by Biola in 1977.

🏫

School of Intercultural Studies

Established in 1983, dedicated to global and cross-cultural studies.

💼

Crowell School of Business

Founded in 1993, offering business education integrated with Christian principles.

📚

School of Education

Established in 2007, preparing educators with a distinct Christian perspective.

Leadership

Matthew J. Hall
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Biola University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search