Biola University

Not especially, at least by the numbers: Biola admitted about 78% of applicants in its most recent cycle, roughly 2,858 offers from 3,656 applications. The bigger filter is fit. Biola is an evangelical Christian university where every student professes faith in Christ, and it weighs religious affiliation and commitment as its single most important admission factor, ahead of GPA, essays, or test scores.

Faith is central to admission at Biola. Religious affiliation and commitment is the only factor Biola rates as 'very important' in its review, and applicants articulate their Christian testimony in the personal essay. You do not need a particular denomination, since Biola is nondenominational evangelical, but a genuine profession of Christian faith is expected of every admitted student.

Enrolled first-years at Biola average about a 3.64 high school GPA, and roughly 70% carried a 3.5 or higher. There is no hard cutoff, and academic GPA is weighed as 'important' rather than the top factor, so a record a bit below that average can still be competitive when paired with a strong faith statement and essay.

Yes, a 1300 is a strong score for Biola. It lands above the median of enrolled first-years, whose middle 50% scored 1150–1390 on the SAT (23–30 on the ACT) with a median near 1270. Biola is test-optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to submit them, and just under a quarter of recent first-years sent SAT results.

Biola offers a non-binding Early Action plan and does not offer Early Decision. Early Action lets you apply early and hear back sooner without committing to enroll, and the plan is not restrictive, so you can still apply early to other schools. Across all plans, Biola admitted about 78% of applicants and enrolled roughly 838 first-years in the most recent cycle.

The visual and performing arts are the largest area at about 19% of bachelor's degrees, anchored by the Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts, one of the most recognized Christian film programs in the country. Business and marketing and the health professions follow at roughly 15% each, then psychology (11%) and theology and religious studies (8%). Biola's Talbot School of Theology and its required Bible coursework also shape the academic core.

Tuition and required fees run about $52,944 per year, with on-campus food and housing adding roughly $14,268 on top. Aid is widely awarded: about 64% of first-years receive need-based scholarship or grant aid, the average need-based package is around $35,342, and Biola meets about 66% of demonstrated financial need on average.

Yes, and at Biola the essay carries unusual weight. The application essay is rated an 'important' factor, and the personal statement is also where you articulate your Christian faith, which is the most important factor in Biola's review. Between a holistic read and a faith-aware process, a specific, well-revised essay is one of the clearest ways to show who you are beyond your transcript.

Esslo gives free line-by-line feedback on your draft. Try it now