Biola University, located in La Mirada, California, is a private Christian university known for its commitment to integrating faith with learning. Founded in 1908, Biola has developed a rich heritage of academic excellence and spiritual growth. The university's mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," which reflects its dedication to providing an education grounded in biblical principles. This strong spiritual foundation fosters a community where students can thrive academically while growing in their faith.

The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, and theology. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, Biola prides itself on providing personalized attention and mentorship from its experienced faculty members, many of whom are leaders in their fields. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, and recreational areas that support both academic and extracurricular activities. Biola University also emphasizes student life, offering various organizations and events that promote a vibrant community atmosphere, including sports, arts, and service opportunities. This commitment to holistic education and community engagement prepares graduates to excel in their careers and make a positive impact in the world.

Analysis of Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

The data from Biola University reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment numbers, and graduation rates over recent years. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased, reaching approximately $46,704 in 2024 from $32,142 in 2014, which represents a nearly 46% rise over a decade. This continuous increase in tuition is reflective of broader trends in higher education, where rising costs have become a significant concern for prospective students and their families.

Student enrollment figures also show a decline, with undergraduate numbers dropping from 4,338 in 2013 to 3,499 in 2023. This reduction may indicate a growing challenge for the university in attracting and retaining students, possibly due to the increasing financial burden of tuition. Furthermore, the male-to-female ratio among undergraduate students has fluctuated, with the percentage of male students increasing from 38.5% in 2013 to 39.2% in 2023, suggesting a slight shift towards a more balanced gender ratio.

Graduation rates have shown some fluctuations, with the on-time graduation rate reaching approximately 55.5% in 2023, up from about 50.1% in 2013. This improvement, albeit modest, reflects positively on the university's educational effectiveness and student support systems. However, the graduation rate still suggests that nearly half of the students may not be completing their degrees within the expected timeframe, a concern that universities nationwide are grappling with.

In summary, while Biola University has seen rising tuition and some improvements in graduation rates, the decline in enrollment and the persistent issue of affordability highlight the challenges that higher education institutions face in the current economic climate. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining student populations and ensuring long-term institutional success.

Analysis of Graduation Trends at Biola University in 2023

The graduation data from Biola University for 2023 reveals several intriguing trends in degree completion across various fields. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program stands out with the highest number of bachelor's degrees awarded, totaling 111 graduates, which reflects the program's strong appeal and the increasing demand for business professionals in today's economy. This trend is consistent with national statistics showing a growing interest in business studies as they prepare students for diverse career paths.

In the realm of the arts, the Cinematography and Film/Video Production program produced 88 graduates, indicating a vibrant interest in the creative industry, especially as digital media continues to expand. This aligns with the ongoing popularity of streaming platforms, which have heightened the demand for skilled professionals in visual storytelling.

When examining the psychology program, it is noteworthy that it yielded 68 bachelor's degrees, but did not produce any master's or doctoral graduates. This indicates a potential gap in advanced studies in this field at Biola University, which may warrant attention for future academic offerings. The emphasis on undergraduate education might reflect a strategic focus on preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce or further studies elsewhere.

The healthcare-related programs, particularly Registered Nursing, generated 55 bachelor's degrees, highlighting the critical need for healthcare professionals. As the healthcare sector continues to grow, these numbers emphasize the university's commitment to addressing workforce demands in health services.

Overall, the data from Biola University illustrates a diverse range of successful programs, with a strong emphasis on business and creative fields, while also pointing to areas that may benefit from enhanced graduate-level engagement.

Analysis of Biola University's Admission Trends and Rankings

Biola University has experienced fluctuating admission rates and rankings over the years, particularly notable in the latest data from 2025, where the university ranks 220th. This decline in ranking is concerning, especially when viewed alongside the admission rates. For instance, the male admission rate has dropped from approximately 79.5% in 2009 to just around 53.6% in 2023, indicating increased competitiveness and possibly a larger applicant pool. Similarly, the female admission rate has seen a decline from about 82.1% to 58.6% over the same period. The enrollment numbers have also varied, with a peak enrollment of 1,126 in 2010 and a significant drop to 655 by 2022. This decline in student enrollment could be reflective of the university's shifting reputation and its ability to attract students amid increasing competition from other institutions. Moreover, the number of students denied admission has risen dramatically, suggesting that Biola University may be becoming more selective, which could explain the lower admission rates. The growing number of deferred admissions, which indicates students opting to postpone their entry, could also reflect uncertainties about the university's appeal or the broader higher education landscape. Overall, the trends observed highlight a challenging period for Biola University, with declining rankings and admission rates that warrant strategic attention to enhance its appeal and support its mission in the coming years.

Trends in Admissions Data at Biola University

The admissions data for Biola University over the years reveals interesting trends regarding standardized test scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores. Notably, the number of students submitting SAT scores has seen a decrease in recent years, dropping to 26% in both 2022 and 2023. This trend may reflect a broader movement among colleges and universities to adopt test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores, which has gained traction, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking at the score data, the range for SAT reading and mathematics scores has fluctuated, with the lower quartile scores decreasing slightly while the upper quartile scores have shown moderate increases. For instance, in 2023, the lower quartile for SAT reading and math started at 565 and ended at 695, indicating a tightening of the score range for admitted students, particularly at the higher end.

The fact that the percentage of applicants submitting scores has dropped significantly while the score requirements remain relatively high could indicate a shift in the university's applicant pool, potentially attracting students with stronger academic backgrounds who may feel confident enough to apply without standardized test scores. This could lead to a more diverse student body as admissions criteria evolve. Overall, these trends highlight the changing landscape of college admissions and the ongoing discussions around the role of standardized testing in evaluating student potential.

Demographic Insights at Biola University in 2023

The student demographic data from Biola University in 2023 reveals a diverse composition of undergraduate and graduate students. Among the undergraduate freshmen, the male-to-female ratio shows that 41.4% of the students are male while 58.6% are female, indicating a significant representation of women in this cohort. This trend continues with the undergraduate juniors and transfer students, where males constitute 38.6% and 38.4%, respectively, and females dominate with 61.4% and 61.6%.

Interestingly, the graduate student population presents a different picture, with males making up 54.7% and females at 45.3%. This shift suggests that male students are more prevalent in advanced studies at Biola University, contrasting with the undergraduate levels where women are in larger numbers.

Additionally, the ethnic composition is noteworthy. The data highlights that out of the undergraduate freshmen, 267 students identified as White, making up a significant portion of the demographic. The breakdown for other ethnicities is similarly important, as understanding these figures can help the university address diversity and inclusion, which are critical in today's educational landscape.

Overall, these statistics reflect ongoing trends in higher education where female students are increasingly pursuing undergraduate degrees, while male students appear to be more engaged in graduate studies. This pattern could influence university policies and support services aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Biola University

The age composition of students at Biola University in 2023 reveals interesting trends about the demographic landscape of the institution. Notably, the largest group of undergraduate students falls within the 18-19 age range, with a significant number of both male and female students, totaling 1,225. This indicates that Biola continues to attract a substantial number of traditional-aged students who typically enter college right after high school.

As we look at the 20-21 age bracket, the numbers remain strong with 1,453 students, suggesting that many undergraduates are progressing through their studies without significant interruptions. However, as students age into the 22-24 group, the total number drops to 753. This decline could indicate that students are either graduating, transferring, or possibly facing challenges that lead them to extend their college experience.

Among the graduate students, the 25-29 age category shows a robust presence, particularly among females, which could reflect a trend where individuals are pursuing advanced degrees later in life, perhaps after gaining work experience. The data also highlights a notable representation of students aged 30 and above, suggesting that Biola University is appealing to non-traditional students, which aligns with broader national trends in higher education where more adults are seeking further education.

Overall, the data illustrates a diverse age range among students at Biola University, indicating a healthy mix of traditional and non-traditional students, which enriches the campus environment and learning experience. This diversity can lead to a more inclusive academic community, fostering varied perspectives and experiences that enhance educational outcomes.

Analysis of International Student Trends at Biola University

The data from Biola University reveals significant trends in the enrollment of international students over the years. For undergraduate programs, the percentage of international students experienced a notable increase, rising from 3.51% in 2004 to 6.83% in 2023. This growth suggests an expanding appeal of Biola University to a global audience, which may be attributed to its commitment to diversity and the increasing recognition of its academic programs.

In contrast, the percentage of international students in graduate programs displayed fluctuations, reaching a peak of 16.42% in 2021. This peak possibly reflects the university's strategic initiatives aimed at attracting international talent, particularly in response to the global demand for advanced education. However, it is worth noting that there was a decline in the percentage of international graduate students in the subsequent years, highlighting potential challenges in maintaining such enrollment levels.

The increase in international undergraduate enrollment, alongside the fluctuations in graduate enrollment, could also be influenced by external factors such as changes in immigration policies, economic conditions, and the global pandemic's impact on student mobility. The data indicates that while the university is successfully attracting more undergraduate international students, it may need to adopt more robust strategies to stabilize and grow its graduate international student population.

Overall, Biola University's trends in international student enrollment reflect both opportunities and challenges. The university's focus on global outreach and the enhancement of its educational offerings will be crucial in navigating these dynamics and ensuring continued growth in its international student community.

Here are some notable institutions near Biola University:

1. California State University-Fullerton - Ranked 136 in the 2025 US News, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

2. California State University-Long Beach - With a rank of 109, this comprehensive university is known for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life.

3. Chapman University - Ranked 121, Chapman is a comprehensive university that offers strong programs in film and business among others.

4. California Institute of Technology - A prestigious institution ranked 6th, Caltech is renowned for its rigorous science and engineering programs.

5. University of Southern California - USC, ranked 27th, is a leading private research university with a diverse set of programs and a strong emphasis on innovation.

6. Occidental College - This liberal arts college is ranked 34 and is known for its small class sizes and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

7. University of California-Irvine - Ranked 33, UCI is a comprehensive university recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.

8. Harvey Mudd College - A top-ranked liberal arts college at 12, Harvey Mudd specializes in science, engineering, and mathematics.

These schools offer a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students in the surrounding area of Biola University.

Crime Trends at Biola University: A Closer Look

The crime statistics at Biola University over the years reveal fluctuating trends in campus safety and student behavior. Analyzing the average crime rate per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2023 indicates a peak in 2016, where the rate reached 7.36. This spike could be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased awareness, reporting changes, or actual rises in incidents, particularly concerning offenses like possession of firearms and substance abuse.

Interestingly, following this peak, there has been a gradual decline, with the crime rate dropping to 1.82 in 2021. This reduction may reflect successful prevention programs or a cultural shift among students towards safer practices. However, the rate increased again to 4.23 in 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenges that institutions face in maintaining campus safety.

Specific offenses such as drug-related arrests and alcohol-related incidents have shown variability, suggesting that while some years experience heightened activity, others may reflect more responsible behaviors among the student population. Notably, the absence of severe offenses such as murder or rape in the reported data is a positive sign, though the presence of other types of crime cannot be dismissed.

Overall, while Biola University has experienced ups and downs in its crime statistics, the ongoing monitoring of these trends is essential for ensuring a safe learning environment. Continuous efforts in education and community engagement are crucial to foster a culture of safety on campus. For more on how crime rates are calculated, visit this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.