Biola University — Tom's College Scouting Report

Thinking about applying here?

Adds school-specific application tasks to your To-Do list

★★★★☆

Compatibility Score / 100

Biola's nondenominational evangelical culture is a near-perfect match for FOR, and its biblical studies and ministry programs are top-tier. However, it doesn't offer CACREP counseling, so if you decide to pursue licensure, you'd need grad school elsewhere. At $28,100/year, it's pricier than some other strong matches, but if ministry is your primary calling, Biola's theological depth could be worth it.

What Aligned ✓

nondenominational evangelical culture very close to FORstrong ministry and biblical studies programsmedium-sized campus with relational feelstrong Christian community without mandatory daily chapel

Watch-Outs ✕

no CACREP counseling programnet cost at $28,100/year is higher than many alternativeswould require graduate school elsewhere for counseling licensure

About This School

Faith Culture

Strong Faith Match — Nondenominational evangelical — theologically serious
One of the best faith fits on the list. Nondenominational evangelical, theologically serious. Every student takes biblical studies. Talbot Seminary is nationally recognized.

Campus Life

Warm evangelical community. NCAA D-II sports. Strong chapel culture. LA suburb near Disneyland. No Greek life. Theological seriousness is an asset, not a constraint.

Academic Support

Office of Student Accessibility provides individualized care plans working directly with faculty. TRIO available. 14:1 ratio. Biola is academically demanding — engage OSA early.

Admissions

Acceptance

60–75%

Avg GPA

3.1–3.5

SAT Mid-50%

1130–1340

Programs

Ministry (Undergrad)

Bible, Theology & Ministry B.A.

Counseling (Undergrad)

B.A. Psychology; Rosemead School of Psychology

Not CACREP Accredited

⚡ Accelerated / Dual Degree Path

Talbot Seminary for ministry. Counseling path is MFT/pastoral, not CACREP LPC.

Cost

$28,100/yr

Est. net price after financial aid

How to Apply

Apply at biola.edu/admissions. Biola accepts the Common App. A pastoral recommendation and faith statement are required. Test-optional. Early Action deadline November 30.

FAFSA Code: 001122

Go to Admissions →

What You Can Do This Summer & Senior Year

Still Deciding?

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Visit the La Mirada campus — strong chapel culture and theological seriousness are defining features worth experiencing

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Research Talbot School of Theology if ministry grad school is part of your long-term plan

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Look into the Torrey Honors program — it signals the academic intensity level here

Steps to Stay on Track

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Early Action deadline: November 30 — best for aid consideration (FAFSA code: 001122)

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Aid priority deadline: April 1

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Rolling admission after EA — apply by November for best scholarship positioning

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Contact admissions: admissions@biola.edu or 562-903-4752

To Strengthen Your Application

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Biola avg admitted SAT is 1080–1320 — retake targeting 1100+ to get into range

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Test-optional — if your SAT doesn't reach 1080, don't submit it; let essay and extracurriculars carry weight

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Extracurricular activities are explicitly reviewed — leadership in ministry, service, or student organizations matters

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Church involvement is valued — document your role and leadership at FOR in application materials

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Senior year rigor (AP or dual enrollment) signals academic readiness for Biola's demanding coursework

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Faith statement and pastoral recommendation required — give your reference 6+ weeks

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Apply Early Action by November 30 for best scholarship and aid consideration

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Important: Biola's counseling programs lead to MFT/CA BBS licensure, not CACREP LPC — confirm this fits before committing

Visit Biola Official Site → ← Back to All Schools See My Full Lineup