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Biola University vs University of California-Riverside

Biola University is a private university in La Mirada, CA, and University of California-Riverside is a public university in Riverside, CA. Biola University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 74% of applicants against 76% at University of California-Riverside. University of California-Riverside is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,304 a year against $31,495 at Biola University. About 76% of students graduate at University of California-Riverside, compared with 68% at Biola University. Ten years after enrolling, University of California-Riverside alumni earn a median of about $67,699, against $56,778 for Biola University.

Biola University

La Mirada, CA · Private

University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
La Mirada, CA
Riverside, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,474
22,593
Acceptance rate
74%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1370
1080–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
22–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,495
$14,304
Full cost / yr
$62,757
$38,942
In-state tuition
$48,984
$15,606
Out-of-state tuition
$48,984
$49,806
Application fee
$45
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,144
$8,852
$30k - $48k
$25,410
$9,840
$48k - $75k
$26,825
$13,111
$75k - $110k
$29,846
$16,571
Over $110k
$37,314
$30,393
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
76%
Freshman retention
84%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,752
$48,593
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,778
$67,699
Median debt at graduation
$23,875
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
47%
First-generation students
24%
48%
International students
7%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 30
Not reported
Early action
Nov 30
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Nov 30

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Biola University or University of California-Riverside harder to get into?
Biola University is harder to get into. It admits about 74% of applicants, compared with 76% at University of California-Riverside. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Biola University or University of California-Riverside?
University of California-Riverside is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,304 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,495 at Biola University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Biola University and University of California-Riverside?
Before aid, University of California-Riverside costs about $38,942 a year and Biola University about $62,757. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Biola University or University of California-Riverside?
University of California-Riverside. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,852 there, against about $27,144 at Biola University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Biola University or University of California-Riverside?
University of California-Riverside is the larger of the two, with about 22,593 undergraduates against 3,474 at Biola University.
Does Biola University or University of California-Riverside have a better graduation rate?
University of California-Riverside has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 68% at Biola University.
Do graduates of Biola University or University of California-Riverside earn more?
University of California-Riverside alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,699 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,778 for Biola University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Biola University and University of California-Riverside require SAT or ACT scores?
Biola University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of California-Riverside is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Biola University and University of California-Riverside look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1370 at Biola University and 1080–1280 at University of California-Riverside. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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