FAQs

  1. Who can I contact for more information regarding undergraduate off-campus programs?
  2. How does financial aid work?
  3. Will I graduate on time if I study off campus for a semester?
  4. How many units am I required to complete "in residency" (i.e. on Biola's campus)?
  5. How will I be billed?
  6. How is credit granted?
  7. What is the minimum GPA requirement?
  8. Can I study abroad for more than one semester?
  9. Who is eligible to participate in an off-campus program?
  10. When are applications due?
  11. Do I need to make an appointment with the Health Center?
  12. When should I start planning for off-campus study?
  13. What happens to my status at Biola while I study off campus?

1. Who can I contact for more information regarding udergraduate off-campus programs?

For information regarding the application process, your registration and student status for Biola's undergraduate off-campus programs, please contact:

Amy Agadoni
Office of the Registrar
Undergraduate Off Campus Programs Coordinator

13800 Biola Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90639
Phone: 562-944-0351, ext. 5249
Fax: 562-903-4896
Email: amy.agadoni@biola.edu

For information regarding what to expect during an off-campus programs experience,
contact the program director.

2. How does financial aid work?

Full financial aid may be used for Biola approved programs for fall and spring off-campus programs if at least 12 units earned through the program are applicable toward degree completion. (The 12 units include your major, minor, Bible and general education units.)

Financial aid is not applicable for any summer or interterm classes or off-campus programs. Biola's summer and Interterm off-campus programs include:

  • Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
  • Biola Baja
  • Biola Italy
  • Biola Sundance Film Program, Utah
  • Japan Film Program
  • National Media Seminar
  • Spiritual Formation Study Program
  • Talbot Bible Lands
  • Torrey Berkeley
  • Torrey Europe

If you would like to attend an off-campus program not listed here during summer or interterm, check with the Office of the Registrar to see that the credit you earn will transfer into Biola.

3. Will I graduate on time if I study off campus for a semester?

It is important to review how a semester off campus will fit with your academic program.   Summer or Interterm courses may be necessary to meet graduation requirements and to graduate on time.

4. How many units am I required to complete "in residency" (i.e. on Biola's campus)?

When reviewing how your semester off campus will fit with your academic program, it is important to know the following residency requirements:

A minimum of 30 units must be taken at Biola University, at least 15 units (upper division) in the major field. Of the 30 units of Bible required of all students, 15 units must be taken at Biola. Further information regarding residency requirements may be obtained from the University's academic catalog.

5. How will I be billed?

Fall & Spring off-campus programs charges:

  • Tuition for the 2007-2008 academic year: $12,499
  • Room & Board for the 2007-2008 academic year: $3,135
  • Registration Fee (non-refundable): $35

Summer & Interterm off-campus program charges:
Charges for summer and Interterm off-campus programs vary. Contact the Undergraduate Off Campus Programs Coordinator for information regarding these charges.

Billing schedule
•  Fall semester: A down payment of 60% is due August 15 for the fall semester or before departure, whichever is earlier. Failure to make the required down payment before departure will result in cancellation of your registration.

• Spring semester: A down payment of 60% is due December 15 for the spring semester or before departure, whichever is earlier. Failure to make the required down payment before departure will result in cancellation of your registration.

• Summer/Interterm: 100% payment is required prior to departure for programs during summer and Interterm. Contact the Office of the Registrar for specific fees and payment due dates.
Failure to make 100% payment before departure will result in the cancellation of your registration.

6. How is credit granted?

The hours of credit for Biola approved off-campus programs are recommended by the off-campus program to Biola; Biola grants the credit. "Transcripts" are sent by the off-campus program to the Office of the Registrar at the end of each semester.  Program directors review the "transcripts" and apply grades to the courses as appropriate.

7. What is the minimum GPA requirement?

GPA requirements vary for each program. Check with the program to which you are applying for GPA requirements.

8. Can I study abroad for more than one semester?

You may study off campus for more than one semester, but should consider residency requirements, financial aid requirements and your expected graduation date. You must complete the Off Campus Programs Registration Form for each semester of study. If the second semester off campus will be completed in immediate succession to the first, both the Off Campus Programs Registration Forms should be completed and turned in prior to departure for the first semester of off-campus study. Campus based aid may be granted for a second term of off-campus study. Please notify the Undergraduate Off Campus Programs Coordinator if you are considering this possibility.

9. Who is eligible for off-campus study?

  1. Traditional undergraduate students in good standing with the university are eligible for undergraduate off campus study programs.
  2. Graduate students in good standing with the university are eligible for participation in Talbot Bible Lands.
  3. The Off Campus Programs Registration Form is used to confirm eligibility status.

10. When are applications due?

Application due dates vary for each program. Check with the program to which you are applying to find out when the application is due.

BiolaÕs Off Campus Programs Registration Form should be completed parallel to the special program you are applying to as the deadlines will coincide. Check with the Off Campus Programs Coordinator for summer and Interterm form due dates.

11. Do I need to make an appointment with the Health Center?

Yes; bring your Off Campus Programs Registration Form to your appointment. You must make an appointment with the Health Center to review your health status and any required immunizations. Your timely request for an appointment will help you make sure you meet your registration and application deadlines.

12. When should I start planning for off-campus study?

Right away! Early planning will help you know which courses in your degree requirement you should reserve for your semester off campus.

13. What happens to my status at Biola while I study off campus?

You are considered a student at Biola while studying off campus in a Biola-approved program.   The Office of the Registrar will email you reminders from time to time regarding your responsibilities while away and will remind you to reserve courses via WebReg for the upcoming semester.