Academic Reputation
Biola is renowned for its strong Christian commitment, but the University's academic reputation is also well regarded and effectively stands on its own.
Independent sources such as US News & World Report and Noel-Levitz consistently rate Biola highly in comparison to other four-year universities.
From the standpoint of academics alone, Biola is often among the top-ranked evangelical Christian universities.
Biola's "National University" Ranking
US News & World Report annually ranks public and private universities according to important factors like class size, percentage of faculty with doctorates, and academic opportunities.
For over 20 years, US News & World Report has rated Biola as a "National University," which they consider the "major leagues of higher education."
Some of the factors taken into account were:
- 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 68% of Biola faculty have doctorates
- 20 exciting study abroad programs
- 145 academic programs, from the BA to the PhD
Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Survey
Noel-Levitz, a higher education consulting firm, recently conducted a survey of 359,000 American college students. Here is how Biola stacked up against the competition:
- Biola students rate their ability to experience intellectual growth in college more highly than students at other four-year private institutions.
- Biola students are significantly more satisfied with the quality of instruction in their major than students at other four-year private institutions.
- Biola students rate their professors as more fair and knowledgeable than do students at other four-year private institutions.
"When I was looking for a college to go to, I wanted a school that was both Christian and academically challenging. Biola has definitely delivered!
"There's the great study abroad programs: during my junior year, I'll spend a semester in Costa Rica taking classes and perfecting my Spanish.
"There's the faculty: the professors here are brilliant and accomplished, but they're also down to earth.
"There's the Torrey Honors Institute: I read one great text each week - from Aristotle to Shakespeare - then discuss the ideas with students and the professor.
"In the end, I'm looking forward to leaving Biola with not just a respected degree, but with a grounded knowledge of biblical truth and why I believe it."
– Michelle, Journalism
Biola's Accreditation
Biola is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Several Biola programs are also accredited by their discipline-specific national associations, including:
- American Psychological Association
- Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
- California Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Biola is also affiliated with a number of professional associations.
