Recognitions & Rankings

Since 1908, Biola has believed that academic prestige and sincere faith in Christ can go hand in hand — and the experts agree. Biola is a nationally ranked university, widely recognized as a leader in Christian higher education. Biola faculty members hold degrees from leading institutions like Cornell, Stanford and Oxford, and they choose to teach at Biola for the opportunity to integrate their faith with their work. Through top-tier programs in business, film, science, psychology, theology and more, Biola has prepared students to excel in their careers and live out their God-given callings for over 116 years.
Browse the list below to see what nationwide rankings and prominent publications have to say about Biola University.
University Rankings
Tied with Harvard, Cornell and MIT on “Best Undergraduate Teaching” List
For the fifth time, Biola is recognized on the Best Undergraduate Teaching list, an acknowledgment of the exceptional quality of Biola’s undergraduate academic programs. This year, the guide ranked Biola at No. 31 among all national universities — tied with top universities such as Harvard University, Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
One of the Best Colleges for Student Experience
Utilizing government data and student and alumni surveys, the Journal highlights great student experience at institutions across the country, recognizing student satisfaction with campus facilities, community and social life and diversity. Additional components considered include the average annual cost of attending the college as well as value added to graduates’ median salary attributable to attending the college. Biola’s presence on this national list reflects Biola’s commitment to providing a high-quality education in an environment where students can flourish in community.
Tied as the Top Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) Member on “Best National Universities” List
The U.S. News rankings are considered one of the most notable annual published college rankings. Biola is tied as the top CCCU school within the national university category, which includes 434 schools, based on factors such as graduation rate, academic reputation, test scores, student-faculty ratio and more.
Ranked #1 Among Christian Universities for Putting Faith in Action
Biola is the most comprehensively Christian university in North America, scoring #1 overall — out of 562 Christian colleges and universities — for making faith central to its identity, curriculum, community and policies, according to research published in the book, Christian Higher Education: An Empirical Guide.
Top 10 “Best Christian Colleges in America”
Niche’s Best Christian Colleges in America list is based on rigorous analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education as well as reviews from students and alumni. Their 2025 best colleges rankings recognized Biola (No. 9) as one of the top 10 Christian universities in America, top three Christian colleges in California, one of the top 50 schools with the best dorms in America, as well as in the top 35 Colleges for Film and Photography.
Top 50 in “Best College Dorms in America”
In the 2025 Niche Best Colleges list of the “Best Colleges Dorms in America,” Biola ranks No. 41 overall out of almost 1,400 universities. Not only are Biola’s residence halls some of the safest, cleanest and highest-quality in the country, but they also provide a space where students can experience transformational relationships and community life.
Ranked as a Top Performer on Social Mobility
U.S. News & World Report named Biola (at No. 161) to the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” list for the sixth year for the university’s strong outcomes for Pell Grant recipient students, including graduation rates and performance. A Pell Grant is a type of financial aid that helps pay for the college education of undergraduate students who are experiencing exceptional financial need.
One of “The Best Colleges in America 2024”
Biola is recognized in Money’s “Best Colleges in America 2024” list, which includes ratings based on the most accurate pricing estimates available with indicators of alumni financial success, along with an analysis of how much value a college adds when compared to other schools that take in similar students. Their methodology incorporates metrics like quality of education, affordability and alumni outcomes to create their rankings.
One of the “Best of the West”
Princeton Review named Biola as one of 79 best colleges in its 2025 “Best in the West” list, which recognizes colleges that are considered academically outstanding. According to Biola’s Princeton Review profile and students surveyed by the publication, Biola’s “focus on learning is equaled by its attention to spirituality, and students find that the biblically centered academics ‘hold [them] to a high degree of moral standard and accountability.’”
College, Department & Program Rankings
One of 30 “Top Film Schools in North America”
Biola University’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts is named as a top film school in North America for the seventh consecutive year by Variety magazine, a top industry publication, in its Entertainment Education Impact Report. Schools selected for this list are described as offering “an impressive array of educators, facilities and lessons to be learned. Countless alumni from these programs have become legendary names in the industry. They have created award-winning films and television series, enacted change both on-screen and behind-the-scenes, and often give back to the institutions that fostered their talent.” Variety highlights Biola’s high-end equipment and instruction as well as Biola’s new studio facility to be completed in 2026.
One of the Top 50 U.S. Film Schools
For the fifth consecutive year, Biola University’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts has earned a spot (No. 40) on The Wrap’s Top 50 Film Schools list. This is the first year that The Wrap has utilized data research to weigh its rankings, focusing on key elements including student retention, faculty qualification, equipment available to students and hands-on experience opportunities. The Wrap highlights Tom Halleen, founding dean of the Snyder school, for his experience in the industry as a former AMC executive, and also makes mention of the generous support of Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, owner and president of In-N-Out Burger, who gave Biola the largest gift the university has ever received for the construction of a new studio facility and scholarship fund for at-risk and foster youth studying in the Snyder school. Biola is the only Christian university recognized on the list and stands out for its mission to build students both in craft and character.
Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts named a Best Local Program in Los Angeles
The Hollywood Reporter recognized Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts as a top film school in the United States. In light of the industry’s increasing concerns over artificial intelligence, the publication names Biola as one of 25-plus schools that are “rising to the task” of incorporating the emerging technology into their curriculums. Also highlighted is the new studio facility opening in 2026 that will feature a 3,000-foot soundstage, color-grading suites and a game-design lab.
Torrey Honors College ranked as a “Hidden Gem”
Hidden Gems are academic programs that guide students through a high-quality and coherent interdisciplinary education across the liberal arts. The Torrey Honors College at Biola University allows students to engage with and openly discuss great authors and thinkers, from Plato and Aristotle to C.S. Lewis. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively with peers and faculty alike and are given mentorship opportunities to prepare them personally and professionally.
One of the Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs
Biola received recognition on this list for the quality of academics offered within the undergraduate nursing program. To be recognized, institutions must fit accreditation criteria and award a minimum number of BSN degrees a year. Biola’s nursing program is a leading choice program with skills and simulations labs and clinical opportunities. Biola’s School of Science, Technology and Health is a leading choice for a new generation of leaders in the sciences with its integration of faith and cutting edge equipment and teaching.
One of the Top 2025 Undergraduate Psychology Programs
Biola received recognition on this list for the quality of academics offered for the undergraduate psychology program based on ratings from average peer assessment scores from other institutions. Institutions eligible for inclusion on this list are regionally accredited institutions that award a medium or large number of bachelor’s degrees in psychology. Biola’s Rosemead School of Psychology is a top psychology school for Christians who want to gain robust psychological training as well as a biblical framework for understanding human behavior.
One of the Top 10 Best Colleges for Psychology in California
Biola is ranked as No. 9 out of 69 on Niche’s list of Best Colleges for Psychology in California. The Best Colleges for Psychology ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Factors considered include academics, value, professors, diversity, local area, campus quality, safety and student life. Biola’s undergraduate psychology program shares highly trained and experienced graduate program faculty within Rosemead School of Psychology.

About Biola University
Develop a brilliant mind and a resilient faith within Biola’s vibrant all-Christian community of students and scholars.