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Why Transfer to Biola?
Biola University is a place where you can develop spiritually while growing intellectually. As you pursue your bachelor’s degree, you can expect a high level of academic rigor paired with a warm, welcoming community of fellow believers. Begin the transfer process today!
We are still accepting applications for Fall 2025. Apply today to receive our largest academic scholarships ever — up to $23,000 per year.
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How Will My Coursework Transfer Into Biola?
If you’re in the process of mapping out your transfer journey, we recommend that you start by contacting our admissions team. If you'd rather start by exploring on your own, you can use our Transfer Evaluation System (TES) to get a sense of how your existing coursework will transfer into Biola. Below, you'll find answers to some of the commonly asked questions from transfer students.
Do I need a minimum number of courses in order to transfer into Biola?
Students transferring to Biola University are not required to complete a specific set of college courses, and also do not need to meet a minimum amount of college credits completed prior to applying. We do, however, recommend that you follow our core curriculum as a guide to get started.
Does Biola participate in transfer pathway programs, such as IGETC or the CSU Breadth model?
Biola University participates in the following transfer pathway programs, which allow transfer students to complete the general education/core curriculum requirements that are usually completed during freshman and sophomore year:
- IGETC model for the University of California (UC) system
- CSU breadth for the California State University (CSU) system
Additionally, we’ve developed “Transfer Pathway Guides” for several nearby community colleges and popular four-year universities — designed to help you easily identify the courses from these schools that are pre-approved to meet Biola’s general education/core curriculum requirements.
I’ve chosen which major I want to transfer into. How will my existing coursework count toward my degree?
The easiest and most reliable way to understand how your existing coursework will transfer into Biola is to connect with a counselor.
But if you want to explore on your own:
- Start by using our transfer evaluation system (TES) to learn about which equivalent Biola courses can be “checked off” by your existing coursework.
- From there, you’ll want to learn about the specific requirements in your desired major at Biola. To do this, start by viewing your program on the Catalog. Within your degree program page in the Catalog, click on the Course Sequence for your desired major and concentration.
- On the course sequence page, you’ll find a sample semester-by-semester schedule — listing both the core curriculum (general education) and major-specific courses you’ll need to complete within that degree. (Here’s the sequence for the B.S. in Health Science, for example.) Note that students don’t have to take classes in an exact order; the sequence is just a sample.
- Compare the course codes on that course sequence chart with your course codes from TES to see how much progress you’ve already made.
- If you need help at any time, our friendly, expert counselors are here for you!
I’m still deciding on a major. How will my existing coursework transfer into Biola?
If you haven’t chosen a major yet, we can help. Take a look at the various academic programs Biola offers, review our core curriculum requirements and see which of your completed courses transfer into Biola using our transfer evaluation system (TES). If you have questions about a specific course or just want help with choosing your major, please contact your counselor.
What should I know about Biola's Bible and Theology Core requirements — and how do those affect me as a transfer student?
As part of Biola’s academic core curriculum, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of Bible and theology courses — qualifying most for a minor in biblical and theological studies. Certain transfer students are eligible for a reduced requirement of 18 credits — helping them to graduate on schedule while still receiving a robust biblical and theological foundation. This option is offered to new students who transfer to Biola with 45 or more transferrable credits earned after high school and before matriculation.
Learn more about the Bible and theology core requirements.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to Biola as a transfer student, you must:
- Be a believer in the Christian faith (the applicant's statement of faith will be articulated in the personal essay section of the application).
- Have at least a 2.5 cumulative college GPA.
- The Nursing Program has a separate GPA requirement. Please refer to the admission requirements for the Nursing Program.
- Have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent degree (GED).
- Have 15 credits (22.5 quarter credits) or more post-high school. If you have fewer than 15 semester credits (22.5 quarter credits) post-high school, then you must apply as a freshman-transfer student and meet the admission requirements for First-Time College Students.
Steps to Apply
Complete three short response questions
Complete these three brief questions within the application.
Prompts:
- Describe how and when you made a decision to follow Christ. (300–400 words)
- Using personal examples, share about your recent spiritual growth. (300–400 words)
- Why are you interested in attending Biola University? (100-200 words)
Check to see if your program has additional requirements
The following programs require an additional application process. Review admission requirements for:
Submit your transcript
Submit a transcript from each high school and college attended, current through the time of application, in the “Supplemental Items & Documents” tab within the application.
An unofficial transcript is acceptable for your application submission, and can be uploaded as a .jpg, .png or .pdf file. Transcripts can also be emailed to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.
Note that an official transcript is required once you have been admitted. Official transcripts may be submitted by one of the following ways:
- Sent directly from the institution to Biola using a digital service, such as Parchment.
- Sent directly via email from the institution to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.
- Physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final official transcripts must be submitted upon completion of course of study and must include graduation date.
Note: Homeschool students and international students have special instructions for high school transcripts.
OPTIONAL: Submit your scores from the SAT (Code 4017) or ACT (Code 0172)
Biola is a Test-Optional University
We do not require applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores. The Admissions Office will continue to make admissions offers and award academic scholarships based on students' academic achievement, spiritual commitment and their ability to succeed at Biola.
If you've taken these tests, you may submit your scores to strengthen your overall academic qualifications and reduce the need for placement exams later in the enrollment process. We do not penalize students who do not submit tests scores. Learn more about Biola's test-optional process.
Note: International students are still required to submit one test score for proof of English proficiency (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or IB English).
Application Deadlines
To qualify for an application deadline, all materials must be received in the Admissions Office by the appropriate deadline date. If a student qualifies for a specific application deadline, they will be notified of admission by the corresponding notification date.
Apply for Fall Semester
| Deadline Type | Deadline | Notified By |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Early Action 1 | November 30 | January 15 |
| Fall Early Action 2 | January 15 | February 15 |
| Fall Regular Deadline | March 1 | As Processed |
| Rolling Admissions | We are still accepting applications for Fall 2025 | As Processed |
Important Notes:
- If a student submits their application by an Early Action deadline, they will learn about admittance earlier than the standard application and notification dates. Early Action is non-binding. Students have until May 1 to notify Biola of their intent to attend.
- Some programs have different application and notification deadlines and may require separate applications. For more information please visit application steps for Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts, Torrey Honors College and Conservatory of Music.
Apply for Spring Semester
| Deadline Type | Apply By | Notified By |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | October 15 | As Processed |
| Regular | November 30 | As Processed |
Financial Aid
Biola offers institutional, federal and state financial aid to transfer students. Explore our available scholarships to see what you qualify for, use our net price calculator to estimate your financial need and explore grant and loan opportunities.
Transfer Resources
You’ll be supported every step of the way in your journey to transfer to Biola University. Take a look at the various organizations, resources and opportunities available to you as a Biola student:
Transfer Success
From evaluating transfer credits to mapping out clear steps to graduation, we’re committed to making the process transfer-friendly. In fact, transfers have a strong record of succeeding at Biola and beyond.
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25%
Rate of Biolans who are transfers from community colleges and four-year institutions
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2.5
Average number of years it takes transfer students to complete major coursework
Important Transfer Policies
Familiarize yourself with Biola's official transfer policies. Students transferring to Biola University are not required to complete a specific set of college courses, and also do not need to meet a minimum amount of college credits completed prior to applying. We do, however, recommend that you follow our core curriculum as a guide to get started.
Already Accepted?
There are a few things to do after you’re admitted. Just take them one at a time.
Meet Your Counselor
There’s an experienced admissions counselor here, ready to help you make your move to Biola quick and easy. Questions? They have answers. Find and contact your counselor today.