Biola Ranks as a Top Christian University in California

Biola has been recognized as California’s best Christian college by Niche, a prominent university directory for students and families.

Released in August, the Niche 2026 Best Colleges in America rankings recognize Biola among the top 10 Christian colleges nationwide and No. 1 in California, drawing upon student reviews and academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education.

“More than rankings, we see this recognition as one more confirmation that we can be serious about academics and program excellence while also unwavering on God’s truth,” said Biola President Barry H. Corey. “This combination of scholarship, faith and career preparation is evident in our graduates who are influencing their fields and communities with virtues, with strength and with grace.”

In addition to its overall position, Biola earned high marks for several academic schools and programs — ranking in the top 50 of all universities nationwide on the lists of best colleges for religious studies (No. 33), film and photography (No. 33) and music (No. 41). Biola also appeared at No. 43 out of nearly 1,400 universities on the list of “Best College Dorms in America,” based on student surveys, costs and safety statistics.

The Niche rankings were one of several to be released during the fall 2025 semester.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, released in September, included Biola in the top three Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) member schools within the national universities category, which is made up of 434 schools. Biola also appeared among the nation’s top 50 universities on the “First- Year Experiences” list, recognizing schools that excel in making freshmen and first-year transfer students feel connected.

WalletHub, the popular personal finance company, ranked Biola highest among all CCCU schools in California and in the top three nationwide on its list of best colleges and universities, based on analysis of academic strength, costs, safety and outcomes.

Among other publications, the Wall Street Journal ranked Biola at No. 70 on its list of “Best U.S. Colleges for Student Experiences,” Forbes included Biola on its list of “America’s Top Colleges” and Money magazine included Biola on its annual list of “Best Colleges in America.” And in October, TheWrap ranked Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts at No. 22 on its list of “The Top 50 Film Schools of 2025.”