As the higher education landscape evolves, the importance of an institution’s financial strength is under even closer scrutiny. A financially healthy Christian higher education institution wisely invests in students, innovates for the future and equips graduates to serve the global church and society for generations to come.

Forbes recently released its 2026 College Financial Grades, which highlight Biola’s strong commitment to stewarding its finances with careful discernment. Financially healthy Christian universities matter because churches, ministries and the workplace need people formed by biblical truth, courage and conviction.

Forbes evaluated 928 private nonprofit colleges and universities for their financial health, using 10 pieces of criteria to assess each institution’s success and Biola’s financial stewardship landed it in the top 30% overall. Among Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) governing-member institutions that received a Forbes financial grade, Biola ranked in the top 11%, reflecting the university's financial resilience within Christian higher education and its longstanding dedication to fulfilling its mission with endurance.

Biola’s success in this area is significant because it contributes to the vitality of Christian higher education as a whole.

“Biola’s commitment to faithful stewardship is rooted in our mission,” said Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, Paula Tkach. “Financial health provides the stability and flexibility necessary to invest in students, strengthen academic programs and come alongside ministries and institutions that share our commitment to Christ and the church. We believe healthy Christian universities are vital to the future of the church and society, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that work.”

Financial resilience allows universities to pursue strategic initiatives that might otherwise be out of reach. Earlier this month, Biola announced plans to acquire the donated assets of Phoenix Seminary and, pending regulatory approval, establish Talbot Seminary Phoenix, driven by the goal of strengthening theological education in the Southwest while honoring Phoenix Seminary's nearly four decades of faithful ministry. Other recent investments in initiatives such as Talbot Embedded, research in genomic medicine and academic support for first-generation and low-income students demonstrate how institutional health can support new opportunities for students and university growth.

Forbes focused on four main categories when grading private institutions. The first category evaluated if the school has money in reserve by looking at endowment per student, unrestricted net assets, primary reserve ratio and viability ratio, essentially determining if the school has financial flexibility when challenges arise. Whether a school was making any money was also evaluated by examining core operating margins and return on assets, focusing on whether revenue exceeded expenses. Consistent enrollment growth and net tuition revenue per student shaped the interest category, with a focus on the institution's overall value. Forbes rewarded schools with diverse revenue streams rather than relying solely on tuition, which influenced the fourth category centered on tuition.

The mission of Biola University is biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. This mission has endured for 118 years and will continue to, supported by Biola’s commitment to faithfully serving its students with financial responsibility, biblical conviction and faith-integrated education. Join the Biola community by applying today.

Written by Sarah Dougher, strategic communication manager. For more information, email beacon@biola.edu.