Skip to main content

Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities

As a fully online bachelor student at Biola University, you have the opportunity to earn your degree at roughly one-third of the cost of regular tuition. Your financial aid opportunities differ from our traditional undergraduate aid, so learn more about the aid options available below.

Questions About Online Bachelor’s Student Aid?

If you’re looking for more information about financial aid opportunities for online bachelor’s students, contact the Financial Aid Aid Office at (562) 903-4742 or email us at finaid@biola.edu.

Loans

Online bachelor’s students who are U.S. citizens are eligible for the federal loans listed below, and should note that because of the mandatory trimester structure for online bachelor’s degree programs, any aid received is split into thirds (as opposed to halves, based on a traditional semester schedule).

    Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans

    The Direct Loan is a loan funded by the U.S. Department of Education that must be repaid with interest. Amount determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

    Amount and Interest
    Grade Level Base Direct Loan Dependent Undergraduate Unsubsidized Independent Undergraduate Unsubsidized
    Freshman
    (0-26 credits)
    $3,500 $2,000 $6,000
    Sophomore
    (27-56 credits)
    $4,500 $2,000 $6,000
    Junior
    (57-87 credits)
    $5,500 $2,000 $7,000
    Senior
    (88+ credits)
    $5,500 $2,000 $7,000

    For current loan interest rates and origination fee amounts, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

    Application

    Students must complete the following applications:

    1. FAFSA (online form; with Biola listed)
    2. Direct Loan Master Promissory Note & Entrance Counseling (online form)
    Deadline

    April 15 — This is the recommended deadline in order to be processed in time for the beginning of the school year. All loan requests must be received no later than the last day of the semester in which the funds are being requested in order to be processed.

    Eligibility

    Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Student must be enrolled at least half-time
    • Financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, will determine whether the student is eligible to receive subsidized or unsubsidized funding
    Repayment

    Loan repayment is deferred while a student is enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. Repayment typically begins six months after a student drops below half-time enrollment.

    Renewable Status

    Yes, this loan is renewable yearly (with the completion of a FAFSA). MPN is valid for up to 10 years.

    Graduating/Departing Information

    Students must complete exit counseling online in preparation for graduating/completing their program.

    Direct Parent PLUS Loan

    Credit-based loan for parents of dependent students who are enrolled at least half-time.

    Amount and Interest

    Up to cost of attendance minus financial aid.

    For current loan interest rates and origination fee amounts, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

    Application

    See the following required applications:

    1. Students must complete the FAFSA (online form; with Biola listed)
    2. Parents must complete the Direct Parent PLUS Loan Application, Master Promissory Note & Entrance Counseling (online form)
    Deadline

    June 1 — This is the recommended deadline in order to be processed in time for the beginning of the school year. All loan requests must be received no later than the last day of the semester in which the funds are being requested in order to be processed.

    Eligibility

    Students and parents must meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Student and parents must be either U.S. citizens, or eligible non-citizens with a U.S. address
    • The student must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree program
    Repayment

    Loan repayment is deferred while a student is enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. Repayment typically begins six months after a student drops below half-time enrollment.

    Renewable

    No, this loan is not renewable. Parents must reapply each academic year.

    Private Student Loan

    You may choose to borrow Private Student Loan funds from a private financial institution to help fund your education after all other resources have been exhausted:

    • Federal direct loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including, but not limited to, income-based repayment and income-contingent repayment plans, and loan forgiveness benefits, which other student loans are not required to provide.
    • Federal direct loans are available to students regardless of income, whereas private student loans are dependent on student (and cosigner) credit. Private loans are not federally funded, and are dependent on student (and cosigner) credit. Private loans tend to have higher interest rates than federal direct loans, and in most cases, Parent PLUS loans.
    Amount and Interest

    Minimum loan amounts begin at $1,000 and may also be large enough to cover the remaining cost of attendance (varies by lender).

    Maximum loan amounts are determined by subtracting all of a student's financial aid from their cost of attendance for the school year.

    Interest rates vary by lender.

    Application

    Students can complete a loan application with their chosen lender, or may look for a lender on our Preferred Lender List. Please note the following additional details:

    1. Part of your loan application will include completing an Applicant Self-Certification Form. This includes calculating your estimated cost of attendance. Learn more about how to do that on our FAQ page.
    Deadline

    June 1 — This is the recommended deadline in order to be processed in time for the beginning of the school year. All loan requests must be received no later than the last day of the semester in which the funds are being requested in order to be processed. Please allow 4–6 weeks for processing.

    Eligibility

    Generally, the borrower must be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen with a U.S. address, or an international student with a U.S. citizen cosigner (varies per lender).

    Cosigner Requirements

    Criteria varies per lender. Unless you are steadily employed, earn at least $12,000 a year, and have a stable credit history with a good FICO score (over 700), you will more than likely need a cosigner in order to be approved for a private student loan.

    Renewable Status

    No, these loans are not renewable. Students must apply yearly using the application resources linked above.

    Grants

    Online bachelor’s students who are California residents and demonstrate financial need may be eligible for the specific federal grants listed below. 

      Cal Grant A

      A tuition-specific, state entitlement award, funded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

      Amount

      Up to $9,084 (depending on unmet need). Prorated per enrollment status, and the amount subject to change pending the approval of the state budget.

      Application

      Students must review the following application guidelines:

      1. Submit your application:
      2. Complete your Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (review the Financial Aid Handbook to review details on the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form)
      Deadline

      March 2

      Eligibility

      Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

      • Student must be a California resident
      • Student must be an undergraduate student with the eligible GPA (3.0 or higher)
      • AB 540 (Dream Act) students may also apply
      • Household income and assets must be below specific amounts determined by CSAC
      • View additional eligibility requirements on the California Student Aid Commission website.

      Renewable Status

      Please see the following grant renewal details:

      • Yes, this grant is renewable yearly (based on meeting all eligibility requirements  and meeting satisfactory academic progress).
      • The FAFSA must be filed yearly as a part of the renewal process. No GPA verification form is needed for renewal.
      • A student who is denied a Cal Grant their first year may be eligible for the Cal Grant in subsequent years, but must file a FAFSA and submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the March 2 deadline.

      Cal Grant B & Living Allowance

      A tuition-specific, state entitlement award, funded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

      Amount

      Please see the following Cal Grant B amount details:

      • First year: only living allowance totaling $1,672
      • All other grade levels: tuition assistance of up to $9,084 and living allowance funds of $1,672
      • Subsequent years Cal B amount plus access amount (up to $10,756)
      • Amounts are prorated per enrollment status
      Application

      Students must review the following application guidelines:

      1. Submit your application:
      2. Complete your Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (review the Financial Aid Handbook to review details on the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form)
      Deadline

      March 2

      Eligibility

      Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

      • Student must be a California resident
      • Student must be an undergraduate student with the eligible GPA (3.0 or higher)
      • AB 540 (Dream Act) students may also apply
      • Household income and assets must be below specific amounts determined by CSAC
      • View additional eligibility requirements on the California Student Aid Commission website.

      Renewable Status

      Please see the following grant renewal details:

      • Yes, this grant is renewable yearly (based on meeting all eligibility requirements  and meeting satisfactory academic progress).
      • The FAFSA must be filed yearly as a part of the renewal process. No GPA verification form is needed for renewal.
      • A student who is denied a Cal Grant their first year may be eligible for the Cal Grant in subsequent years, but must file a FAFSA and submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the March 2 deadline.

      Pell Grant

      Amount

      Up to $6,345. Prorated per enrollment status.

      Application

      Students must review the following application guidelines:

      1. Complete the FAFSA (with Biola listed)
      2. Make sure financial aid file is completed with the Office of Financial Aid
      Deadline

      There is no deadline for this grant.

      Eligibility

      Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

      • Must be an undergraduate student (or teaching credential student without an accompanying master’s degree)
      • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
      •  Must have sufficient financial need
      Renewable Status

      This grant may be renewable based on availability of funds and eligibility each year.

      SEOG (Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant)

      A federal need-based grant, awarded by the Office of Financial Aid.

      Amount

      Up to $240. Grant is coordinated with all other grants and scholarships received.

      Application

      Students must review the following application guidelines:

      1. Complete the FAFSA (with Biola listed)
      2. Make sure financial aid file is completed with the Office of Financial Aid
      Deadline

      There is no deadline for this grant. Availability of the grant is based on availability of funds.

      Eligibility

      Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

      • Must be an undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time
      • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
      • Must have sufficient financial need
      Renewable Status

      This grant may be renewable based on availability of funds and eligibility each year.

      Additional Resources

      Know Your Options

      The Office of Financial Aid provides different resources that can help you plan out your finances as you pursue your Biola education.

      Financial Aid Counseling

      Have questions about the process? Call us or come by our office for a drop-in appointment with a knowledgeable financial aid counselor — they can help.

      Connect With a Counselor

      Contact Us

      The Office of Financial Aid is here to answer questions you have about the financial aid process. Contact us in person, by phone or email.

      View Contact Information

      Scholarships

      Our next term begins on July 3, 2023! Qualify for a scholarship of up to $250 and waive your $100 enrollment deposit when you complete your admissions and financial aid files by June 19!

      The Biola Online Opportunities Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of up to $250 for first-time students. To automatically receive it, you'll just need to meet the following criteria:

      • Not have attended Biola for Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 terms.
      • By June 19, complete your Admissions File, including application, essay and transcripts for all schools attended. Unofficial transcripts are okay to meet the deadline.
      • Complete the FAFSA, Master Promissory Note, Entrance Counseling, and any other additional required financial documentation by deadline.
      • Enroll in Summer B with 6+ credits to receive $250 in that first term. Students who enroll with 3–5 credits will receive $125.

      Enrollment Deposit:
      We’ll also waive your $100 enrollment deposit when you complete your admissions and financial aid files by June 26!