My son attends here and it's been a good experience with significant value. Thought and care on the part of leadership is apparent and appreciated. As a part of the Cinema and Media Arts department, he has experienced a supportive department with great equipment available to underclassmen. Looking forward to the rest of his time there and grateful the investment has already yielded positive growth. read more

aaa Biola! It seems so long ago that I was a student here at this school -- transfer student in 2005, graduated in 2007. Since then, I have done quite a bit of reflecting and analysis, discussed with many fellow graduates, consulted academic scholars, and conducted a great deal of research regarding higher education and emergent adulthood -- all culminating now in this Yelp review. I fully expect to hit the character limit on this one. See where a degree from Biola University will get you? (I kid... or do I?) Financial Aid: The cost of tuition here is ridiculous, and continues to rise. I believe it was 14k/semester when I attended, and current rates on the website are listed as 16k (this is for tuition alone, not including room and board). I knew many people who would come to the end of the semester and not know if they had enough money to come back next semester; some would manage to scrape together more financial aid or take out more loans, others would flail along for a little while longer by commuting or working, but this university is set up primarily for full-time, residential students. It is NOT commuter or non-traditional student friendly. Campus Culture: It's SoCal -- ie, full of rich white people with attitudes to match. Diversity is a big problem on a campus like this -- not just the obvious racial divides, but political and socioeconomic class are major areas in which Biola fails. The cost of the school, the admission requirements, and the general positioning of the university filters out many students who could contribute to a fuller, more diverse experience for everyone. You can't really blame the students for their lack of exposure to alternative lifestyles -- many have grown up in SoCal, gone to church their whole lives, been homeschooled or attended private schools -- and it is very very easy to treat Biola as an extension of that, choosing not to challenge yourself or think beyond the Bible bubble. There were several professors that attempted to breach this limitation (during my time and in my fields, they included Dr. Joanne Jung, Dr. Michael Gonzales, and Dr. Craig Detweiler), but the campus environment is such that it is all too easy to go along with the flow, giving the "Biola" answers to what might otherwise be meaty philosophical, moral, and ethical discussions. Academics: There is something a bit off when teaching Biblical studies as a general studies requirement. One of the main problems that I saw happening was the treating of Bible reading as any sort of textbook reading -- you have to do it, but no one really cares (this happens with chapels as well). There was often so much busy work that it was difficult to conduct any in-depth analysis. Most professors were willing to meet one-on-one if you had academic-type questions, but again, the environment was not terribly conducive to (for lack of a better term) "soul-searching" or "big questions." Also, other reviewers have commented on the quality of the TAs -- I distinctly remember on one of my papers where I used "favourite" instead of "favorite," the TA left a snarky remark about being in America and that I should use American spelling. Community: I was never officially involved in the machinations of student life, student government, or res life (I avoided dorm events like the plague), but I would still posit that community was absolutely the best thing that I took away from Biola with me. The problem is that with forced community (like dorm events, "school spirit" week, and so on), it is far too easy to slip through the cracks -- and this is a criticism of academic institutions as a whole: those who don't automatically thrive on mass engagement will be overlooked. However, I was fortunate (or should I say, "blessed") to be placed during orientation week into a group of transfer students, meaning older and somewhat more realistic, many of whom decided that we were going to make our own community; this flourished and grew from an initial handful to a full-fledged Family which became one of the most diverse, welcoming, and notorious student groups of the next few years. There was always a table for us in the cafeteria. To these folks, not any of the prescribed "student life" events, do I owe the best of my college memories. In recent years, since the retirement of Dr. Cook and Ron Hafer and the installation of Dr. Corey, the push has been for rebranding Biola as an up-and-coming school (the marketing byline has gone from "Impacting the world for the Lord Jesus Christ" to "Make it matter"). Looking at the peppy, trend-driven promotional materials that are currently being produced, another former student and I had a lengthy discussion regarding the marketing target and how that drives the applications and admissions of the current student population. Many of us remain deeply concerned about and critical of the future of Biola as an academic and spiritual institution given the current trajectory. read more

Attended Biola from 2006 to 2008 but got kicked out in the middle of Spring 2008 semester with one semester left until I was to graduate. I thought it would be a great school to come and deepen my relationship with Christ but it proved to be a place with a lot of people who have not been exposed to a lot of diversity. Like a lot of others have said it is academically challenging, especially the bible classes and psychology classes (I was majoring in psychology), but a lot of the students there seemed to be very sheltered and would only hangout with their own racial group. I am of Asian descent who grew up in a predominately white area ( Marin County) that had a lot of Caucasian friends, but the majority of friends I still have from Biola are all Asian. 5 stars for the bible/theology and psychology classes I got to take, but one star for getting kicked out. read more

Why are people reviewing this even though they have never attended the school? I really like Biola University for a few major points. The Professors really know their stuff. Very knowledgeable and approachable. They do not act like they have reached the penultimate level of learning or whatever. The majority know who to present controversial or emergent subject matter with objectivity. The campus has a wide variety of ministries, clubs and activities (poetry slams, hip-hop concerts, guest speakers, et cetera) to occupy your time with. The facilities are overall very nice. The library is beautiful!!! I don't like Biola for a few reasons. The school is very expensive, but hey it is a PRIVATE institution. I made my choice, but of course I wish it was cheaper....Also, as one reviewer before me said, this school could use some DIVERSITY. There isn't blatant, aggressive racism here, but most definitely the students lack "culture". A large Midwest or white Californian vibe going on for sure! You can tell that most kids have only spent time around Caucasian, "white" people. However, I guess you can't ever find a "perfect" college. Overall, I think this institution has integrity and has proven itself to be committed to growing and changing with the times, BUT never compromising their core values. Bravo to that! read more

Best Decision I've Made. As a current student finishing up my last semester here, I would have to say that I made the perfect choice to come to school here. Coming in I had several other schools that I was interested in but Biola just stuck out the most, being the only Christian University that I applied to. Having the ability to not only grow intellectually but also spiritually is something that you just can't put a price tag on. I love the professors and faculty here, they really take the time to invest into students **IF YOU ALLOW THEM**. There are aspects of the school that I wish were a little different but I know there are specific reasons that things are the way they are. I will say that as a student you will only get in what you put in, so invest into this place if you really want to see you're time here mean something. Looking at the future of the school and the plans that God has for this place, I could only be thankful that I had the ability and means to spend the past few years here. read more

wouldn't recommend. Professors are great, but besides that, the school isn't worth the money

I am a class of 2013 Biola alumni. I honestly really enjoyed my time here. Why a star less you ask? Purely the cost. Tuition went up every year the 3 years I was there. Other than that, Biola truly does have a community that unites students in faith and spiritual growth. I was a commuter my whole time there, but still met and befriended amazing people and Professors. In the end, you make the best of your college experience and Biola is definitely a gem. Even with the high cost, I dont regret attending and finishing my degree here. Proud Biolan here, go Eagles!!! read more

The accounting department is unorganized and not helpful. They fail to post loans to accounts and other financial aid in a timely manner and then charge student accounts late fees. Staff does not respond to questions in a Christ like manner. They have double charged my student's account for items and refuse to offer a credit for their mistake. Where is the integrity of this department? The accounting department reminds me of the unethical tax collectors from Jesus' time on earth. That being said, we have had nothing but positive experiences with other departments on campus. read more

Love Biola University. It's a very cozy campus richly filled with the Holy Spirit. When you step on campus you feel transported to a different place. I am blessed to be at this institution so centered on Christ. I look forward to growing through the education I will receive there read more

I am not going to this school but am working in collaboration with the school on a project. The faculty, staff, and students are exceptionally nice. They are a nice representative of their beliefs. The school is also very well kept and very pretty to look at. Overall everyone seems happy to be here, that is a good sign. Thanks for all the efforts in getting our project together Biola! read more

THIS IS LITERALLY THE BEST COLLEGE EVER. I would not leave this place if you payed me. The people, professors, staff is all so incredible. BIOLA is so much fun and such an amazing environment. :) read more

Best Christian college Great professors and faculty members. The community here is also warm and nice. read more

Gorgeous campus, lots of activities both religuous and secular

Do NOT go here. The students here are far more cliquey than they were at public high school, and so it's really hard to make friends. For a Christian university, the theology is all over the place, and some of the professors feel like they belong at a community college, because they don't pray or talk about Christianity at all. The school is also very money hungry, raising tuition every year to the point where it's getting ridiculous. Biola doesn't even spend that money well, as they just this year spent over $1,000,000 to rebuild a sidewalk that was perfectly fine, simple because they wanted a wall through the middle of it. Unnecessary spending such as this causes the school to have budget issues, and out of date equipment. i mean, not even every dorm has air conditioning and/or heating, which is ridiculous, for southern California especially. Food here at biola is disgusting. Most days i only eat one or two meals max, because i don't want to go to the cafeteria and eat that stuff they serve. I'm fairly certain they dont follow health codes either, as once i saw a rat run into the building, and climb into a machine. Upon making the rat leave the machine, the bon appetite workers did nothing, they went back to business, AND KEPT SERVING FOOD OUT OF THAT MACHINE, WITHOUT CLEANING IT. Overall i deeply regret coming here for the single year that i will be attending. This school has been one of the worst times of my life, and never have i been in a place where I've felt more like i don't belong. If you aren't just like everybody else attending this school, you'll more than likely hate it here. read more

I just finished watching a soccer game here and am shocked by how rude the students behind us were to us! Maybe the university should teach some manners instead of religion, because the students are obviously not learning anything from the Bible! read more

I like to Biola University, esay to park, close to any building from parkinglot, especially, the library is good to study, quiet, nice chairs, and desks. But, one thing I would like them to take care is speed of wireless. Computers on the 1st floor are fast internet speed, but other than that, especially, at the 2nd floor, wireless speed is pretty slow, even it is hard to watch a small video clip from Youtube, or something. In addtion, wireless are disconneted many times. read more

Biola's baseball field is a great space!! Very well netted in and ample seating available. The Catch has a great team this year! Is very exciting to watch them play. read more

My son is part of the swim team at Biola and he really enjoys coming. The prices are reasonable and the coaches are Great.

I attended Biola for 3 semesters during 2009-2010. I left mainly for financial reasons as Biola is ungodly expensive. The education was pretty solid although I didn't always enjoy the mandatory Bible classes. Food was good, dorms were cool, overall everything looked nice. People are friendly but there is a huge sense of social status and image based popularity. It kind of felt at times like I was living in High School Musical. I also found it ironic that Biola is obsessed with trying to create diversity and yet the entire school is rich white/asian conservative Christians. On a related note if you're a liberal you may want to keep it to yourself because that kind of diversity isn't tolerated by many at Biola apparently. read more

So far, I love Biola! Welcome week was fun! It is my dream school & it will be my 1st semester there this spring as a transfer student!

pretty mega dope .: mad respect for this super trill knowledge center :. nothing fills ur stoke tank more than a stellar community of stokers and stoke teachers who personally care and invest in the development and growth of your character and inner yeesnaw .: stay thrash biola :. read more

My experiences at Biola, was when I was at APU, some of us went to the campus at Biola for a Randy Stonehill concert. Also, even Christian schools have arch rivals, so, when I was at APU, Biola was our main rival mainly when it came to watching Men's Basketball. read more

As a transfer student from fullerton college, I've had such a positive experience at Biola. I'm going to be graduating in December and I'm going to miss the tight community, small campus (compared to UC), and kind staff here. Definitely gonna visit the library too :) the school offers so many opportunities starting from job opportunities, grad school preparation to ged exam preparation. I'm actually going to miss singspos and chapels. Whoooooo go biola!! read more

talbot. seminary. community. simply amazing. some things are more important than academics and education, and talbot knows this for sure. read more

Biola University is a great university for Christians. BIOLA University's motto is 'think biblically on everything.' Biola university taught me on how to be true and honest businessman. I was raised in the city where people don't think that business and theology can go hand in hand. People thought that businesses are for cheaters. BIOLA University actually challenged that idea and turn it into reality. If you want to learn to be Godly businessmen, then BIOLA University would be the place to go. read more

Biola has been the best decision I've made in my education career.

I wouldn't trade my time at Biola for anything. My faith has grown, I've developed some of the most amazing relationships, and I feel more equipped to take my faith and live it out in the workplace. WORTH EVERY PENNY! read more

BIOLA gets high reviews, but in my opinion you can get a great education at a less expensive campus that provides what you need . They have lost their way in my opinion from the original days for an old alumni like me. Check your money at the door and hold on for a very secularized and snooty campus now. Bible was a main reason people attended but you would be amazed how many people lied to get in. I knew people in the 80s when I attended that had all faiths that signed that pledge to Christian faith. I can only imagine now. I visited in 2011 and was shocked at how rude and out of touch the staff was to me and my family. Other colleges are just as dedicated to students and provide an honest entrance for all people besidesthe 1% rich and those who max their debt to go there. In my opinion I see BIOLA forgetting the needy and those familes with smart kids that cant afford this school. When I tell people I attended BIOLA, it registers some resentment that the school is snobish and out of touch with its original message. I have not put my children through BIOLA and guess what, they have an active life in God and work that didnt tax their pocket book to thousands in student loans. Check all schools before you sign up. Its worth the investigation. read more