Biola University vs. Cal Poly

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is larger than Biola University based on total student enrollment (23,069 students vs. 5,434 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is in San Luis Obispo, CA (Small Suburban setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 19:1.

Biola University vs. Cal Poly Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Cal Poly? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo than Biola University ($17,453 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Biola University are 30.1% lower than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ($13,130 vs. $18,792).
• Biola University is 260.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal Poly (about $35,388 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $13,596.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.3% higher at Biola University than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (about $14,319 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $34,665.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (99% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 101% larger than aid received by California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo students ($28,817 vs. $14,338).

Biola University vs. Cal Poly Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or Cal Poly? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cal Poly and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (1320) is 50 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming Cal Poly students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 1220/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Cal Poly - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal Poly Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal Poly students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Biola University has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than Cal Poly (31.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 24.6% at Cal Poly.

Biola University vs. Cal Poly Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Cal Poly? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Biola University's (71%).
• Graduates from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of about $20,500 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,400 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates have a $5,834 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($18,666 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal Poly graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($193 vs. $253).
• More Cal Poly graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.