Biola University vs. Umary

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with University of Mary in Bismarck, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than Umary based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 3,861 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); University of Mary is in Bismarck, ND (Rural Fringe setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; University of Mary 14:1.

Biola University vs. Umary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Umary? 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 University of Mary than Biola University ($20,156 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary are 29.4% lower than at Biola University ($9,276 vs. $13,130).
• Biola University is 119.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Umary (about $26,628 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 119.1% higher at Biola University than at University of Mary (about $26,628 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Biola University as at University of Mary (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 111.9% larger than aid received by University of Mary students ($28,817 vs. $13,601).

Biola University vs. Umary Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or Umary? 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 Umary and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Biola University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Umary (1230).
• Incoming Biola University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Umary).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; University of Mary 1110/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; University of Mary 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Umary - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Umary Sep 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Biola University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Umary (3.37).
• Umary has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 41.4% at Umary.

Biola University vs. Umary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Umary? 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).

• Biola University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of Mary's (52%).
• Graduates from University of Mary earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Biola University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Umary graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($232 vs. $253).
• More Umary graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.