Biola University vs Northwest University
Biola University and Northwest University, both esteemed Christian institutions, offer unique educational experiences to students seeking a faith-based higher education. While they share common values, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Biola, located in La Mirada, California, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, providing a diverse and vibrant campus community. Northwest, nestled in Kirkland, Washington, offers a more selective admissions process and a smaller student population, fostering a close-knit and supportive learning environment. Both universities excel in various academic disciplines, with Biola excelling in the fields of nursing, business, and psychology, while Northwest shines in engineering, education, and the arts. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including their graduation rates, popular majors, student demographics, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
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![]() Biola University |
![]() Northwest University |
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Overview |
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Location | La Mirada, California | Kirkland, Washington |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 88.0% | 77.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Undenominational | Protestant |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 60.8% | 96.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$30
Graduate:
$30
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SAT range | 1103 - 1348 | 985 - 1210 |
ACT range | 22 - 29 | 24 - 32 |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | 19.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 11.0% | 9.0% |
Total number of applicants | 4,354 | 473 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,646 | 454 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 655 | 165 |
Yield rate | 24.8% | 36.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $59,500 | $47,320 |
Average net price | $29,123 | $23,169 |
Tuition | $44,382 | $33,500 |
Room & board | $10,202 | $9,700 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $28,421 |
99.0%
Average amount $22,775 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
47.0%
Average amount $4,897 |
67.0%
Average amount $5,369 |
Students taking out private loans |
7.0%
Average amount $15,279 |
13.0%
Average amount $13,861 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,596
Men 38.0% Women 62.0% |
778
Men 34.4% Women 65.6% |
Graduate students |
1,955
Men 54.5% Women 45.5% |
305
Men 36.1% Women 63.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 28.6% | N/A |
International students | 9.2% | 7.0% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 2,750 | 542 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | California Washington Oregon Texas Colorado | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 13:1 | 11:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 69.9% | 58.1% |
Dropout rate | 6.1% | 40.9% |
Transferred out | 22.7% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Music (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Religious Education (Bachelor's Degrees)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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