Colorado Christian vs Biola University

Colorado Christian University and Biola University, both esteemed Christian institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to students seeking a faith-based education. While they share common values, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. This side-by-side comparison delves into the intricacies of each university, highlighting key differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a nurturing Christian environment or an academic seeking deeper insights into these institutions, this comprehensive analysis provides valuable information to help you make an informed decision about your educational journey.

	Biola University	Colorado Christian University
Overview
Location	La Mirada, California	Lakewood, Colorado
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
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%	82.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Undenominational	Undenominational

Admission
Acceptance rate	60.8%	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1103 - 1348	N/A
ACT range	22 - 29	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	11.0%
Total number of applicants	4,354
Total number of admissions given out	2,646
Admitted students who chose to enroll	655
Yield rate	24.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A
High school GPA	Required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Not required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$59,500	$45,846
Average net price	$29,123	$26,759
Tuition	$44,382	$34,936
Room & board	$10,202	Room/dormitory: $6,122 Meal plan: $5,518
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $28,421	99.0% Average amount $21,571
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $4,897	48.0% Average amount $5,188
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $15,279	9.0% Average amount $17,825

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,596 Men 38.0% Women 62.0%	7,188 Men 33.1% Women 66.9%
Graduate students	1,955 Men 54.5% Women 45.5%	1,284 Men 24.8% Women 75.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	28.6%	N/A
International students	9.2%	N/A
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,750	1,103
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

Academics
Popular study areas	Theology Health Professions Education Philosophy and Religious Studies Psychology	Psychology Health Professions Business Education Theology
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.9%	58.2%
Dropout rate	6.1%	39.2%
Transferred out	22.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,482 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $86,424 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $73,587 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $72,963 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,111 Year 2: $44,711 Year 3: $53,447 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,980 Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $52,274 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,574 Year 2: $26,585 Year 3: $44,140 Music (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,811 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $43,156 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,228 Year 2: $35,772 Year 3: $41,681 Religious Education (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,993 Year 2: $26,933 Year 3: $41,017 Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,448 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $40,971 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,443 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $40,650	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,598 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $67,100 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,777 Year 2: $66,541 Year 3: $66,455 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,258 Year 2: $46,673 Year 3: $55,744 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,126 Year 2: $41,193 Year 3: $51,058 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,996 Year 2: $55,512 Year 3: $50,162 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,103 Year 2: $40,461 Year 3: $43,284 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,699 Year 2: $40,945 Year 3: $40,486 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,864 Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: $36,439 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,671 Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $35,454 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,301 Year 2: $26,739 Year 3: $33,649

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary religious affiliations of Colorado Christian University (CCU) and Biola University?

Both CCU and Biola are Christian universities. CCU is non-denominational, emphasizing a commitment to biblical principles across various denominations. Biola University is also non-denominational, with a strong emphasis on evangelical Christianity.
How do the academic programs at CCU and Biola compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Biola generally has a broader selection of programs, including specialized schools like the School of Cinema and Media Arts. CCU has a strong focus on programs like business, education, and nursing, and is known for its online programs. Both universities emphasize a Christian worldview in their curriculum.
What is the campus environment like at CCU and Biola?

CCU's main campus is located in Lakewood, Colorado, offering a suburban setting with access to the Denver metropolitan area. Biola University is situated in La Mirada, California, providing a suburban environment in Southern California. Both campuses foster a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on faith and spiritual development.
How do the student populations differ at CCU and Biola?

Biola University typically has a larger student body than CCU. Both universities attract students who are committed to their faith and seeking a Christian higher education. The student body at Biola is generally more diverse in terms of geographic origin. CCU has a significant online student population in addition to its on-campus students.
What are the costs associated with attending CCU and Biola?

Tuition and fees vary between the two institutions. Generally, Biola's tuition is slightly higher than CCU's. However, both universities offer financial aid and scholarships to help make education more affordable. It's recommended to check the official websites for the most up-to-date cost information and financial aid opportunities.
How do the campus cultures and extracurricular activities compare?

Both universities offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including student clubs, intramural sports, and campus ministries. Biola has a more extensive range of clubs and organizations due to its larger student body. Both universities emphasize community service and spiritual growth. CCU's location in Colorado provides opportunities for outdoor activities, while Biola's location in Southern California offers access to beaches and other attractions.
What are the admission requirements for CCU and Biola?

Both universities require prospective students to submit an application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT). Biola may have slightly more competitive admission standards due to its larger applicant pool. Both universities also consider a student's commitment to their faith and require a statement of faith as part of the application process.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare?

Both CCU and Biola offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Biola, with its larger alumni network, may offer more extensive career networking opportunities. Both universities have alumni networks that are supportive of their graduates.
Which university is better for me, CCU or Biola?

The best choice depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are looking for a non-denominational Christian university with a strong focus on online programs and a more affordable tuition, CCU might be a good fit. If you are seeking a larger university with a broader range of programs, a more diverse student body, and a location in Southern California, Biola could be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching the specific programs that interest you to make an informed decision.
Are there any specific programs that each university is known for?

Biola is particularly well-known for its film school (School of Cinema and Media Arts), its conservatory of music, and its programs in theology and biblical studies. CCU is recognized for its strong programs in business, education, nursing, and its robust online learning platform.

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