Financial Information
Biola University seeks to provide a quality education for all its students at the most reasonable cost possible. As a private, nonprofit institution, Biola University receives no support from taxes or other public funds. Tuition paid by the students does not cover the costs of providing a quality education. Consequently, every student who attends Biola University receives a substantial subsidy made possible by the gifts of alumni, individual friends, interested churches and, in a few cases, businesses and corporations.
The expenses of students at Biola University are shown in the following schedules and in the individual course descriptions listed in this catalog. The University reserves the right to change all student charges, modify its services, or change its programs of study should economic conditions, curriculum revisions or national emergency make it necessary to do so.
Application Fee
An application fee of $45, for undergraduate study, must accompany each application. This fee is non-refundable. Applications for Spring received after December 1, or for Fall received after March 1 must be accompanied by a fee of $10, bringing it to a total of $55.
An application fee of $65, for graduate study, must accompany each application.
Room
Amounts reflect two or more occupants.
Per year in residence hall | $5,290 - $6,400 |
Per semester | $2,645 - $3,200 |
For a breakdown of individual room rates, visit the Housing Services website.
Meal Plan
Meal Plans per semester (required for all undergraduate resident students).
Meal Plan | Per Semester | Per Year |
---|---|---|
20 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) | $2,607 | $5,214 |
15 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) | $2,463 | $4,926 |
12 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) | $2,100 | $4,200 |
Block Plan 175 (175 anytime meals with $150 Flex) | $2,280 | $4,560 |
10 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) | $1,941 | $3,882 |
10 Meal Plan | $1,807 | $3,614 |
5 Flex Meal Plan ($50 Flex) 1 | $816 | $1,632 |
Block Plan 20 (20 anytime meals with $350 Flex) 1 | $578 | $1,156 |
1 | For commuters and Biola apartment residents only. |
Any prorated adjustments due to cancellations or changes of meal plans will be reflected on the student’s account. All questions regarding meal plan changes, meal plan billing, etc. need to be addressed to the Auxiliary Operations Manager, in Auxiliary Services at (562) 944-0351, ext. 5813 or dining.services@biola.edu.
Graduate Student Housing Rates
Biola provides furnished housing for single graduate students in on-campus suite-style rooms and in off-campus houses owned by the University. The per month rate is based on the number of occupants per bedroom. Unfurnished one-and two-bedroom units located in two complexes near campus provide housing for couples and families at a per apartment, per month rate. For information on availability, locations and rates, contact Auxiliary Services at grad.housing@biola.edu or at (562) 944-0351, ext. 5814.
Furnished Single-Student Housing
Sigma Grad Floor (Single Occupancy) | $730/person/month |
Sigma Grad Floor (Double Occupancy) | $575/person/month |
Grad House Single Occupancy | $740/person/month |
Grad House Double Occupancy | $585/person/month |
Unfurnished Apartments (Married & Family)
One Bedroom | $1,155/month |
Two Bedroom/One Bath | $1,390/month |
Two Bedroom/Two Bath | $1,465/month |
Tuition Information 2020–21
School/Degree/Program | Semester Tuition | Annual Tuition | Cost Per Credit | Summer Per Credit | Semester Audit Fee Per Credit1 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Undergraduate Programs | 12–18 credits | 12–18 credits | 1–11, 19+ credits | 2021 | |
Undergraduate Tuition |
$21,756 | $43,512 | $1,813 | $725 | $60 |
PTUG/Online Bachelors |
$592 | $592 | |||
English Language Program |
$554 | $554 | |||
Smart Start Pathways Program |
$440 | $440 | |||
Undergraduate Special Students 2 |
$21,756 | $43,512 | $1,813 | $725 | $60 |
Graduate Programs | |||||
Cook School of Intercultural Studies | |||||
Masters Programs and Specials 2 |
$654 | $654 | $60 | ||
Doctor of Intercultural Studies |
$672 | $672 | $672 | ||
Doctor of Philosophy |
$1,208 | $1,208 | $1,208 4 | ||
Crowell School of Business 3 | |||||
MBA and Masters of Management |
$796 | $796 | $60 3 | ||
Theology |
$654 | $654 | $60 | ||
Masters of Professional Accountancy |
$725 | $725 | |||
Rosemead School of Psychology | 9–16 credits | 9–16 credits | 1–8, 17+ credits | ||
Masters, Specials & Doctoral Programs |
$15,372 | $30,744 | $1,281 | $1,281 | $1,281 4 |
School of Education | |||||
Masters Programs, Credentials & Specials |
$654 | $654 | $60 | ||
School of Fine Arts and Communication | |||||
M.A. Public Relations and Reputation Management |
$650 | $650 | $60 | ||
School of Science, Technology and Health | |||||
M.S. Speech and Language Pathology |
$942 | $942 | |||
Talbot School of Theology | |||||
Masters Programs & Specials |
$654 | $654 | $60 | ||
Doctor of Education, Doctor of Philosophy |
$1,208 | $1,208 | $1,208 4 | ||
Doctor of Ministry |
$465 | ||||
M.A. Christian Apologetics, M.A. Science & Religion |
$654 | $654 | (No course may be audited.) | ||
M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy |
$750 | $750 | (No course may be audited.) |
Note: Tuition values include Student Government Association (SGA) Fee, when applicable.
1 | Semester Audit Fee charged regardless of credit course load. |
2 | Non-degree seeking. |
3 | Auditing graduate courses in the School of Business is subject to approval. |
4 | Auditing doctoral courses is typically not permitted. Exceptions subject to school dean's approval. |
General Fees
In addition to tuition, only as applicable to the individual student.
Enrollment Deposit (non-refundable) 1
Undergraduate | $300 |
Graduate | $100 |
Upon notice of acceptance, an enrollment deposit is required.1 For all incoming undergraduate students, this deposit is non-refundable after May 1 (Fall) and January 1 (Spring). For incoming graduate students, the deposit is non-refundable if the student does not enroll in and complete a term at Biola. When enrolled students who have completed the term for which they applied, officially withdraw, their enrollment deposit will be applied to any balance owed at the time of departure, or will be refunded if their account is paid in full.
1 | Biola undergraduate students accepted into a Biola graduate program must submit a graduate deposit to ensure a place as a Biola graduate student. |
Arranged Course/Independent Study Fee | $15 |
Cap and Gown Fee | |
Bachelors Set (includes cap, gown, tassel) |
$39 |
Masters Set (includes cap, gown, tassel) |
$42 |
Graduate Hood |
$30 |
Doctoral Regalia Rental (Cap, Gown, and Hood) |
$50 |
Graduation Petition Late Fee - Undergraduate | $200 |
Graduation Check Late Fee - Graduate | $100 |
Late Application Fee - Undergraduate | $10 |
Late Enrollment Fee - Any time after the published payment deadline | $200 |
Special Student Application Fee | $20 |
Replacement Diploma Fee | $40 |
Returned Check Fee (per occurrence) | $25 |
Rush Check Fee | $20 |
Housing Deposit | $250 |
Special Off-Campus Program Registration Fee | $50 |
Payment Plan Fee | $85 |
Transcript Fee Official | |
Per Copy |
$6 |
Online Processing |
$2.50 |
Vehicle Registration estimate (Graduate: On campus less than 8 days during term) | $20 |
Vehicle Registration estimate (Graduate: On campus 1 day a week) | $50 |
Vehicle Registration estimate (Graduate: On campus more than once a week) | $100 |
Vehicle Registration estimate (Undergraduate) | $140 |
Health Insurance Plan 1 | |
Per semester estimate (Fall or Spring): |
|
Student only estimate: |
$1,107 |
1 | Required of all students taking 7 credits or more, or if living arrangements are in housing with a residence life program. Students that are enrolled in an acceptable private health insurance plan can submit their insurance information to Biola University in order to apply for waiver of the Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan. Students that desire to apply for waiver must do so at the time of enrollment. Fees are subject to change. |
Special Fees – Undergraduate
There are special fees for specific labs, clinics, physical education/recreation and camping courses, etc. See course descriptions for fees.
Class and Laboratory Fees (varies) | $5-$575 |
Class Travel Fees (varies) | $100-$200 |
Biblical and Theological Studies Department Activities Fee | $150 |
Elementary Greek Grammar Challenge Exam | $100 |
Language Proficiency Exam | $50 |
Nursing Application Fee | $100 |
Nursing Late Application Fee | $50 |
Nursing Activity Fee (per semester/year) | $27.50/$55 |
RN-BSN Portfolio Evaluation for Credit | $350 |
LVN-BSN Portfolio Evaluation and Skills/Simulation Testing | $350 |
Military Veteran Portfolio Evaluation for Credit | $350 |
Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Fee | $150 |
Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Resubmission Fee | $75 |
CSICS Community Enhancement Fee | $140 |
Proctor Exam Fee | $20 |
Special Fees – Graduate
Talbot New Student Fee | $75 |
MBA and MM Programs Fee (per term) | $40 |
MBA and MM Orientation Intensive Weekend Fee | $575 |
Doctor of Ministry Program | |
Program Enrollment Fee (non-refundable) |
$500 |
Graduate Psychology Program | |
Internship Fee (per semester) |
$1,200 |
Professional Growth Fee (per semester) |
$645 |
Note: Students in the Psy.D. or Ph.D. programs pay the fee for a total of eight semesters, including those students who enter Rosemead with transfer credit. This money is disbursed on behalf of the student to assist in paying for the therapy requirements throughout the program.
Thesis/Dissertation Binding: Optional through outside vendor; cost variable.
Microfilming/Indexing: Publishing through outside vendor is required. Options and fees vary depending on program and the publishing options chosen. Please see your thesis/dissertation administrator for more information.
Copyright-Dissertation or Thesis (optional): Master's Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation (paid through vendor, options and fees vary).
Music Fees
Private Study Per Credit: One credit guarantees a minimum of 13 one half-hour lessons for the semester. In some cases, up to 15 lessons may be possible.
Fee includes the privilege of using practice room one hour per day, per credit.
Private Study Per Credit | |
One Credit (one half-hour lesson per week) |
$356 |
Two Credits (one hour lesson per week) |
$712 |
Recital Fees | |
Junior Recital Fee |
$43 |
Senior Recital Fee |
$65 |
Class Instruction | |
Voice or Guitar (MUSC 104) |
$97 |
Advanced Guitar I and II |
$43 |
Keyboard (two hours per week) |
$135 |
Chorale |
$125 |
Women's Chorus |
$40 |
Men's Chorus |
$40 |
Symphonic Winds |
$130 |
$43 | |
Music Cultures of the World |
$32 |
Typical Costs
The combination of tuition, fees and associated expenses at Biola University requires students to carefully calculate their financial resources and costs. The following estimated student budget reflects the average cost to full-time students for the 2020–21 academic year (nine months):
Undergraduate
(Based on 12–18 credits per semester, $1,813/credit.)
Tuition and Fees | $43,512 |
Room and Board | $10,560 |
Books and Supplies | $1,970 |
Personal/Misc. | $2,852 |
Transportation | $864 |
Total | $59,758 |
Graduate: Talbot Master's Programs
(Based on 9 credits per semester, $654/credit.)
Tuition and Fees | $11,772 |
Room and Board | $15,562 |
Books and Supplies | $1,970 |
Personal/Misc. | $3,784 |
Transportation | $864 |
Total | $33,952 |
For other Doctoral programs, please see the Tuition Information section.
Graduate: Psychology
(Based on 9–16 credits per semester, $1,233/credit.)
Tuition and Fees | $30,744 |
Prof. Growth Fee | $1,290 |
Room and Board | $15,562 |
Books and Supplies | $1,970 |
Personal/Misc. | $3,784 |
Transportation | $864 |
Total | $54,214 |
Payment Information
A student's account must be paid in full prior to re-enrollment in subsequent sessions. Transcripts are withheld if a student has an outstanding obligation to the University or is in default on any government-based loan.
A minimum down payment of 50% is due each semester to complete enrollment, with the balance due according to the payment plan. The down payment includes 50% of the balance of tuition, class fees, room, meals, parking permit and health insurance charges less authorized financial aid. Please note that the down payment is calculated on the balance after financial aid is applied.
Down payments may be estimated using the online down payment worksheet.
Biola offers four payment options:
One Payment (100%)
- Payment is due in full by August 18 for Fall, December 15 for Spring, and May 4 for Summer.
- No fees.
- No payment plan necessary.
Two Payments (2 x 50%)
- Two payments of 50% due August 18 and September 17 for Fall; December 15 and January 15 for Spring; and May 4 and June 15 for Summer.
- $35 plan fee.
- A late fee of 1.0% is assessed monthly on the account balance if payments are late.
- Student must enroll in the payment plan online.
Three Payments (50% x 25% x 25%)
- 50% due August 18, 25% due September 17 and October 15 for Fall; 50% due December 15, 25% due January 15 and February 16 for Spring; (not available for Summer terms).
- $85 plan fee.
- A late fee of 1.0% is assessed monthly on the account balance if payments are late.
- Student must enroll in the payment plan online.
- Please note that this payment plan is not available for students enrolling in off-campus programs.
Four Payments (4 x 25%)
- Monthly payments of 25% due July 15 – October 15 for Fall semester; November 16 – February 16 for Spring semester; (not available for Summer terms).
- $85 plan fee.
- Enrollment is not complete until 50% of charges less aid is received.
- A late fee of 1.0% is assessed monthly on the account balance if payments are late.
- Student must enroll in the payment plan online.
- Please note that this payment plan is not available for students enrolling in off-campus programs.
Payments may be made online or mailed to:
Biola University
Cashier Office
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639
Student name and ID number must be noted on payments mailed to the University. Please be advised that your check payment may be converted to an ACH transaction.
Trimester Programs
Classes for Session A of the term must be paid in full in order to attend classes for Session B of the term. Unpaid accounts may result in administrative withdrawal from the university.
Finance Charges
For outstanding balances on student accounts not covered by a payment plan, a finance charge of .83% monthly (10% APR) will be assessed.
Refunds: Withdrawal
Inasmuch as faculty engagements and other commitments are made by the University for the entire year in advance, the following refund schedule has been established in order that the University and the student may share the loss equitably, when it is necessary for a student to withdraw from school.
Refund Policy
Tuition: pro-rated as of end of week in which student withdraws.
Full Term | |
Weeks 1–2 | 100% |
Week 3 | 80% |
Week 4 | 70% |
Week 5 | 60% |
Week 6 | 55% |
Week 7 | 50% |
Week 8 | 45% |
Weeks 9–16 | 0% |
Session A or Session B | |
Week 1 | 100% |
Week 2 | 80% |
Week 3 | 70% |
Week 4 | 50% |
Weeks 5–7 | 0% |
- First-time students receiving Federal Student Financial Assistance are subject to the Statutory Pro Rata Refund as prescribed by federal law.
- Room and Board is pro-rated to the end of the week of official withdrawal.
- No course may be dropped after its ending date, and no tuition will be refunded if a student unofficially withdraws after the final day to officially drop a class has passed.
- Class fees are not refundable after the second week of the full session and the first week of Sessions A and B.
- Tuition refunds for class changes (where applicable) will be made in the same manner as refunds for withdrawals (see refund schedule above).
- Music fees are for private music lessons and are refundable in the same manner as tuition, except no refund after the sixth week.
Outstanding Balances
As Biola is an educational institution, any balance owing on a student's account is an extension of credit by the University and is considered an educational loan within the meaning of section 523 (a) (8) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. If a loan becomes in default, Biola may disclose the default, along with other relevant information, to credit bureau organizations and turn the educational loan over to a collection agency for collection. Should this action be instituted by the University, there will be additional charges for reasonable collection of the balance due. All transcripts and diplomas shall be withheld until the outstanding amount is paid in full. An account is considered paid in full when all checks clear the bank. Any financial credits existing for the student in campus departments will be applied to the outstanding student account balance.
Refunds: Overpayment
Payments to student accounts which result in a credit balance will be refunded upon request, or in accordance with cash management regulations as required by federal regulations for students having federal aid. Requests for adjustments to charges must be made within four months from the date of the student's statement on which the charge first appears.