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 $5,666 - $6,854
Per semester $2,833 - $3,427

For a breakdown of individual room rates, visit the Housing Services website.

Meal Plans

Meal Plans per semester (required for all undergraduate resident students).

Meal Plan Per Semester Per Year
20 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) $3,044 $6,088
15 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) $2,875 $5,750
12 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) $2,447 $4,894
Block Plan 175 (175 anytime meals with $150 Flex) $2,660 $5,320
10 Flex Meal Plan ($150 Flex) $2,260 $4,520
10 Meal Plan $2,129 $4,258
5 Flex Meal Plan ($50 Flex) 1 $952 $1,904
Block Plan 20 (20 anytime meals with $350 Flex) 1 $620 $1,240
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/Thompson Grad Floor (Single Occupancy) $782/person/month
Sigma/Thompson Grad Floor (Double Occupancy) $615/person/month

Unfurnished Apartments (Married & Family)

One Bedroom $1,237/month
Two Bedroom/One Bath $1,489/month
Two Bedroom/Two Bath $1,569/month

Tuition Information 2023–24

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 2024 2
Undergraduate Tuition
$23,352 $46,704 $1,946 $740 $60
Online Bachelor's Programs
$425 $425
Smart Start Pathways Program
$473 $473
Biola Your Way 3
$425 $425
Undergraduate Special Students 4
$23,352 $46,704 $1,946 $740 $60
Graduate Programs
Cook School of Intercultural Studies
Master's Programs and Specials 4
$698 $698 $60
Doctor of Intercultural Studies
$722 $722 $722
Doctor of Philosophy
$1,296 $1,296 $1,296 5
Crowell School of Business 6
M.A. Leadership & Innovation, MBA & Master of Management
$837 $837 $60 6
Master of Professional Accountancy
$763 $763
Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning
$466 $466
Rosemead School of Psychology 9–16 credits 9–16 credits 1–8, 17+ credits
Master's, Specials & Doctoral Programs
$16,303 $32,606 $1,375 $1,375 $1,375 5
School of Education
Master's Programs, Credentials & Specials
$698 $698 $60
School of Fine Arts and Communication
M.A. Public Relations and Reputation Management
$698 $698 $60
Graduate Public Relations Certificates
$698 $698
School of Science, Technology and Health
M.S. Speech and Language Pathology
$995 $995
Master of Public Health
$947 $947
Talbot School of Theology
Master's Programs & Specials
$690 $690 $60
Doctor of Education, Doctor of Philosophy
$1,296 $1,296 $1,296 5
Doctor of Ministry
$499
M.A. Christian Apologetics, M.A. Science & Religion
$698 $698 No course may be audited.
M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy
$795 $795 No course may be audited.
English Language Support Programs (Non-Degree)
Language-Learning Track or Academic English Program 7
$596 $596

Note: Tuition values include Student Government Association (SGA) Fee, when applicable.

1

Semester Audit Fee charged regardless of credit course load.

2

Summer pricing is subject to change.

3

Pilot program which started in Fall 2022; available to students enrolling in Business Management, B.S. and Organizational Leadership, B.S. degrees only.

4

Non-degree seeking.

5

Auditing doctoral courses is typically not permitted. Exceptions subject to school dean's approval.

6

Auditing graduate courses in the School of Business is subject to approval.

7

Applies to ENGL courses numbered 011 through 090 only.

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 $8.75
Vehicle Registration/term (Graduate: On campus less than 8 days during term) $30
Vehicle Registration/term (Graduate: On campus only 1 day per week) $65
Vehicle Registration/term (Graduate: On campus 2 or more days per week) $120
Vehicle Registration/term (Undergraduate) $160
Health Insurance Plan 1
Per semester estimate (Fall or Spring):
Student only estimate:
$1,155.50
1

Required of all traditional undergraduate students, all international students on an F1 student visa (including graduate and ELP students), and all students who live in Biola residential facilities (including graduate, ELP, online bachelor’s, etc.). Students that are enrolled in a private health insurance plan that meets university requirements can submit their insurance information in order to apply for a waiver of the Student Health Insurance Plan. Students that desire to apply for a waiver must do so at the time of enrollment. Insurance 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 (per year) $180
Elementary Greek Grammar Challenge Exam $100
Old Testament History & Literature Challenge Exam $50
New Testament History & Literature Challenge Exam $50
Language Proficiency Exam $50
Nursing Application Fees (to outside vendors; varies) $110-$150
Nursing Late Fee (for late submission of health documents) $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 (per year) $160

Special Fees – Graduate

Talbot New Student Fee $75
M.A. Leadership & Innovation, MBA & MM Programs Fee (per term) $40
M.A. Leadership & Innovation, MBA & MM Orientation Intensive 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
Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Fee $150
Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Resubmission Fee $75

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.

Digitizing/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

Conservatory Resource Fee (Fee includes access to department's technology labs and maintenance/repair of instruments and equipment, per semester.) $75

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 2023–24 academic year (nine months):

Undergraduate

(Based on 12–18 credits per semester, $1,946/credit.)

Tuition and Fees $46,704
Room and Board $11,234
Books and Supplies $1,200
Personal/Misc. $2,968
Transportation $900
Total $63,006

Graduate: Talbot Master's Programs

(Based on 9 credits per semester, $690/credit.)

Tuition and Fees $12,420
Room and Board $19,430
Books and Supplies $720
Personal/Misc. $4,428
Transportation $900
Total $37,898

For other graduate programs, please see the Tuition Information section.

Graduate: Psychology

(Based on 9–16 credits per semester, $1,727/credit.)

Tuition and Fees $32,990
Prof. Growth Fee $1,290
Room and Board $19,430
Books and Supplies $1,200
Personal/Misc. $4,428
Transportation $900
Total $60,238

Payment Information

A student's account must be paid in full prior to re-enrollment in subsequent sessions. Diplomas 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 40% is due each semester to complete enrollment, with the balance due according to the payment plan. The down payment includes 40% of the balance of tuition, class fees, room, meals, parking permit, bookstore, 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:

Fall 2023 Payment Plans

Total Payments Plan Fee Down Payment Installment 1 Installment 2 Installment 3
1 $0 100% due Aug. 15 - - -
2 1 $35 40% due Aug. 15 60% due Sept. 15 - -
3 1 $85 40% due Aug. 15 30% due Sept. 15 30% due Oct. 16 -
4 1, 2 $85 20% due July 17 20% due Aug. 15 30% due Sept. 15 30% due Oct. 16
1

A late fee of 1.0% is assessed monthly on the full account balance if payments are late.
Student must enroll in the payment plan online.

2

Enrollment is not complete until 40% of charges less aid is received.

Spring 2024 Payment Plans

Total Payments Plan Fee Down Payment Installment 1 Installment 2 Installment 3
1 $0 100% due Dec. 15 - - -
2 1 $35 40% due Dec. 15 60% due Jan. 16 - -
3 1 $85 40% due Dec. 15 30% due Jan. 16 30% due Feb. 15 -
4 1, 2 $85 20% due Nov. 15 20% due Dec. 15 30% due Jan. 16 30% due Feb. 15
1

A late fee of 1.0% is assessed monthly on the full account balance if payments are late.
Student must enroll in the payment plan online.

2

Enrollment is not complete until 40% of charges less aid is received.

Summer 2024 Payment Plans

Total Payments Plan Fee Down Payment Installment 1 Installment 2 Installment 3
1 $0 100% due May 1 - - -
2 1 $35 50% due May 1 50% due June 17 - -
1

A late fee of 1.0% is assessed monthly on the full account balance if payments are late.
Student must enroll in the payment plan online.

Payments may be made online via ACH or credit card (fees apply) 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 by using your U.S. bank’s routing and checking numbers. To make a payment, go to myaccount.biola.edu < Student Financials < Access your student account.

For international students paying with an international bank, payments can be made through PayMyTuition or Flywire.

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 or tuition account goes into default, Biola may disclose the default, along with other relevant information, to credit bureau organizations and turn the educational loan or tuition account 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 diplomas shall be withheld until the outstanding amount is paid in full. Additionally, once a loan or an account has been turned over to an agency, an internal lifetime hold will be placed on the account, making the student ineligible to use payment plans to complete enrollment for any and all future terms of study at Biola University. Anything not covered by financial aid (if applicable) would need to be paid in full by the enrollment deadline each semester in order to complete enrollment. 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.