Biola University vs IWU-Marion
Biola University and Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Biola, a private Christian university in La Mirada, California, boasts a lower acceptance rate (58%) compared to Indiana Wesleyan's more accessible 75%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with Biola excelling in the fields of Bible and theological studies, while Indiana Wesleyan shines in nursing and business. Biola's student body is predominantly female (60%), while Indiana Wesleyan's is more evenly balanced (52% female). With a higher graduation rate (68% vs. 56%), Biola's rigorous academic environment may appeal to those seeking a challenging and faith-based education. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table below, highlighting key differences between these two exceptional universities.
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![]() Biola University |
![]() Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion |
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Overview |
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Location | La Mirada, California | Marion, Indiana |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | Town: Distant |
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% | 78.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Undenominational | Methodism |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 60.8% | 91.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$65
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SAT range | 1103 - 1348 | 990 - 1200 |
ACT range | 22 - 29 | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | 52.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 11.0% | 27.0% |
Total number of applicants | 4,354 | 3,880 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,646 | 3,566 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 655 | 565 |
Yield rate | 24.8% | 15.8% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | 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 | $40,076 |
Average net price | $29,123 | $22,098 |
Tuition | $44,382 | $28,960 |
Room & board | $10,202 |
Room/dormitory:
$4,850
Meal plan:
$4,724
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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 |
100.0%
Average amount $18,320 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
47.0%
Average amount $4,897 |
62.0%
Average amount $5,560 |
Students taking out private loans |
7.0%
Average amount $15,279 |
14.0%
Average amount $12,593 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,596
Men 38.0% Women 62.0% |
2,461
Men 36.7% Women 63.3% |
Graduate students |
1,955
Men 54.5% Women 45.5% |
401
Men 19.5% Women 80.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 28.6% | N/A |
International students | 9.2% | 1.4% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Town: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 2,750 | 2,500 |
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 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 69.9% | 71.2% |
Dropout rate | 6.1% | 28.4% |
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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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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