Biola University (BU)

Located in sunny southern California, Biola University is a unique mid-sized private college where all faculty, staff, and students are professing Christians. The school’s focus on learning is equaled by its attention to spirituality, and students find that the biblically-centered academics “hold [them] to a high degree of moral standard and accountability.” The curriculum incorporates “the things we care about into lessons (connections to real life scenarios, jobs, and the Bible)” and integrates “outside experiences such as field-related volunteer work, observation hours, and internships” to offer “rigorous yet engaging” programs. The integration of faith into academia is a strength most often cited by students, and the school “does not shy away from being countercultural in order to prepare students to preach the gospel in fields like journalism, physics, or psychology.”

The “helpful and unique” Biola professors “actually care about each student,” and one student goes so far as to say the professors “will have your name memorized by the second day.” Another adds, “The professors are well-trained and patient when it comes to the learning process for students.” Additionally, there is “great professor-to-student communication,” and “if you miss a day of class, you'll receive an email from the professor to make sure you understand that you can come to them for help.” Similarly, “the academic advising center and counselors also help students as much as possible.” Wherever you turn, “intellectual conversation abounds on campus,” and within the classroom, students “are encouraged to ask questions about their faith and how it relates to their lives.”

Biola is “a school full of diverse backgrounds and cultures” that makes up a “welcoming, respectful, and loving” group. According to one student, not only does the community have “a strong sense of biblical foundation,” but it is also “a very safe space to be in.” Students here “value learning and education but keep Jesus at the center.” It’s almost universally stated that Biolans “love the Lord and pursue Him passionately,” and to that end, chapel takes place every day and “a lot of people are a part of some ministry.” The majority of students “tend to be joyful and laughing,” and they are “often [seen] praying for other students.” The general consensus is that you’ll find people who are “very open and friendly with each other,” and “hugs are given freely at our campus.”

Biola students “are very academically driven, but they also know how to have fun,” and campus life affords “lots of social time and hanging out” in which students “go out to eat, shop, go to Disneyland, go on weekend trips, hike, [and] go to the beach” There is also “plenty of shopping nearby, and cute beach towns” are plentiful. Others enjoy the “Anaheim packing district, beaches, Joshua Tree National Park, [and] Griffith Park.” One student sums it up: “The common saying is that anything you could want to do is within 30 minutes of Biola.” Additionally, “mission trips are very important to many students” as are any accompanying fundraising activities. For those looking to stay a little closer to home, there “are a lot of good spots on campus to hang out” and “many people [spend] meals and [do] homework together rather than alone in their dorms.”