recognized Biola University for its campus safety efforts and overall campus experience this year. Out of 791 higher education institutions across the country, Biola ranked #184. The annual report evaluated schools on 30 measures of academic quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Biola’s overall score was 60.92 out of 100, earning a spot in the 77th percentile with especially high marks in campus safety and campus experience. Among Christian universities, Biola ranked in the top three CCCU schools in the nation with Gordon College (#172) and Wheaton College (#179), landing as the top ranked CCCU school in California.

Each school that was ranked received a weighted score across seven categories, including student selectivity, cost and financing, faculty resources, campus safety, campus experience, educational outcomes and career outcomes. The study compared public and private four-year institutions using data from national education and labor sources, aiming to identify schools that deliver strong educational results and value for cost.

Biola excelled in the campus safety category, reinforcing its commitment to a secure, welcoming community. The university’s gated campus features two monitored entrances, key-card access to all buildings and residence halls, and 24/7 patrolling by Campus Safety officers. The Campus Safety team also offers nighttime safety escorts, blue-light emergency stations and the Rave Guardian mobile app for emergency notification. Biola’s preparedness efforts include an emergency response team, trained building coordinators and on-site emergency supplies.

The Campus Safety team at Biola occasionally hosts on campus, ensuring that not only its team, but external agencies surrounding the Biola community, are prepared for emergency response.

In addition, Biola scored high in the campus experience category. WalletHub defines campus experience by looking at how students live, learn and connect within their university community. The category weighs factors such as on-campus housing, international student presence, study-abroad opportunities, NCAA athletic participation, campus diversity, on-campus employment earnings and access to career placement services.

The recognition aligns with U.S. News and World Report's 2026 Best Colleges ranking of Biola for its top first-year experience. First-year experience is defined by opportunities for students to directly connect with staff and faculty in small groups, which materializes on campus through offerings including Torrey Honors College cohorts, FirstGen Scholars, Global Student Engagement, affinity groups, tailored residence hall activities and one-on-one faculty and student office hours.

“The most memorable part of attending Biola has been the servant leadership of the faculty,” said psychology alumna Kathleen Rowley. “I am constantly amazed by the quality of the education I'm receiving and the humility of the professors I've learned from. As a Christian, I love that I'm not only learning from the courses I'm taking but I'm also learning from the example of the staff. Each one has made an impact on me.” said Rowley.

For Biola, its continued placement within the top quarter of universities nationwide highlights a steady commitment to academic excellence and faith-centered learning — hallmarks that remain central to Biola’s mission. Biola offers more than 250 academic programs within its eight schools. Learn more and apply to Biola today.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist, with the assistance of AI. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.