LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Biola University has been recognized by the in its 2025 Institutional Classifications, released on April 24, 2025. The university was distinguished in two categories: the Institutional Classification, as one of 100 institutions of comparable student body size offering both undergraduate and graduate/doctoral programs; and the Student Access and Earnings Classification, as one of 355 institutions acknowledged for promoting student accessibility during enrollment and demonstrating strong alumni earnings outcomes relative to peer institutions.

“Biola’s inclusion in these new Carnegie Classifications is a meaningful affirmation of the university’s mission to offer rigorous, Christ-centered education that prepares students for both purpose and influence,” said Dr. Matthew J. Hall, provost and senior vice president. “To be recognized for the depth of our academic offerings and the outcomes our students experience — both during their time at Biola and after graduation — underscores the strength of our faculty, the value of our degrees and the transformational journey we offer.”

This year, the prestigious Carnegie Foundation implemented the new Institutional Classification that broadens the scope of the degree profile and organizes institutions by multiple characteristics, including its size, the types of degrees it awards and the fields of study in which students receive their degrees. Institutions are grouped with peers who share similar characteristics across these dimensions. This change from previous methodology came from the introduction of Carnegie’s Research Activity Designations in February, through which Biola was named a Research College and University, affirming the university’s commitment to research and academic excellence.

Biola’s Institutional Classification of “Mixed Undergraduate/Graduate-Doctorate Medium,” includes 100 institutions which represents 3% of U.S. colleges and universities in the Institutional Classification. Biola falls into this specific classification because fewer than 50% of its degrees are awarded in any one defined focus, it has both a graduate and undergraduate presence, with a sufficient focus on the doctorate and is between 4,000 and 20,000 students total. This classification attests to Biola’s strong academic presence in both the undergraduate and graduate degree levels.

The Student Access and Earnings Classification aims to spur collaboration and institutional improvement with a focus on how higher education can foster opportunities for student success. It examines the extent to which institutions are serving students using the measures of access and earnings. Biola’s Student Access and Earnings Classification of “Lower Access, Medium Earnings” includes 355 institutions which represents 12% of U.S. colleges and universities in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

The number of undergraduates who receive Pell Grants and number of undergraduates from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups determine Biola’s “Access,” and how much money students make after leaving the institution in comparison to their peers determines Biola’s “Earnings.” Biola students earn up to 50% more than the median earnings of a comparison group of peers, underscoring Biola’s commitment to preparing students to enter a competitive workforce.

The Carnegie Classifications are updated every three years, with the last release finalized in February 2022. The next release of the Carnegie Classifications is planned for Spring 2028.

For more information on Biola University’s academic programs and career preparation, visit biola.edu.

Founded in 1908, Biola University is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 5,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola’s eight schools offer more than 250 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Recognized as the most comprehensive Christian university, ranked highest in North America for operationalizing its mission and ranked as one of the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News and World Report, Biola offers its students a premier educational and co-curricular experience. For more information, visit biola.edu or call (562) 777-4061.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.