Analysis
Based on comparable programs across California, students in Biola's health sciences bachelor's program appear to face a challenging financial equation. The estimated $28,344 in debt sits well above the $18,786 median for similar programs in the state, while projected first-year earnings of $40,057 match the state average but trail the top-performing programs by $15,000 or more. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 means graduates could be dedicating most of their first year's salary just to managing student loans—a heavy burden for those entering helping professions.
The earnings picture reveals what may be a structural issue: top California programs like National University and San Francisco State are placing graduates in substantially higher-paying positions, suggesting either better career services, stronger employer networks, or curricula aligned with higher-wage healthcare roles. Whether Biola's distinctly Christian mission and smaller class sizes justify the higher debt load depends on how much families value those specific attributes, but the financial gap is real.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether Biola offers something—faith integration, specialized training, or career support—that justifies both the debt premium and the earnings lag. Without actual outcome data for this specific program, you're essentially betting on the school's broader reputation rather than proven results. If maximizing early earnings matters, the state university options show measurably better financial returns.
Where Biola University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,704 | $40,057* | — | $28,344* | — | |
| $13,320 | $55,679* | $57,228 | $29,688* | 0.53 | |
| $7,424 | $47,367* | $52,807 | $18,000* | 0.38 | |
| $7,602 | $44,162* | $58,360 | $14,449* | 0.33 | |
| $6,980 | $43,134* | — | —* | — | |
| $7,055 | $42,602* | $56,148 | $17,000* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $35,279* | — | $26,690* | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Biola University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.