Biola University: BSN & DNP Review (2026)
Biola University reported 90% first-time NCLEX-RN (Pass Rate). BSN and DNP in La Mirada. 2026 admissions, tuition.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Biola’s nursing program combines CCNE-accredited BSN education with faith integration and clinical experiences across Los Angeles and Orange counties. The Lim Center simulation lab and partnerships with area hospitals and agencies give students diverse settings, including underserved populations, before they sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Overview & Why Students Choose Biola
Biola University, in La Mirada, California, sits between Los Angeles and Orange County—one of the nation’s largest healthcare regions. The School of Nursing, part of the School of Science, Technology and Health, offers a CCNE-accredited BSN that integrates Christian faith with rigorous nursing education and clinical experiences at hospitals and agencies across both counties.
Whether you are a first-time college student seeking a faith-centered BSN or an RN considering the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Biola provides a distinct environment where nursing is taught as both a profession and a ministry.
Biola’s BSN program reported a 90% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and 98% retention for 2024-25. For context on how this compares to state and national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose Biola
📈 NCLEX & Retention
90% first-time NCLEX pass rate and 98% retention (2024-25). Ranked 11th on Niche’s Best Colleges for Nursing in California.
🏥 Lim Center Simulation
State-of-the-art simulation lab with advanced patient simulators for ICU, delivery, and other clinical scenarios.
🩺 LA & Orange County Clinicals
Clinical experiences at hospitals and agencies throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, with emphasis on underserved populations.
✝️ Faith Integration
Faculty integrate Christian faith with nursing practice; program heritage from School of Missionary Medicine. Global health opportunities.
🎓 BSN to DNP Pathway
BSN for pre-licensure; DNP for advanced practice. Public health nurse certification eligible upon graduation.
Nursing Programs Offered
Biola’s Department of Nursing offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The BSN is the primary pre-licensure pathway; the DNP serves RNs seeking the terminal clinical degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional pre-licensure BSN. Students apply to the nursing pathway (B.S. in Healthcare Management) first. Curriculum includes biblical and theology coursework, simulation in the Lim Center, and clinical experiences at hospitals and agencies across Los Angeles and Orange counties. Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN and public health nurse certification.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Graduate DNP program for advanced practice nurses. Details on tracks, format (online/hybrid/on-campus), and admission requirements are available on the university’s DNP degree page. Verify current structure with the School of Science, Technology and Health.
Prospective BSN students must first apply and be admitted to the nursing pathway major (B.S. in Healthcare Management). Contact an admissions counselor for the current process and deadlines.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Biola’s BSN program reported a 90% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024-25 and a 98% retention rate, as published on the program outcomes page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 90% (2024-25) |
| Retention Rate | 98% (2024-25) |
| Source | Biola BSN degree page / Program outcomes |
An official state average from the same California Board of Registered Nursing report was not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide. Confirm the latest NCLEX statistics and comparative data with Biola and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Biola admits international students and California licenses internationally educated nurses, but the exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa type, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Biola and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Biola requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, or another exam, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how Biola wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility, any CGFNS-type reports, and document translation requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Verify everything with Biola International and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Biola’s nursing pathway is competitive. Prospective BSN students must first apply and be admitted to the university and the nursing pathway major (B.S. in Healthcare Management). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the clinical nursing program. Confirm current steps with an admissions counselor.
- Apply and be admitted to Biola; declare the nursing pathway (B.S. in Healthcare Management)
- GPA and prerequisite requirements: Not publicly disclosed—verify on the clinical nursing program and transfer pages
- TEAS or other exam: Not publicly disclosed in sources reviewed; confirm with admissions
- Application deadlines: Not publicly disclosed; check the admissions calendar
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not publicly disclosed |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Focus on strong grades in science and math. If you have healthcare volunteer or shadowing experience, highlight it. For transfer students, review the nursing transfer information page. For the DNP, confirm MSN and other requirements on the graduate admissions site.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Apply to Biola as a first-time student and indicate interest in the nursing pathway. Complete the B.S. in Healthcare Management (nursing pathway) application steps. Focus on strong grades in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math. Confirm current deadlines and prerequisites with admissions.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
Biola does not list an accelerated BSN; you would follow the traditional BSN pathway after prerequisites. Review transfer information if you have prior college credit. If you already have an RN license, the DNP may be an option; verify on the graduate pages.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
Biola offers a DNP for advanced practice. Confirm admission requirements, format (online/hybrid), and deadlines with the School of Science, Technology and Health. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your materials.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Biola publishes tuition and cost of attendance on its financial aid site. Below are estimated figures from the 2026–27 undergraduate tuition page; confirm current-year rates and graduate (DNP) costs on the official site.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (12–18 credits/semester) | $26,472/semester (~$52,944/year) |
| Cost Per Credit (1–11 or 19+ credits) | $2,206 |
| Nursing Fee (per semester) | $400 |
| On-Campus Housing (estimated) | ~$3,100–$3,600/semester (varies by hall) |
| Meal Plans (estimated) | ~$2,452–$3,534/semester |
| Students Receiving Aid | 100% of incoming traditional undergrads receive some form of aid |
| Average Scholarships & Gift Aid | ~$31,856/year (2026–27 estimate) |
Fees (health insurance, class fees, parking, etc.) and graduate (DNP) tuition were not fully detailed in the sources reviewed. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit Biola Tuition and Costs and the Net Price Calculator.
Biola offers scholarships and aid for undergraduates; 100% of incoming traditional students receive some form of financial aid. Complete the FAFSA and use the Net Price Calculator. Explore Biola scholarships and aid. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 90% (2024-25) |
| Retention Rate | 98% (2024-25) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about employers hiring Biola nursing graduates, see the school’s alumni success and career services pages.
Is Biola the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, values, career goals, and learning style. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Biola and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a faith-integrated, CCNE-accredited BSN in Southern California
- Value clinical experiences across Los Angeles and Orange counties, including underserved populations
- Are interested in global health and viewing nursing as ministry
- Prefer a Christian university environment and biblical integration in the curriculum
- Are considering a DNP or advanced practice after the BSN
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program
- Need the lowest-cost public tuition (Biola is private)
- Prefer a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Do not want faith or theology integrated into nursing coursework
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
La Mirada sits between Los Angeles and Orange County, one of the largest and most diverse healthcare regions in the United States. Biola nursing students complete clinical experiences at hospitals and agencies throughout both counties, including community hospitals, HMOs, specialty hospitals, county government facilities, faith-based organizations, and sites serving underserved populations (e.g., schools, pregnancy help clinics, homeless clinics, senior centers).
Exposure to LA and Orange County healthcare settings gives students a broad range of clinical experiences and strong regional demand for RNs. Southern California’s population and health systems support job opportunities and diverse patient populations.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Biola’s nursing program is part of the School of Science, Technology and Health. The Lim Center houses state-of-the-art instrumentation and a simulation lab with multiple advanced patient simulators for scenarios from ICU to delivery. Students also complete clinical experiences at partnering hospitals and agencies across Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The California Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA), Biola Chapter supports leadership and community. Seniors have opportunities for global health experiences in a variety of countries. The Biola Office of Health Professions Advising (BOHPA) offers advising, mock interviews, and resources for qualifying exams and postgraduate applications.
Biola’s campus is in La Mirada, Southern California, with access to the greater LA and Orange County area for clinicals, internships, and employment.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- La Mirada, CA
- Address
- 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639, US
- Telephone
- (562) 903-6000
- Contact email
- Admissions contact
- Website
- www.biola.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Biola BSN page and review program details and outcomes.
- Review the nursing pathway and prerequisite requirements on the clinical nursing program and transfer pages and compare to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS or other exam; confirm current requirements on the official admissions or nursing pages.
- Draft a list of questions for your Biola admissions counselor.
- Reach out to current Biola nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (DNP) or application materials (BSN pathway).
- Check application deadlines for your target term on the admissions calendar and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biola University a good school for nursing?
Biola’s nursing program is CCNE-accredited, reported a 90% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024-25 and a 98% retention rate. It is ranked 11th on Niche’s Best Colleges for Nursing in California and integrates faith with clinical training in LA and Orange counties.
What GPA do you need for Biola’s nursing program?
Biola does not publish a minimum GPA for the nursing pathway. Applicants first apply to the B.S. in Healthcare Management (nursing pathway). Contact admissions or review the nursing application process on the official website for current requirements.
Does Biola require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Confirm current requirements with the Office of Admissions or the School of Science, Technology and Health.
How competitive is admission to Biola’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Admission is through the nursing pathway (B.S. in Healthcare Management). Verify selection criteria with the admissions office.
Does Biola offer an accelerated BSN?
Biola does not list an accelerated BSN on its degree pages. The traditional BSN is the main pre-licensure pathway. The university also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for graduate study.
What are the clinical placement sites for Biola nursing students?
Clinical experiences take place at hospitals and agencies throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, including community hospitals, HMOs, specialty hospitals, county facilities, and faith-based organizations, with emphasis on underserved populations.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Biola?
Biola reported a 90% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024-25 on the BSN program outcomes page. Confirm the latest figures with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- Biola University — B.S. in Nursing (BSN) degree page (NCLEX pass rate, retention, program overview)biola.edu/degrees/u/nursing-bs
- Biola University — Program Outcomes: B.S. in Nursingbiola.edu/outcomes/programs/bs-in-nursing
- Biola University — Undergraduate Tuition & Costs (2026–27)biola.edu/financial-aid/tuition-costs/undergrad
- Biola University — Clinical nursing program and transfer informationbiola.edu/degrees/u/nursing-bs/clinical-nursing-program
- Biola University — International studentsbiola.edu/international
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Data marked “Not publicly disclosed” was unavailable in the sources reviewed. Verify with the institution and Board of Nursing.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy