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The first-year experience for students at ɫ��ɫ��̳ is crafted with care, intentionality and a strong biblical foundation. Before they even step foot on campus to begin their semester, every single incoming student at Biola is prayed for, by name, by faculty and staff members.

ɫ��ɫ��̳ was recognized on the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s First-Year Experiences list, a distinction awarded to institutions that receive at least 10 nominations from peer institutions. The recognition highlights universities that build intentional, small-group connections between students, faculty and staff during a student’s first year. At Biola, these connections begin immediately through a uniquely biblical and community-centered approach to the first-year journey.

“Our recognition for creating a meaningful first-year experience highlights how seriously we take welcoming students into a community where they are known, supported and challenged,” said Biola President, Barry H. Corey.

Central to the first year at Biola is The Biola Experience, a one-credit seminar required of all students during their first semester. The course introduces students to the academic community and lays out the core values of Biola’s biblically centered, liberal arts education. Linked to a student’s major, The Biola Experience helps students understand from the start how their Christian faith is integrated into every course they take at Biola, from math to philosophy to psychology.

The emphasis on grounding students in Scripture goes beyond the core curriculum and is even further studied through Biola’s biblical studies curriculum. All traditional Biola undergraduate students are required to take 30 units of Bible and theology courses, earning them a minor in biblical and theological studies by the time they graduate. Many first-year students take courses such as Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation and Foundations of Christian Thought. These classes establish a Christ-centered framework for understanding Scripture and theology within a Christian worldview, while equipping students to interpret the Bible accurately and apply it to spiritual and character formation during their time at Biola and beyond. With 75% of Biola’s classes enrolling fewer than 25 students, first-year students engage closely with classmates and faculty who integrate biblical truth into every discipline from their very first day.

“I value the way in which Biola is preparing me not just for my professional life in the future but for my Christian life in the present,” said political science major Tessa Brubaker. “The community of believers, faith integration in the classroom, worship opportunities and Christian mentorship from faculty all allow me to pursue holistic spiritual growth as I also pursue my academic and professional goals.”

Many of Biola’s core and Bible courses include cohort-based learning, allowing students to study together in small groups that foster deeper discussion and community. The Torrey Honors College also fosters cohort-based learning environments, giving students opportunities to explore faith and literature with depth and intentionality. With Torrey Honors welcoming its largest incoming class in its 29-year history this year, one-on-one mentorship with faculty members and intentional discussion among students provide first-year students with a unique and strong community. The honors college also introduced its own Bible minor this year, where all Torrey Honors students may earn a minor in biblical literature and classical theology.

Spiritual formation extends beyond the classroom through First Year Fridays, Biola’s specially curated chapel services held for first-year students the first five Fridays of the fall semester. These chapels introduce students to Biola’s worship rhythms and help lay the groundwork for lifelong discipleship.

Relational connection also defines the residential experience. In Residence Life, resident advisors host regular gatherings such as coffee with live music, game nights and floor traditions that help first-year students build friendships with fellow students early on. Biola has three first-year only residence halls, housing students that are closest in age and stage of life, allowing for long-lasting relationships to grow and develop during their time at Biola.

Support systems and small group connection points are intentionally designed for first-year students navigating distinct transitions, such as being the first in their family to go to college or being from another country. FirstGen and Global Student Engagement offer small group environments for students to receive guidance and build relationships.

Through biblical teaching, purposeful small groups and intentional community, Biola continues to cultivate a first-year experience that is firmly rooted in Scripture and grounded in a Christ-centered mission. Now is the time to join the Biola community. Learn more and apply today.

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