US News & World Report has ranked Biola as one of 28 “Up and Coming” National Universities in its “Best Colleges 2011” guide, alongside universities such as the University of Southern California and the University of California, San Diego.

Under the US News & World Report’s new ranking system, the top 75 percent of schools in each category are ranked in the “first tier” group. The other 25 percent of each group are then listed alphabetically in the second tier. This year, Biola managed to escalate to the top tier. Biola has been ranked on the US News & World report’s list of National Universities for more than 20 years. In 2009, US News & World Report ranked Biola as “One of America’s Best Colleges.”

Biola president Barry Corey said he believes Biola has a bright future.
“We’ve believed it for a long time. This is an indication that others are seeing it as well,” he said.

Biola was also ranked on the magazine’s “A-Plus Schools for B Students.” The magazine ranked Biola in this category based on SAT scores, critical reading scores, and high school class standings for freshman classes entering college between 2005 and 2008.
US News & World Report has ranked American colleges and universities since 1983. “Up and Coming” universities are recognized in this category for “making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life,” according to US News and World Report.

“Sweet,” Biola freshman Jason Tenandar said in reaction to Biola’s ranking. “I’m not surprised. The people are pretty cool here.”

With the publication of US News & World Report’s 2011 edition of “Best Colleges” in September, Biola will continue to be recognized as a nationally excellent university.

“I think that knowing our university is growing with attention from the country is awesome,” senior Joseph Lee said. “Especially since our school is one that focuses on our faith as much as academics.”