Biola vs. Point Loma Nazarene

<p>My daughter has been accepted at both schools and is trying to decide between them. We know the raw numbers, and we've had tours of both schools, and like them both very much. Does anybody have any input as to the quality of education between the two? The schools are in different categories in the US News report, so it's hard to compare them.</p>

<p>She's leaning towards a communications degree, but that may change. Point Loma has a great sounding Managerial Communications major that's a mix of both communication and business courses. </p>

<p>Biola requires 30 units of Bible courses, so in effect you minor in Biblical and Theological studies. Point Loma only requires 8 units which means you have the flexibility to pick your own minor.</p>

<p>Any other thoughts would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Lots of kids from my D's school apply to those, so Him posting to follow this thread. At least are poster here feels Biota is the best "Christian "school. search posts for "christian" or by user Phear_Me I think.</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/447940-what-best-christian-college-university-usa.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/447940-what-best-christian-college-university-usa.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/413349-small-colleges-maybe-christian-west-coast.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/413349-small-colleges-maybe-christian-west-coast.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/427763-good-non-creepy-christian-colleges.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/427763-good-non-creepy-christian-colleges.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Both are good schools. Point Loma is affiliated to the Nazarene ( and eventually United Methodist) denomination, while Biola is non-denominational.</p>

<p>In terms of being closer to the "fundamentals" of the Christian faith, I'd opt for Biola. I have known many pastor's kids who went to Point Loma and ended up more wayward than their parents would like them to be. For instance, we have Philosophy professors at Point Loma who are Christian existentialists ( more emphasis on the existentialist part ). Biola on the other hand has heaps of professors who are some of the most foremost apologists for the Christian faith. Many of them have debated major atheists and secularists in the public square, and some have even played a part in helping a few change their minds ( the most famous one being the world's foremost former atheist -- Antony Flew ). Men like Gary Habermas, William Lane Craig, J.P. Moreland and Philip Johnson ( father of the Intelligent Design movement ) are in the Biola faculty.</p>

<p>However, if the "fundamentals" of the faith isn't a major concern, any one of those schools would be fine.</p>

<p>I'd choose Point Loma. The religious aspect is less overwhelming. Students can exercise their faith, while still having room to fit other electives and classes of interest in their schedules. Plus, the location is unbeatable (right on the beach).</p>

<p>My friends at Point Loma absolutely love it.</p>

<p>Both are good schools, with Point Loma being among the higher quality schools of the many small Southern California Christian Universities. However, Biola is clearly the more prestigious and highly regarded of the two universities in both the secular and religious worlds. Biola is a 3rd tier national university with extensive plans for growth (if your child enrolls this year he will see 5 new buildings on campus before he graduates) and a student body that continues to grow in size and quality. </p>

<p>Biola is unquestionably the finest Christian University in the west, and arguably the most notable Christian university in the world.</p>

<p>Here is a link to the communications page:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.biola.edu/undergrad/academics/majors/communication_studies.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.biola.edu/undergrad/academics/majors/communication_studies.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Biola claims to have the greatest variety in courses among any competing evangelical institution. All things considered this would make sense.</p>