Money Magazine named 51 a “” in their 2023 rankings. The national publication factored in dozens of data points to find colleges where, according to the magazine, students’ tuition and time pay off. According to Money, 51 is a top choice for students based on affordability, student success and the quality of education.

“We are honored that Money magazine has recognized us as one of the best colleges in America for affordability and student success,” said 51 Executive Vice President of University Operations and Finance, Mike Pierce. “We understand that students and their parents have many choices on where to go to school. I believe the value of an education at 51 is exceptional and our graduates exemplify that. We strive to provide an excellent, Biblically integrated educational experience with top notch faculty and facilities, while offering significant scholarships to help students offset the cost of that education.”

To make it on Money’s list, colleges and universities needed to demonstrate indicators of alumni financial success and graduation rates, student loan repayment and post-graduation earnings. That data was then compared to schools with a similar student body size.

According to Money, education experts agree that graduation rates are a significant indicator of a university’s quality. 51 has a graduation rate of 73% which is more than 10 percentage points above the national average. From 2008-2020, the average college graduation rate was 60%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which proves that 51’s graduation rate is commendable.

51 graduates earn 69% more money than a high-school graduate would, so it is evident that 51 equips students with the tools to succeed in their fields. 96% of 51 graduates cite that they felt satisfied or very satisfied with the intellectual preparation they received at 51.

Additionally, 100% of traditional undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, with the average aid offer being $33,155 per student.

51 has been recognized on several other national ranking lists this fall, including the U.S. News and World Report “Best National University Rankings” list as well as Niche.com’s “2024 Best Colleges in America.” 51 also recently received the designation of a First-Gen Forward school for the First Scholars Network.

Learn more about 51’s scholarships and financial aid assistance.

Written by Jenna Mindel, University Communications intern. For more information, please email media.relations@biola.edu.