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La Sierra University

PrivateHSICity: Large

About La Sierra University

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

La Sierra University is a private university in Riverside, CA. It has a 91.9% acceptance rate and a 53.9% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,216 students.

Founded

1922

Location

Riverside, California

Students

1,464

Institution

Private

Known For

Seventh-day AdventistChristian

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

91.5%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

59.7%

Below national average

Tuition

$37,710

Per year

Avg Net Price

$45,566

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not Considered

Test-blind. Grades and essays decide

Median Earnings

$61,824

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
91.5%

Open Admission

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Blind

Application Fee

Free

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

La Sierra University accepts the majority of applicants at 91.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

N/A

Not reported

ACT Scores

23/ 36

Average: 23 out of 36

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
59.7%

Average

59.7% complete their degree within six years

Retention

77.3%

4-Year Grad

34%

6-Year Grad

56%

Teaching Quality

10:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

64.3%

$/Student

$13.2K

Class Size

Small

The 34% graduation rate is below average, but 77.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$37,710

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$13,431

Books & Supplies

$1,062

Total Cost of Attendance

$51,459

After Financial Aid

$45,566

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$44,988

Receive Grants

47.3%

Take Loans

58.6%

The total cost of attendance runs about $51,459/yr, including $13,431 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $45,566.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at La Sierra University fund their education.

While in School

47.3%

Get Grants

Free money

58.6%

Take Loans

Must repay

$39,628

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$27,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$286/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $62K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends La Sierra University.

Gender

58.4%

Female

/

42%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

53.9%
14.8%
8.9%
7.2%
6.6%
6.5%
Hispanic
Asian
White
Black
Multiracial
International

Enrollment

1,116

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

348

Graduates

39.6%

First-Gen

21 yrs

Avg Age

6.5%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 39.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 6.5% international students add diversity to the campus.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Large

City: Large

Campus Quick Facts

1,116

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Master's

Classification

What This College Offers

Quarter calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

No

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

No

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

No

Job Placement

No

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

La Sierra University fields 7 varsity teams with 251 student athletes, about 22% of the student body.

Division

NAIA

Division II

Conference

Other

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

7

Biggest: Soccer

Student Athletes

251

22% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

45% / 55%

113

Men

/

138

Women

5

Men's Teams

6

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
64
Soccer
53
Baseball
45
Basketball
41
Softball
33
Volleyball

Every Varsity Team

Soccer64Baseball53Basketball45Softball41Volleyball33Cross Country13Track and Field (Outdoor)2

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of La Sierra Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$61,824

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$43K
6yr
$49K
8yr
$62K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Criminal Justice and Corrections

$35K

61 grads

1yr Earnings

Biology, General

23 grads

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$35K

22 grads

1yr Earnings

Public Health

19 grads

Marketing

$48K

19 grads

4yr Earnings

Health/Medical Preparatory Programs

18 grads

Earnings grow steadily here: $43K at six years, $49K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about La Sierra University

What is the acceptance rate at La Sierra University?
La Sierra University has an acceptance rate of 91.5%. La Sierra University accepts the majority of applicants at 91.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does La Sierra University cost?
Tuition at La Sierra University is $37,710 for in-state students and $37,710 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $51,459/yr, including $13,431 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $45,566.
What is the graduation rate at La Sierra University?
La Sierra University has a graduation rate of 59.7%. The 34% graduation rate is below average, but 77.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do La Sierra University graduates earn?
The median earnings for La Sierra University graduates is $61,824 ten years after enrollment. Earnings grow steadily here: $43K at six years, $49K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.