La Sierra University
The Vibe Check
La Sierra University offers a close-knit, faith-based community where students are encouraged to grow personally and spiritually alongside their academic pursuits. The campus feels like a supportive family, with a strong emphasis on service, community engagement, and individualized attention from faculty. It's a place where you're not just a number, but a valued member of a collaborative learning environment.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1010
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Average: 23
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
La Sierra's academic strengths are anchored in its professional programs, particularly in Health Professions and Criminal Justice, providing students with clear pathways to in-demand careers. The university prides itself on a teaching-focused faculty that offers personalized mentorship and small class sizes, ensuring students receive dedicated support. Research opportunities are available, especially through partnerships with local healthcare and community organizations, allowing for hands-on, practical learning.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Riverside
Students at La Sierra can enjoy Riverside's diverse offerings, from exploring the historic downtown area with its unique shops and restaurants to hiking and enjoying the scenic views at the nearby Mount Rubidoux Park. The city's proximity to both Los Angeles and Orange County provides easy access to beaches, concerts, and major entertainment venues for weekend trips. On campus, student life is vibrant with clubs, intramural sports, and spiritual activities fostering a strong sense of community.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($61,824):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
La Sierra University is located in a safe, suburban part of Riverside, with campus safety services like 24/7 patrols and emergency alerts contributing to a secure environment. The surrounding area is generally peaceful, though, as with any urban setting, students are advised to remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong, career-focused programs in Health Professions and Criminal Justice with high demand
- ✓ Personalized academic attention with small class sizes and accessible faculty
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a private university education
- ✓ Vibrant, faith-based community that emphasizes service and personal growth
Cons
- ✗ The 64.9% graduation rate is below the national average for private institutions
- ✗ The small enrollment size may limit the breadth of academic offerings and student diversity
- ✗ While the net price is competitive, the sticker price of tuition is still high for a smaller institution
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
La Sierra University is particularly well-known for its strong professional programs in Health Professions, including its respected School of Business and its focus on Criminal Justice. As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, it is also recognized for its faith-based education, emphasis on service, and commitment to integrating spiritual and personal development with academic learning.
No, La Sierra University is not hard to get into. It has a very high acceptance rate of 93.3%, indicating that it is a selective but accessible institution. Applicants who meet the academic requirements and demonstrate alignment with the university's values have a strong chance of admission.
Campus life at La Sierra is characterized by a close-knit, supportive community with a strong spiritual component. With a small enrollment of just 1,155 students, it fosters a family-like atmosphere where students know their peers and professors well. Life includes a variety of clubs, intramural sports, and spiritual activities, all set on a beautiful, 130-acre campus with a botanical garden.
For many students, La Sierra University can be a worthwhile investment, especially for those pursuing high-demand fields like healthcare or criminal justice where the ROI is strong. With an average net price of $26,217 and a 10-year median earnings of $61,824, the financial outcome is promising. However, students should be mindful of the university's 64.9% graduation rate, as completing the degree on time is key to realizing the full value of the investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,401
- In-State Tuition $35,910
- Zip Code 92505
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $26,217, La Sierra presents a more affordable option compared to many private universities, especially considering its specialized programs. The 10-year median earnings of $61,824 for graduates suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for those entering high-demand fields like healthcare. The high percentage of students receiving Pell Grants (47.3%) also indicates a commitment to supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds through financial aid.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.