La Sierra University
La Sierra University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is La Sierra University Worth It?
At a value score of 22/100, La Sierra University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $61,824 — 15% above average — while paying $45,566/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.9-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 92% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at La Sierra University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How La Sierra University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #130 of 148 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 100 | $10,420 | $75,103 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #5 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #6 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #130 | La Sierra University | 22 | $45,566 | $61,824 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of La Sierra University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in CA.
Best Programs at La Sierra University
The highest-earning program at La Sierra University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $28,600/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from La Sierra University earns $28,600, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $28,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $31,583 in median debt vs. $31,583 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $45,566/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,600 | $28,600 | $31,583 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Riverside, CA
- Student Body
- 1,116 students
- Admission Rate
- 92%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $45,566
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,824
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000