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La Sierra University

N/A(0)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1922
Founded
1922
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide

About La Sierra University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

In 1990, La Sierra College of Arts and Sciences separated from Loma Linda University to become La Sierra University, an independent institution. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA). Programs at La Sierra University lead to over 120 undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Admission at La Sierra University is competitive as the annual acceptance rate is around 55%. An amount of 100 USD as an application fee is charged to submit the online applications. The official transcripts in English, a GPA of around 3.5-3.75 (85-90%), standardized test scores, proof of funds, and other supportive documents are required for admission.

The applications can be submitted any time in the year as they are received on a rolling basis and cutoffs are given for all four semesters of fall, spring, summer, and winter. The tuition cost to attend the university is around 34,218 USD and the university also provides some scholarships to make the education affordable for the international students aspiring to study in the USA.

Check Out: La Sierra University (Spanish)

La Sierra University Rankings 

  • #68 in Regional West Universities, by US News
  • #17 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, by US News

Highlights

Institution Type Private
Campus Type Urban
Academic Calendar Type Quarter
Application Fee 100 USD
Acceptance Rate 47%
Test scores required SAT (Average score required: 1030)
International students 16.8%
Website https://lasierra.edu/oiss/
Faculty Members 100+
Number of Undergraduate courses 60
Number of Postgraduate courses 20
Graduation Rate 72.9%

La Sierra University Campus & Accommodation 

The campus of La Sierra University is vast and provides facilities including sports courts, libraries, chemical labs, etc. It has secured access entries to ensure the safety and security of the university. Student housing in the USA is available on Campus along with dining facilities.

The University also organizes several events and provides extracurricular opportunities to the students. The university also has an excellent “Athletics” department. It basically functions on providing the students with maximum sports development activities and opportunities.

La Sierra University has always focused on improving the overall development of students through skill enhancement activities including the formation of various student organizations and societies representing the university.

La Sierra University Residence 

The university has outstanding residential facilities for the students including a well-developed accommodation system, food facilities, Fitness centers, libraries, etc. The university has four residential halls namely Angwin, South, Sierra Towers, and Calkins. Around 48% of the students stay on campus.

Every residence has facilities including a kitchen, laundry, TV room, study room, laundry, Air conditioners, heaters, and basic facilities, etc. The university also offers meal plans to students at convenient costs which range from 4000 to 6000 USD. The cost of accommodation depends on various factors like single or double rooms, meal plans, etc.

The residence costs are as follows:

  • Single Room - 8,415USD/year
  • Double Room - 4,740USD/year

La Sierra University Programs 

The university offers a variety of educational qualifications in Graduate Programs, Pre-Professional, Undergraduate Major, and Undergraduate Minor. UG at La Sierra university offers more than 60 courses and over 20 graduate programs in various fields are offered. The university has 4 academic schools and colleges to provide these programs.

The university has different degrees in administration and leadership. It offers pre-professional and evening adult programs along with online programs. The university offers MBA in USA in Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Finance, Health care, and customized options.

La Sierra University Application Process 

You can apply online with the university website and pay an application fee of 100 USD. 

Documents Required:

  • Official Transcripts from recognized institutions in English
  • English as a Second Language Requirements
    • TOEFL iBT - 79
    • IELTS - 6.5
  • ACT/SAT scores for UG students and GRE/GMAT scores for PG students
  • Valid passport copy
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Evidence of funds through bank statement/Sponsor
  • Statement of purpose
  • Interviews required for graduate programs
  • Any other document required- program specific

La Sierra University Cost of Attendance 

The fee structure at La Sierra University is quite affordable with financial aid facilities. Overall, the fee structure at La Sierra University is very much affordable to local as well as international students and aspiring students can work out their budget to study in the US on the basis of this.

Particulars Cost per year in USD
Tuition fee 33,228
General fee 990
Room 8,415
Meals 4,050
Books and Material 1,100
Transportation 2,000

La Sierra University Scholarships 

The university offers many scholarships to study in the USA. The university takes into consideration various facts regarding the academic performance, financial stability, etc., of students and provides them many opportunities to avail and improve their career aspects.

Students are given opportunities to avail scholarships on the basis of various criteria including academic performance, financial situation, etc. International education financial aid (IEFA) (For International Students) is primarily the source for international students willing to study in a foreign nation. Various grants and scholarships are provided through this aid to needful students.

La Sierra University Alumni 

The university has a wide variety of alumni network ranging from poets, politicians, accountants, doctors, education specialists, etc. The alumni are often referred to provide guidance to current students and they often visit the campus as well for seminars and various other activities. They guide the students in various fields of their expertise.

The alumni after completing their education from La Sierra University who proved to be successful include the names of the following:

  • Fritz guy – Professor
  • Bill Emerson – Politician
  • Hope Anita Smith – Poet
  • Darwood Kaye – Actor
  • Chauncey Hare – Photographer

La Sierra University Placement

The university offers abundant opportunities regarding placements and internships. Global companies visit the university every academic year offering placements and internship opportunities to the students. The placement packages have been determined to be on average of around 33028 USD.

Around 90% of the students are placed every academic year. The students are often provided guidance for job opportunities through informative seminars and educational events. Placement and internship opportunities include global companies ranging from Microsoft, Amazon, KPMG, etc.

Students are also provided with the opportunity to give placement tests organized by the university itself and enhance their chances of placements. Some of the average annual packages of the university graduates are given below:

Top Degrees Industry Average Annual Packages in USD
Accountancy/Accounting Accounting 54,677
Computer Science Technology 23,000
Management Administration 35,000
Administration And Leadership Administration 21,226
Biomedical service provider Medical 30,000
Engineer Technology 42,000

La Sierra University offers excellent study opportunities to students in various fields at convenient costs with overall skill development as well. Also, the university offers a variety of courses in undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD fields of study which provides lots of options to students in various career paths.

La Sierra University has always been one of the best performing universities in America and can be the right choice for students willing to explore various fields of their career with an abundance of growth opportunities.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

43

Fee from

₹21,76,897.5

Exams

GMAT · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 38 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 34.4 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 36,720 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Admissions at La Sierra University are considered to be moderately difficult, as the university is both competitive and selective about its applicants. The university has a total population of  1,666 undergraduate and 514 graduate students, out of which 55% are Asians. The university invites admissions in all the four quarters, i.e., Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer, on a rolling basis. Hence, the prospective students can start their application anytime and will be accepted in the next quarter.

The La Sierra University offers courses in more than 120 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. International applicants are required have a minimum GPA of 3.75 for UG programs, a TOEFL iBT of 79 along with all the necessary documentats. Due to COVID-19, SAT and ACT are waived for incoming applicants. If your SAT/ACT test results are available, you may still submit them to the admissions office, though you are not required to do so for Fall registration.

Check Out: La Sierra University Admission (Spanish)

Highlights

Type Private
Application portal Online portal
Processing fee 100 USD 
Acceptance rate  55.2%
SAT or ACT score Optional
Academic calendar Quarter-based
Intake sessions Fall/Winter/ Spring/ Summer
Retention rate  78%
Financial aid Loans, Grants, Scholarships and Awards
Average Grant and Aid awarded 15,572 USD
International admissions helpdesk

+1 (951) 785-2424
[email protected]

La Sierra University Application Deadline

The university accepts applications on a rolling basis. So, there are no actual deadlines as such, but applicants are recommended to submit their application material by the preferred deadline in order to get admission in a timely manner in the indicated quarter. The preferred deadlines for international applicants are as follows:

Quarter Preferred deadline
Fall August 19
Winter November 15
Spring March 1
Summer May 1

La Sierra University International Students Admissions

The university has a diverse campus giving an equal opportunity of admission to each and every applicant be it a domestic applicant or an international applicant. The university has some requirements specific to international applicants which must be complied with in order to be considered for admission at La Sierra University. Following requirements must be met by foreign students who wish to pursue their higher education in the US.

 Application portal: Online Applicantion
Application fee: 100 USD 
General admission requirements:

  • A completed application
  • High school/college transcripts
  • Official transcripts of all the institutions attended
  • External credential evaluation (compulsory)
  • ACT or SAT score, applicable if graduating from high school in USA
  • Personal statement (optional)
  • English proficiency test scores
  • GRE/GMAT scores(for graduate admissions), if required by the Office of admissions
  • Recommendation forms (for graduate admissions), if required
  • Interview (for graduate admissions), if required
  • A copy of valid passport

La Sierra University country specific requirements

Country For UG For PG
India Secondary School certificate with an average of 49% , All Indian Senior School Certificate, Higher Secondary School Certificate  An average of 40% transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing subjects and marks earned.
Bangladesh Secondary School Certificate including mark sheets, an average of 40% or above in Higher School Certificate including mark sheets An average of 40% or above in transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing subjects and marks earned.
Nepal School Leaving certificate including an average of 44% or above in Proficiency Certificate  An average of 40% or above in transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing subjects and marks earned.
Sri Lanka Secondary school transcript including a list of courses and grades/marks earned, Sri Lankan General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level and/or GCE Ordinary Level Certificate showing at least five passes with credit. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing subjects and marks earned
Thailand

Transcript from the last three years of senior secondary school including courses and grades earned along with dates of attendance; a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in Matayom VI (M6) Certificate.

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or a C average in transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing subjects and marks earned.

English Proficiency Test

Test Minimum score required
TOEFL paper-based 550
TOEFL iBT 79 
IELTS 6.5
Duolingo 105

Visa requirements for international applicants

International applicants can apply for a visa to study in the USA as soon as they are issued an acceptance letter, after which an I-20 form is issued. Students are required to arrange for the following documents, after the travel restriction imposed will start to ease:

  • Passport
  • Visa stamp
  • I-20 form
  • U.S. Emergency Contact Information (full name, email address, phone number)
  • Home Country/Foreign Emergency Contact Information (full name, email address, phone number)
  • Health Verification & Immunization Records (if available)
  • Proof of financial support (bank statement)
  • Payment of SEVIS fee

Amid the current scenario of COVID-19 pandemic, extra time will be required to send I-20 documents as these documents will be sent via FedEx, the charge of which will be asked from the applicants. However, visa services are currently suspended at most US consulates, appointment availability will start only after the start of fall quarter, till then all the international applicants are recommended to continue their studies through online quarter programs.

La Sierra University Undergraduate Admissions

La Sierra University offers UG programs in over 60 academic courses through its four campuses for undergraduate studies under the academic fields of Business & Management, Education, Arts & Sciences and Religious studies. Aspirants are required to comply with minimum requirements and besides, all the required documents must be sent directly to the University’s Office of Admissions by the issuing authority in order to be considered official by the university.

Application portal: Online Portal
Application fee: 100 USD 
Documents required:

  • A completed application
  • Official transcripts with a 3.75 GPA or higher.
  • External credential evaluation of all transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional)
  • Copy of a valid passport
  • Score sheets of English Placement and Proficiency Test
  • A personal statement (if required)
  • Affidavit of Financial support
  • A copy of Bank statement (2-3 months old)

La Sierra University Graduate Admissions

La Sierra University offers graduate programs in 30+ academic courses to its students through five of its campuses in the academic fields of Business & Management, Education, Arts & Sciences, Religious studies, etc. Applicants are required to satisfy program specific requirements in order to secure a place in one of the famous graduate courses of the University.Mentioned below are the program specific requirements of some of the popular PG courses:

Course/ Requirements Master of Arts, MA Master Theological Studies, MTS Master of Arts in Teaching Master of Business Administration, MBA Master of Science in Accountancy, MSA
Minimum GPA 3.00 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.00
Writing Sample Required Not required Not required Not required Not required
Personal Statement Not required Required Required Not required Not required
Letter of Recommendation Two Only upon request Only upon request Only upon request Only upon request
Interview Not required Not required Required Not required Not required
GRE/GMAT scores GRE score only upon request Not required Not required Required (if GPA is below minimum) Required (if GPA is below minimum)

Applicants can check their application status at the University portal itself. Moreover, for queries concerning international admissions, applicants can contact international enrollment counselor. The La Sierra University, has the retention rate of 78% La Sierra University is dedicated to research, education, and service. In keeping with the life and teachings of a God, the University maintains a safe and civil campus environment that encourages diversity, service, and equal dignity and respect for all people. International applicants must comply with all the requirements in order to be considered for admissions. 

FAQs

Ques. What is La Sierra University known for?

Ans. The university is known for providing hands-on learning experiences in a safe, nurturing atmosphere. It is considered to be one of the most diverse universities in the US specially for international students and minorities.

Ques. Is La Sierra University accredited?

Ans. Yes, the University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA).

Ques. How many campuses do La Sierra University have?

Ans. The university has five campuses offering programs in various academic fields.

Ques. How much tuition cost one must expect while studying at La Sierra University?

Ans. Approx. 32,778 USD (2018-19)

Ques. Does La Sierra University have accommodation options?

Ans. Yes, an average student paid 8,250 USD to live on campus at La Sierra University.

Placements & Recruiters

La Sierra University Placement Details

La Sierra University in Riverside, California, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Riverside, California, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Education: #45 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Education
  • 1 ranking record in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Psychology: #22 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Psychology
  • 1 ranking record in 2025

Contact Information

4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92505

+1-951-785-2000

+1-800-874-5587