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California College of the Arts vs La Sierra University

California College of the Arts is a private college in San Francisco, CA. La Sierra University is a private university in Riverside, CA. California College of the Arts admits about 91% of applicants and La Sierra University about 92%, making California College of the Arts the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $45,566 a year at La Sierra University after aid, and about $53,909 at California College of the Arts. About 64% of students graduate at La Sierra University, compared with 62% at California College of the Arts. Ten years after enrolling, La Sierra University alumni earn a median of about $61,824, against $49,414 for California College of the Arts.

California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA · Private

La Sierra University

Riverside, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
San Francisco, CA
Riverside, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
990
1,116
Acceptance rate
91%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1310
880–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
19–28
18–28
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$53,909
$45,566
Full cost / yr
$79,776
$51,459
In-state tuition
$60,226
$37,710
Out-of-state tuition
$60,226
$37,710
Application fee
$70
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$61,407
$44,988
$30k - $48k
$43,261
$44,593
$48k - $75k
$45,378
$45,518
$75k - $110k
$46,060
$47,266
Over $110k
$56,394
$45,999
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
64%
Freshman retention
87%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,308
$42,617
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,414
$61,824
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
47%
First-generation students
24%
40%
International students
32%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Jan 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Not reported
Jul 29

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is California College of the Arts or La Sierra University harder to get into?
California College of the Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 92% at La Sierra University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California College of the Arts or La Sierra University?
La Sierra University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $45,566 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $53,909 at California College of the Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at California College of the Arts and La Sierra University?
Before aid, La Sierra University costs about $51,459 a year and California College of the Arts about $79,776. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California College of the Arts or La Sierra University?
La Sierra University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $44,988 there, against about $61,407 at California College of the Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California College of the Arts or La Sierra University?
La Sierra University is the larger of the two, with about 1,116 undergraduates against 990 at California College of the Arts.
Does California College of the Arts or La Sierra University have a better graduation rate?
La Sierra University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 62% at California College of the Arts.
Do graduates of California College of the Arts or La Sierra University earn more?
La Sierra University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,824 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,414 for California College of the Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California College of the Arts and La Sierra University require SAT or ACT scores?
California College of the Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. La Sierra University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California College of the Arts and La Sierra University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1310 at California College of the Arts and 880–1140 at La Sierra University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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