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California State University-Los Angeles vs La Sierra University

California State University-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA. La Sierra University is a private university in Riverside, CA. California State University-Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants and La Sierra University about 92%, making California State University-Los Angeles the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $3,967 a year at California State University-Los Angeles after aid, and about $45,566 at La Sierra University. About 64% of students graduate at La Sierra University, compared with 53% at California State University-Los Angeles. Ten years after enrolling, La Sierra University alumni earn a median of about $61,824, against $59,211 for California State University-Los Angeles.

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

La Sierra University

Riverside, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Riverside, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
19,562
1,116
Acceptance rate
91%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1060
880–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
18–28
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$3,967
$45,566
Full cost / yr
$18,403
$51,459
In-state tuition
$7,160
$37,710
Out-of-state tuition
$19,760
$37,710
Application fee
$70
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,877
$44,988
$30k - $48k
$2,974
$44,593
$48k - $75k
$5,002
$45,518
$75k - $110k
$7,355
$47,266
Over $110k
$13,578
$45,999
Outcomes
Graduation rate
53%
64%
Freshman retention
72%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,702
$42,617
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,211
$61,824
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
66%
47%
First-generation students
62%
40%
International students
1%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Jan 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
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 State University-Los Angeles or La Sierra University harder to get into?
California State University-Los Angeles 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 State University-Los Angeles or La Sierra University?
California State University-Los Angeles is cheaper on average. Students pay about $3,967 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $45,566 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-Los Angeles and La Sierra University?
Before aid, California State University-Los Angeles costs about $18,403 a year and La Sierra University about $51,459. 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 State University-Los Angeles or La Sierra University?
California State University-Los Angeles. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,877 there, against about $44,988 at La Sierra University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California State University-Los Angeles or La Sierra University?
California State University-Los Angeles is the larger of the two, with about 19,562 undergraduates against 1,116 at La Sierra University.
Does California State University-Los Angeles or La Sierra University have a better graduation rate?
La Sierra University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 53% at California State University-Los Angeles.
Do graduates of California State University-Los Angeles 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 $59,211 for California State University-Los Angeles. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California State University-Los Angeles and La Sierra University require SAT or ACT scores?
California State University-Los Angeles 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 State University-Los Angeles and La Sierra University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 870–1060 at California State University-Los Angeles and 880–1140 at La Sierra University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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