At $26,217/yr net price, La Sierra University graduates earn $61,824/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,824/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,217 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,868 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,824/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,824/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,620/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,930/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,297/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,627/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,048/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,260 | $46,762 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,751 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,019 | $26,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,933 | $31,000 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $22,771 | $25,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $16,478 | $25,416 |
The Risk Factor
68.1% of students at La Sierra University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
La Sierra University delivers weak financial returns for most graduates. The median 10-year earnings of $61,824 barely justify the $26,217 annual cost, and several major programs leave students earning less than $30,000 while carrying significant debt.
The earnings picture varies dramatically by program. Business Administration graduates face the starkest contrast, with one track earning $47,260 annually while carrying $46,762 in debt, and another earning just $29,751 with $26,000 in debt. Psychology majors earn $28,019 with $26,500 in debt, while Criminal Justice graduates earn $26,933 but carry $31,000 in debt. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs show the weakest returns at $25,194 annually.
You face specific risks at La Sierra beyond the low earnings. The 68% graduation rate means nearly one in three students never finish their degree, and the 82% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many to leave after freshman year. The Riverside job market offers limited high-paying opportunities outside of specialized fields, constraining your earning potential after graduation.
This school works financially only if you plan to pursue advanced degrees in health fields where the preparatory programs serve as stepping stones, or if you qualify for substantial financial aid that reduces your actual costs well below the $26,217 net price. The relatively low percentage receiving aid (47%) suggests merit scholarships may be limited.
Most students should look elsewhere unless they have specific career goals that require this particular institution or receive aid packages that dramatically reduce costs. The combination of high expenses, modest earnings, and graduation risks creates poor financial value for the majority of students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Sierra University worth the cost for the education quality?
With a 91% acceptance rate and median earnings of $61,824 ten years after graduation, La Sierra University offers moderate returns on a $26,217 annual investment. The school's open admissions approach means less selectivity but also easier access to higher education.
What programs at La Sierra University have the best return on investment?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $47,260 annually, while health/medical prep programs show the lowest returns at $25,194. Psychology and criminal justice programs fall in between with earnings around $27,000-28,000.
How much debt do La Sierra University students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $27,000, which aligns reasonably well with typical starting salaries from most programs. However, graduates in lower-paying fields like health prep may struggle with debt-to-income ratios.
Does La Sierra University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $26,217 suggests some financial aid is available, but this still represents a significant annual cost. With a 68% graduation rate, about one-third of students leave without completing their degree.