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 gives you a mixed financial picture. The $61,824 median earnings ten years out clears the sticker price, and a 68% grad rate paired with 82% retention means most students who start actually finish and land in decent-paying work. But the debt load matches the payoff closely enough that your specific major decides whether this pays off.
The program-level earnings tell a harder story than the school-wide median. Business Administration graduates earn under $30,000 in the early-career window listed here, and Psychology lands even lower. Criminal Justice carries the highest debt of any listed program at $31,000 while earning under $27,000 early on, which is the worst trade on this list. Biology sits at the bottom for early earnings at $22,771, and that number only works if you use the degree as a step toward medical or graduate school, not as a terminal credential.
The risk here is concentration. La Sierra leans toward health, biology, and psychology programs where the bachelor's alone earns little, and the payoff depends on graduate school you'll have to pay for separately. If you stop at the bachelor's in one of these fields, the $27,000 median debt becomes a real weight.
The net price tiers stay flat across incomes. If your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay $21,620. if it earns over $110,000, you'll pay $33,048. That $11,000 gap is narrow for a private school, meaning lower-income families get less discount than they would elsewhere and pay a large share of a $26,000 sticker.
La Sierra fits you if you're heading toward a health or science career that continues into graduate or professional school. If you want to earn well straight out of a bachelor's, the early-career numbers here suggest looking at cheaper public options.
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.