Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
La Sierra University: La Sierra University Matheson Chapel 2023-2
Photo: DEGA MD, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

#14 Best small Christian colleges in America

La Sierra University

Riverside, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Seventh-day Adventist Church · Seventh-day Adventist

Real cost

Average price after aid $45,566 a year

Median debt at graduation: $27,000 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

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La Sierra University in Riverside, California, is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Chapel meets each Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at La Sierra University Church, and students attend ten of twelve chapel programs each quarter. The General Education program requires 16 units of religion courses, and the official pages describe faith and learning as integrated in the curriculum.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “At La Sierra, we believe that religion is always personal but never private.”

    Source: lasierra.edu

  • “The Office of Spiritual Life serves students’ needs by providing a variety of worship events, mission and outreach activities, small Bible and discussion groups, and spiritual renewal retreats.”

    Source: lasierra.edu

  • “The Spiritual Life staff serves the spiritual needs of the La Sierra University community.”

    Source: lasierra.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are required to attend 10 of the 12 chapel programs scheduled each quarter.

Source: lasierra.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at the La Sierra University Church, and students in the dorms attend one more weekly worship program.

Source: lasierra.edu
Where do I find community?

The Office of Spiritual Life offers worship events, small Bible and discussion groups and spiritual renewal retreats.

Source: lasierra.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students can join local or international outreach through the Missions Director, and study abroad and mission trips are offered every year.

Source: lasierra.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 17 more

In California

Academic Excellence

B+Academic Excellence: B+ (grade B+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
71 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.60%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.77%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$13,162

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

74 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One regular chapel service a week during the quarter (Tuesdays).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel meets every Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the La Sierra University Church.”
      Chapel meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at the La Sierra University Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Students must attend 10 of the 12 chapel programs each quarter.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are required to attend 10 of the 12 Chapel Programs scheduled each quarter.”
      Students must attend 10 of 12 chapel programs each quarter.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Students living in the residence halls must attend one additional weekly worship program (residence hall worship, Rendezvous, or small group worship), per the 2025-2026 handbook.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2025-2026 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/slife/student-handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “students living in the dorms must attend one additional weekly worship program. To meet this requirement, students may choose from various program options: residence hall worship, the student association worship service (Rendezvous), or small group worship.”
      Residence students must attend one weekly worship program; residence hall worship, Rendezvous and small group worship are options.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spiritual Life Pastor Derrick Cruz, Director University Chaplain”
      Derrick Cruz is named Director and University Chaplain of Spiritual Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel meets every Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the La Sierra University Church.”
      Chapel meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at the La Sierra University Church.
    2. Student Handbook 2025-2026 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/slife/student-handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “the University Church, the Alumni Pavilion, or any other university facility”
      The University Church is a university facility.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

89 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (The General Education program requires 16 units of religion (4 units Beliefs, 4 units Scripture, 8 units electives), which is four 4-unit courses. Based on the NEW Gen Ed page (Fall 2024 and later) and the 2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. The 2026-2027 bulletin religion area was confirmed by search, not quoted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements: Track 1 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/general-education/the-new-gen-ed/general-education-requirements-track-1 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Beliefs (4 Units) Scripture (4 Units) Electives (8 Units)”
      Religion & Society requires 16 units: 4 Beliefs, 4 Scripture and 8 electives.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsOne choice among others (Scripture is one choice among RELB 104, RELB 206 (Hebrew Bible/Old Testament) and RELB 207 (New Testament); both testaments are not required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements: Track 1 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/general-education/the-new-gen-ed/general-education-requirements-track-1 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Category C. Scripture (4 units) RELB 104 Jesus & the Gospels (IDEI) RELB 206 Sacred Texts: The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Scriptures”
      Scripture courses are one choice among several options, including Hebrew Bible and New Testament.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The official About page states that faith and learning are integrated in the curriculum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/about · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Faith and learning are integrated in the curriculum and in student activities”
      Faith and learning are integrated in the curriculum.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A Religious Studies major (64 units) is offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion Studies | Program Requirements | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/religion/program-requirements/religion-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religious Studies Major”
      A Religious Studies major is offered (64 units).
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

75 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Only one named ministry staff member (Director and University Chaplain) is published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spiritual Life Pastor Derrick Cruz, Director University Chaplain”
      Derrick Cruz is named Director and University Chaplain of Spiritual Life.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearSeveral (Spiritual Emphasis Week runs once a quarter, and the Spiritual Life office offers spiritual renewal retreats.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Once a quarter we have Spiritual Emphasis Week.”
      Spiritual Emphasis Week is held once a quarter.
    2. Student Handbook 2025-2026 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/slife/student-handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Office of Spiritual Life serves students’ needs by providing a variety of worship events, mission and outreach activities, small Bible and discussion groups, and spiritual renewal retreats.”
      The Office of Spiritual Life offers worship events, outreach, small Bible groups and spiritual renewal retreats.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Small Bible and discussion groups, the Rendezvous student worship service, and small group worship.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2025-2026 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/slife/student-handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Office of Spiritual Life serves students’ needs by providing a variety of worship events, mission and outreach activities, small Bible and discussion groups, and spiritual renewal retreats.”
      The Office of Spiritual Life offers worship events, outreach, small Bible groups and spiritual renewal retreats.
      “students living in the dorms must attend one additional weekly worship program. To meet this requirement, students may choose from various program options: residence hall worship, the student association worship service (Rendezvous), or small group worship.”
      Residence students must attend one weekly worship program; residence hall worship, Rendezvous and small group worship are options.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (Residence students must attend one weekly worship program, and residence hall worship is an option.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2025-2026 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/slife/student-handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “students living in the dorms must attend one additional weekly worship program. To meet this requirement, students may choose from various program options: residence hall worship, the student association worship service (Rendezvous), or small group worship.”
      Residence students must attend one weekly worship program; residence hall worship, Rendezvous and small group worship are options.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (An office for spiritual life is led by a named director.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Spiritual Life staff serves the spiritual needs of the La Sierra University community.”
      A Spiritual Life staff serves the university community.
    2. Student Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spiritual Life Pastor Derrick Cruz, Director University Chaplain”
      Derrick Cruz is named Director and University Chaplain of Spiritual Life.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (The Spiritual Life office runs outreach, with a Missions Director.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Interested in local or international outreach, please email our Missions Director”
      Spiritual Life runs local and international outreach with a Missions Director.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (Two service-learning courses are part of the General Education program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements: Track 1 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/general-education/the-new-gen-ed/general-education-requirements-track-1 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “2 Service Learning courses (these may be within you major, a minor, the General Education program, or electives”
      Two service-learning courses are a General Education requirement.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Many short- and long-term study abroad and mission trips are offered every year (the label 'Many each year').)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academics | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/academics · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Many short- and long-term study abroad, study tour and mission trips are offered every year.”
      Many short- and long-term study, tour and mission trips are offered each year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Many short- and long-term mission trips and study tours each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academics | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/academics · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Many short- and long-term study abroad, study tour and mission trips are offered every year.”
      Many short- and long-term study, tour and mission trips are offered each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2025-2026 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/slife/student-handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At La Sierra, we believe that religion is always personal but never private.”
      The university describes its religious commitment as public, with a social dimension to service.
      “The Office of Spiritual Life serves students’ needs by providing a variety of worship events, mission and outreach activities, small Bible and discussion groups, and spiritual renewal retreats.”
      The Office of Spiritual Life offers worship events, outreach, small Bible groups and spiritual renewal retreats.

Strengths

  • Chapel meets weekly on campus and students are required to attend 10 of 12 programs each quarter.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel meets every Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the La Sierra University Church.”
      Chapel meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at the La Sierra University Church.
      “Students are required to attend 10 of the 12 Chapel Programs scheduled each quarter.”
      Students must attend 10 of 12 chapel programs each quarter.
  • The General Education program requires 16 units of religion courses.
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements: Track 1 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/general-education/the-new-gen-ed/general-education-requirements-track-1 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Beliefs (4 Units) Scripture (4 Units) Electives (8 Units)”
      Religion & Society requires 16 units: 4 Beliefs, 4 Scripture and 8 electives.
  • Many short- and long-term mission trips are offered every year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Academics | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/academics · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Many short- and long-term study abroad, study tour and mission trips are offered every year.”
      Many short- and long-term study, tour and mission trips are offered each year.
  • Spiritual Emphasis Week runs once a quarter, and the Spiritual Life office offers spiritual renewal retreats.
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Once a quarter we have Spiritual Emphasis Week.”
      Spiritual Emphasis Week is held once a quarter.
    2. Student Handbook 2025-2026 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/fileadmin/documents/slife/student-handbook.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Office of Spiritual Life serves students’ needs by providing a variety of worship events, mission and outreach activities, small Bible and discussion groups, and spiritual renewal retreats.”
      The Office of Spiritual Life offers worship events, outreach, small Bible groups and spiritual renewal retreats.

Concerns

  • Scripture is one choice among options; both Old and New Testament study are not required of all students.
    Sources (1)
    1. General Education Requirements: Track 1 | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/general-education/the-new-gen-ed/general-education-requirements-track-1 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Category C. Scripture (4 units) RELB 104 Jesus & the Gospels (IDEI) RELB 206 Sacred Texts: The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Scriptures”
      Scripture courses are one choice among several options, including Hebrew Bible and New Testament.
  • Only one named ministry staff member (Director and University Chaplain) is published.
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spiritual Life Pastor Derrick Cruz, Director University Chaplain”
      Derrick Cruz is named Director and University Chaplain of Spiritual Life.
    2. Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Spiritual Life staff serves the spiritual needs of the La Sierra University community.”
      A Spiritual Life staff serves the university community.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Life, La Sierra University

  • Address: 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92505
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: La Sierra University Church (chapel)

Source: lasierra.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, lasierra.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, lasierra.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel meets every Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the La Sierra University Church.”
    Chapel meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at the La Sierra University Church.
  2. Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Spiritual Life staff serves the spiritual needs of the La Sierra University community.”
    A Spiritual Life staff serves the university community.
  3. Student Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Spiritual Life Pastor Derrick Cruz, Director University Chaplain”
    Derrick Cruz is named Director and University Chaplain of Spiritual Life.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 1 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 1

  • Mission and outreach tripsOff campus
    Many each year
    Short- and long-term mission trips and study tours.
    lasierra.edu

Worship and prayer 2

  • ChapelOn campus
    Tuesdays at 11:00 AM during the quarter
    Weekly chapel in the La Sierra University Church.
    lasierra.edu, lasierra.edu
  • Rendezvous (student association worship service)
    Weekly worship option for residence students
    A student worship service that residence students may attend to meet the weekly worship requirement.
    lasierra.edu

Retreats 1

  • Spiritual Emphasis WeekOn campus
    Once a quarter
    A week of chapel programs Tuesday through Thursday.
    lasierra.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Small Bible and discussion groups
    Offered through the Office of Spiritual Life.
    lasierra.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Tuesday11:00 AMLa Sierra University Church · Chapel each week during the quarter. Spiritual Emphasis Week meets Tuesday through Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Chapel | Spiritual Life | La Sierra Universitylasierra.edu/services/spiritual-life/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel meets every Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the La Sierra University Church.”
    Chapel meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. at the La Sierra University Church.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$44,988
$30,001–$48,000$44,593
$48,001–$75,000$45,518
$75,001–$110,000$47,266
Over $110,000$45,999

Full cost of attendance before aid: $51,459 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,244
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 42% · Women 58%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
40%
Total students1,611
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$45,566
Cost of attendance (per year)$51,459
Median federal debt at graduation$27,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
60%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
34%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
30%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
52%
First-year retention77%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$61,824
Admission rate92%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,777 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants47%

Value index: 46 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Social work$69,244
Accounting$59,153
Business administration$56,939
Kinesiology and exercise science$55,711
Criminal justice$53,902
Liberal arts$51,085
Psychology$49,265
Marketing$48,040

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Archeology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Broadcasting, Business (general), Chemistry, Classical and Ancient Studies, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Design, Economics, English, Experimental psychology, Film and video, Finance, Fine arts, Global studies, Health administration, Health sciences, History, Human resources, International business, Mathematics, Music, Neuroscience, Other english language and literature/letters, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Pre-health, Public health, Public relations, Religious studies, Romance languages, Sociology, Teacher education, Theatre, Theology, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Criminal justice and security24%
Business19%
Biology13%
Health professions10%
Visual and performing arts6%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates5%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older7%
On-campus room and board (per year)$13,431
SportsNAIA · California Pacific Conference
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member12 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 4%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time64%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$80,715IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 68% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceOntario International Airport (ONT)About 12 miles away · about 30 minutes by car
Town population319,069Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreRiversideAbout 6 miles away · about 15 minutes by car
Typical weather56°F in January · 79°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Riverside Municipal Airport, CA, about 5 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.320.04
Burglary2.220.08
Motor vehicle theft0.640.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is La Sierra University a Christian college?
Yes. La Sierra University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Seventh-day Adventist Church.
What is La Sierra University’s Compass Score?
81 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at La Sierra University?
Chapel is listed at La Sierra University Church. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is La Sierra University Compass Recommended?
Yes. La Sierra University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 117627
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (medium programs)
  • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Seventh Day Adventist
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

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Pick your family’s yearly income. Each college then shows what families like yours paid on average after grants and scholarships (federal data).

Reach, Target or Likely?

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Will you get in?

Enter your SAT or ACT. We compare it with the middle range of students the college admitted.