La Sierra University vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

La Sierra University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,574 students vs. 646 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

La Sierra University vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or Bluffton University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bluffton University than La Sierra University ($20,429 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 9% lower than at La Sierra University ($12,220 vs. $13,431).
• La Sierra University is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluffton University (about $348 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at La Sierra University than at Bluffton University (about $348 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at La Sierra University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by La Sierra University students ($31,481 vs. $27,646).

La Sierra University vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University or Bluffton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bluffton University and La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at La Sierra University (1010) is 10 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Sierra University 880/1140; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: La Sierra University 18/28; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

La Sierra University vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and Bluffton University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluffton University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($27,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluffton University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($279 vs. $310).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.