La Sierra University vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Monterey Bay is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (7,713 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

La Sierra University vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay than La Sierra University ($14,493 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 22.1% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($13,431 vs. $17,234).
• La Sierra University is 384.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $29,931 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85% higher at La Sierra University than at California State University Monterey Bay (about $17,331 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $20,379.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at California State University Monterey Bay (98% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 126.9% larger than aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students ($27,646 vs. $12,185).

La Sierra University vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University or CSUMB? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CSUMB and La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Monterey Bay (1060) is 50 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at CSUMB).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; California State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at CSUMB (3.45).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than La Sierra University (91.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

La Sierra University vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and CSUMB? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University Monterey Bay's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than CSUMB graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $16,000 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($14,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $166 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($144 vs. $310).
• More CSUMB graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.