La Sierra University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Columbia College 12:1.

La Sierra University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College than La Sierra University ($18,790 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 30.1% lower than at La Sierra University ($9,390 vs. $13,431).
• La Sierra University is 69.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $15,496 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.8% higher at La Sierra University than at Columbia College (about $15,496 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at Columbia College (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 68.1% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($27,646 vs. $16,451).

La Sierra University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College and La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at La Sierra University (1010) is 10 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at La Sierra University (3.54).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than La Sierra University (91.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

La Sierra University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and Columbia College? 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $4,736 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($25,264 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($261 vs. $310).
• More La Sierra University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 43%)

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.