La Sierra University vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mary Baldwin University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

La Sierra University vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University than La Sierra University ($17,810 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 15% lower than at La Sierra University ($11,411 vs. $13,431).
• La Sierra University is 10.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MBC (about $3,558 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.4% higher at La Sierra University than at Mary Baldwin University (about $3,558 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at La Sierra University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 1.8% larger than aid received by La Sierra University students ($28,135 vs. $27,646).

La Sierra University vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 20 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at MBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at La Sierra University (3.54).

La Sierra University vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mary Baldwin University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($27,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, MBC graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($279 vs. $310).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.