La Sierra University vs. National University

Comparable Facts

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

National University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (22,115 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); National University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. National University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; National University 16:1.

La Sierra University vs. National University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or National 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 La Sierra University than National University ($23,848 vs. $25,043).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 41.8% lower than at National University ($13,431 vs. $23,076).
• La Sierra University is 183.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than National University (about $24,426 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 183.9% higher at La Sierra University than at National University (about $24,426 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at National University (98% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 171% larger than aid received by National University students ($27,646 vs. $10,200).

La Sierra University vs. National University Admissions comparison

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

• National University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; National University - Open admission.

La Sierra University vs. National University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from National University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than La Sierra University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, National University graduates have a $1,358 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($28,642 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, National University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($296 vs. $310).
• More La Sierra University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National University students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 50%)

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.