La Sierra University vs. San Diego State

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); San Diego State University is in San Diego, CA (Large City setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; San Diego State University 27:1.

La Sierra University vs. San Diego State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State University than La Sierra University ($14,704 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 41.7% lower than at San Diego State University ($13,431 vs. $23,030).
• La Sierra University is 332.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $28,982 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.8% higher at La Sierra University than at San Diego State University (about $16,382 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at San Diego State University (98% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 129.4% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($27,646 vs. $12,053).

La Sierra University vs. San Diego State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University or San Diego State? 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 San Diego State and La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 190 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at La Sierra University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; San Diego State University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; San Diego State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at La Sierra University (3.54).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 20.4% at San Diego State.

La Sierra University vs. San Diego State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and San Diego State? 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).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than La Sierra University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $14,651 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($15,349 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $152 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($158 vs. $310).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.