La Sierra University vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

La Sierra University vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or San Jose 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 Jose State University than La Sierra University ($13,892 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 36% lower than at San Jose State University ($13,431 vs. $20,971).
• La Sierra University is 348.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $29,300 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.5% higher at La Sierra University than at San Jose State University (about $16,700 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at San Jose State University (98% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 123.8% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($27,646 vs. $12,353).

La Sierra University vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 120 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

La Sierra University vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and San Jose 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 Jose State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than La Sierra University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($15,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($155 vs. $310).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.