Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Riverside, California
93.3% Acceptance Rate
La Sierra University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
93.3%Acceptance Rate
3.54Avg GPA
1010Avg SAT
$49,365Annual Cost
$61,824Grad Salary
47.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
93.3%
Avg GPA
3.54
Avg SAT
1010
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
970–1040
Need-Based Aid
47.4% receive Pell
La Sierra University is a private, Seventh-day Adventist institution in California that emphasizes the integration of faith, scholarship, and community service. Admissions are holistic, weighing academic merit against the applicant's alignment with the university's mission to foster whole-person development and active, ethical global citizenship. The university looks for students who demonstrate high intellectual curiosity and a genuine commitment to values-based education and service to others.
For prospective students, the best strategy is to highlight participation in church, youth group, or community service initiatives during high school, as these reflect the university's core emphasis on service-learning. A strong application includes evidence of leadership or sustained extracurricular engagement that demonstrates the student's readiness to participate in a diverse, community-focused campus culture. A compelling personal statement should discuss how the student's personal values align with the mission of the university and how they intend to contribute to its intellectually active and supportive environment.
La Sierra University Acceptance Rate
La Sierra University runs an open-access admission policy. With a 93.3% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 93.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.09
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
La Sierra University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
La Sierra University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
La Sierra University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (March 2, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
La Sierra University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at La Sierra University is 3.54. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.24 and 3.54? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.74–3.94.La Sierra University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.14 – 3.33
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.13
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- La Sierra explicitly gives preferential admissions consideration to Seventh-day Adventist applicants; admission is rolling with no strict deadline, though early application is recommended for scholarship consideration.
- All students are required to have a computer, with the university offering its own computer purchase/lease plan as part of enrollment.
- As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, campus life is structured around Sabbath observance (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown), which can affect scheduling and campus rhythms.
- Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) offers a denomination-wide study-abroad network allowing students to fulfill major requirements at partner SDA institutions globally.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at La Sierra University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on La Sierra University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
La Sierra University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if La Sierra University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into La Sierra University Without SAT or ACT?
La Sierra University neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
La Sierra University Average SAT Score: 1010
The average SAT score of admitted students at La Sierra University is 1010 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1010 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1040 SAT) to stand out. Below average? La Sierra University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 970, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at La Sierra University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1010 | 970 | 1040 |
Below 970, you're behind most admitted students; at 1040 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into La Sierra University with a 1050 SAT?
A 1050 SAT puts you ahead of most of La Sierra University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for La Sierra University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
La Sierra University provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Disclose Seventh-day Adventist affiliation clearly if applicable
La Sierra explicitly gives preferential admissions consideration to Seventh-day Adventist applicants. A student with SDA church membership or a strong denominational connection should make this clear and documented in their application rather than leaving it to be inferred.
Budget for the mandatory computer purchase/lease requirement
La Sierra requires all students to have a computer through its own purchase/lease plan - a specific institutional requirement, not just a general "bring a laptop" suggestion. Factor this into first-year cost planning separate from tuition.
Ask how Sabbath observance shapes campus scheduling
As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, La Sierra's campus rhythm, worship schedule, and some academic/administrative scheduling may be shaped by Sabbath observance (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). A non-Adventist student should ask directly how this affects exam scheduling, dining hours, and weekend activities before enrolling.
Ask about Adventist Colleges Abroad for study abroad
ACA is a denomination-wide network of SDA universities globally, letting a La Sierra student fulfill major requirements while studying overseas through partner Adventist institutions rather than a generic third-party study-abroad provider.
Expert Insight:
One source (research.com) reports an implausible 10% acceptance rate for La Sierra University, which conflicts sharply with the university's broader profile as a moderately accessible, rolling-admission institution. Treat this figure as a likely data error and verify directly with La Sierra admissions rather than using it to gauge selectivity.
La Sierra University Profile
Full Name
La Sierra University
City
Riverside
State
California
ZIP Code
92505-8247
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a La Sierra University Degree Worth It?
La Sierra University offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $63,300, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.51%.
How much does a degree from La Sierra University Cost?
The sticker price is $49,365/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
47.4% of students receive a Pell Grant and 61.3% take federal loans at La Sierra University. File your FAFSA early and list La Sierra University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a La Sierra University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $61,824. That's about 52% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than La Sierra University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | 994 | 21 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Americus, GA | 998 | 19 |
| Life University | Marietta, GA | 994 | 17 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Kapolei, HI | 973 | 18 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as La Sierra University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than La Sierra University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
Degree Programs at La Sierra University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About La Sierra University Admissions
Median graduate earnings at La Sierra University run about $61,824 a year.
La Sierra University costs roughly $49,365 a year, and most students combine this with scholarships or aid.
About 47.4% receive a Pell Grant at La Sierra University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 93.3%, La Sierra University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at La Sierra University average a 3.54 GPA.
La Sierra University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.24 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.14, La Sierra University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at La Sierra University — aim above 1010, ideally within the 970–1040 range admitted students typically fall in.
La Sierra University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 30. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is March 2, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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