La Sierra University: Programs, Rankings, Campus Life & Admissions Guide

La Sierra University, a private Seventh-day Adventist institution in Riverside, California, has evolved from its 1922 beginnings as La Sierra Academy into a comprehensive university offering over 70 undergraduate majors, 30+ graduate and doctoral programs, and strong healthcare-focused pre-professional tracks.

It integrates Christian faith with liberal education and is recognized for its Service-Learning and community engagement, ranking within the top 900 U.S. universities in EduRank 2025. The 150-acre campus offers vibrant student life, diverse clubs, worship opportunities, and vegetarian dining, while maintaining a supportive environment through extensive services and residential life.

With around 1,500 students, an acceptance rate of 93%, and varied financial aid, La Sierra emphasizes holistic growth, athletics through its Golden Eagles teams, and mission opportunities, producing notable alumni across diverse fields while staying rooted in its mission of faith, learning, and service.

La Sierra University

La Sierra University, a private Seventh-day Adventist institution located in Riverside, California, boasts a rich history rooted in service and academic excellence. Since its founding as La Sierra Academy in 1922, it has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

History and Foundation

La Sierra University’s origins trace back to 1922, when it was established as La Sierra Academy on land that was once part of an 1846 Mexican land grant. It quickly expanded, becoming La Sierra Academy and Normal School in 1923 with the addition of teacher training coursework. Subsequent name changes reflected its growth: Southern California Junior College in 1927, and La Sierra College in 1939.

In 1946, it received formal accreditation as a four-year liberal arts college. A significant merger in 1967 saw La Sierra College become the College of Arts and Sciences within Loma Linda University. However, in 1990, the La Sierra and Loma Linda campuses reorganized into separate institutions, officially establishing La Sierra University with its distinct schools.

Academic Programs and Offerings

La Sierra University is dedicated to a liberal education that integrates academic inquiry with Christian faith and service. The university offers a wide array of programs, including:

• Undergraduate Degrees: Over 70 undergraduate majors across various disciplines.
• Graduate and Doctoral Programs: More than 30 master’s, doctoral, and credential programs.
• Pre-Professional Programs: 22 programs, with a strong emphasis on healthcare professions.
• Online Programs: 11 online degree options.
• Adult Evening Degree Program: A flexible option for adult learners.

Notable academic areas and departments include:

• College of Arts and Sciences: Encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects, from Natural and Social Sciences to Arts and Humanities.
• School of Business and Management
• School of Education
• School of Religion

The university also features an Honors Program for academically qualified students, providing special classroom settings, international travel opportunities, and advanced research. Furthermore, La Sierra is recognized for its Service-Learning program, a national leader in integrating community-based service into academic instruction, and offers various Study Abroad Experiences.

Rankings and Recognition

La Sierra University consistently earns recognition for its academic quality and community engagement. According to EduRank’s 2025 rating, La Sierra University is ranked:

• #900 of 2,496 in the United States.
• #80 of 249 in California.
• #3 of 3 in Riverside.
• #3479 of 14,131 globally.

Specific subject rankings (2025 EduRank):

• Zoology: #1548 in the World, #345 in the United States.
• Theology / Divinity / Religious Studies: #3094 in the World, #869 in the United States.
• Evolutionary Biology: #2896 in the World, #601 in the United States.
• Biology: #4523 in the World, #867 in the United States.
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences: #4703 in the World, #1007 in the United States.
• Environmental Science: #4708 in the World, #883 in the United States.
• Medicine: #4991 in the World, #1080 in the United States.

La Sierra University has also been recognized by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its extensive community service initiatives, and in 2015, received the Carnegie Foundation re-classification in the area of Community Engagement. It is the only Seventh-day Adventist school in the U.S. with this specific recognition.

Campus and Facilities

The university’s campus spans 150 acres in Riverside, California. Residential life is a significant aspect of the student experience, with dormitories offering amenities such as:

• Kitchenettes
• Laundry facilities
• TV rooms
• Wireless internet access
• Mailboxes
• AC/Heating in each room
• Some dorms feature pools, hot tubs, gyms, and communal recreation spaces like “man caves” with pool tables, ping pong, and air hockey.

Beyond residential halls, the campus provides various offices and services to support students, including Accessibility Services, Campus Security, Dining Services (offering 100% vegetarian/vegan cuisine), Financial Aid, International Student Services, and Wellness Services.

Student Life and Community

La Sierra University fosters a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for engagement:

• Student Organizations: Dozens of student-run clubs catering to diverse interests.
• Arts and Culture: Drama performances and music groups.
• Worship Opportunities: Weekly chapel services and optional spiritual gatherings like “Rendezvous” and “First Service.”
• Mission Opportunities: Through the Center for Outreach and Mission Service, students can participate in local outreach and long-term mission trips.
• Residential Life: On-campus living is encouraged, with meal plans and structured curfews based on academic standing.

The university emphasizes community involvement through its Service-Learning program, requiring all students to complete two such designated courses.

Student Enrollment and Admissions

As of Fall 2024, La Sierra University has a total enrollment of over 1,500 students, comprising over 1,100 undergraduate students and over 340 graduate students. The university is diverse, with international students from countries like Canada, Kiribati, India, Mexico, and Brazil.

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 93%, indicating a less selective admission process.

Admission Requirements:

• Undergraduate: Completion of Class 10 and Class 12 education.
• Graduate: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores.
• English Language Proficiency: IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (79+), or Duolingo (120+).
• Average GPA for admitted students: Ranges from 2.5 to 3.75+.
• SAT/ACT Scores: While considered, the university also evaluates other factors like GPA, transcript, extracurriculars, and application essays.

Application Deadlines (I-20 Application):

• Summer: April 15
• Fall: August 15
• Winter: November 15
• Spring: February 15

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition fees vary by program, with estimated first-year tuition ranging from ₹16 L to ₹43 L for international students (as of Fall 2024 data, subject to change).

La Sierra University offers various financial aid options to make education affordable:

• Federal and State Aid: Including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, California State Grants (Cal Grant A and B), Federal Direct Loan Program, and Federal Work Study.
• Institutional Scholarships: Based on GPA and other factors, with varying amounts.
• Commitment Loan to Scholarship Program

Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and CalGrant applications as a primary step for financial assistance.

Athletics

The La Sierra Golden Eagles compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Division II, California Pacific Conference. The university fields nine intercollegiate teams, including:

• Baseball
• Softball
• Basketball
• Soccer (men’s and women’s)
• Cross Country
• Volleyball

Beyond intercollegiate sports, La Sierra offers over 20 intramural teams. The university provides state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including modern gyms and well-maintained fields.

Notable Alumni

While the provided data lists many individuals, some notable alumni include:

• Frank Jobe: Renowned orthopedic surgeon.
• Katherine Siva Saubel: Cahuilla Native American author and cultural leader.
• Gary Chartier: American legal scholar and philosopher.
• Hope Anita Smith: American author and poet.
• David Pendleton: Ventriloquist.
• Yamileth Bazan:
• Earle Hilgert: Theologian.
• Brian Wright: Basketball player.

La Sierra University continues to be a dynamic institution focused on providing a holistic educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and service.

FAQs about La Sierra University

What is La Sierra University known for?
La Sierra University is known for its faith-integrated liberal education, strong service-learning programs, healthcare-focused pre-professional tracks, and vibrant community engagement.

Where is La Sierra University located?
It is located in Riverside, California, USA.

When was La Sierra University founded?
It was founded in 1922 as La Sierra Academy.

Is La Sierra University a public or private institution?
It is a private, Seventh-day Adventist institution.

What is the campus size of La Sierra University?
The campus spans 150 acres in Riverside, California.

What is the acceptance rate at La Sierra University?
The acceptance rate is approximately 93%, making it less selective.

How many students are enrolled at La Sierra University?
As of Fall 2024, there are over 1,500 students, including over 1,100 undergraduates and 340+ graduate students.

What academic programs does La Sierra University offer?
La Sierra offers over 70 undergraduate majors, 30+ graduate and doctoral programs, 22 pre-professional programs, and 11 online degree options.

Does La Sierra University offer online programs?
Yes, the university offers 11 online degree programs.

What is the ranking of La Sierra University?
According to EduRank 2025, it ranks #900 in the US, #80 in California, and #3479 globally.

What are some strong academic areas at La Sierra University?
Strong areas include healthcare pre-professional programs, liberal arts, biology, environmental science, and theology.

What is the tuition fee for international students at La Sierra University?
First-year tuition for international students ranges from ₹16 Lakh to ₹43 Lakh per year, depending on the program.

Does La Sierra University offer financial aid?
Yes, it offers federal and state aid, institutional scholarships, and encourages students to complete FAFSA and CalGrant applications.

What dining options are available at La Sierra University?
The university provides 100% vegetarian and vegan dining services on campus.

What residential facilities are available at La Sierra University?
Dormitories include WiFi, AC/heating, kitchenettes, laundry, TV rooms, and some have gyms, pools, and recreation spaces.

Does La Sierra University have athletics programs?
Yes, the La Sierra Golden Eagles compete in NAIA Division II, with nine intercollegiate teams and over 20 intramural teams.

What athletics are offered at La Sierra University?
Sports include baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, cross country, and volleyball.

What are the admission requirements for undergraduate students?
Completion of Class 10 and 12 education is required, along with English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.

What are the English language requirements for admission?
IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (79+), or Duolingo (120+) are accepted for admission.

Are SAT/ACT scores required for admission?
They are considered but not mandatory, as GPA, transcripts, extracurriculars, and essays are also evaluated.

What are the application deadlines for La Sierra University?
Summer: April 15, Fall: August 15, Winter: November 15, Spring: February 15.

Does La Sierra University offer graduate programs?
Yes, it offers more than 30 master’s, doctoral, and credential programs.

Is there an Honors Program at La Sierra University?
Yes, academically qualified students can enroll in the Honors Program, which offers advanced research opportunities and international travel.

What worship opportunities are available on campus?
Weekly chapel services, “Rendezvous” gatherings, and “First Service” are available for spiritual enrichment.

Does La Sierra University provide mission opportunities?
Yes, through the Center for Outreach and Mission Service, students can join local and long-term mission trips.

Is on-campus living mandatory at La Sierra University?
On-campus living is encouraged, with structured curfews based on academic standing.

Are there student clubs at La Sierra University?
Yes, there are dozens of student-run clubs catering to various interests.

What is the dining system like at La Sierra University?
Meal plans with 100% vegetarian/vegan options are provided to students on campus.

What student services are available on campus?
Services include Accessibility Services, Campus Security, Dining Services, Financial Aid, International Student Services, and Wellness Services.

What notable alumni have graduated from La Sierra University?
Notable alumni include Frank Jobe, Katherine Siva Saubel, Gary Chartier, Hope Anita Smith, and David Pendleton.

What makes La Sierra University unique among Adventist institutions?
It is the only Seventh-day Adventist university in the U.S. recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for Community Engagement.

Does La Sierra University have a strong service-learning program?
Yes, it is nationally recognized for integrating community service with academic instruction.

Is financial aid available for international students?
Institutional scholarships are available, but federal and state aid are generally for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.

Does La Sierra University offer pre-professional healthcare programs?
Yes, with a strong emphasis on healthcare and pre-professional preparation.

What cultural activities are available on campus?
Students can engage in drama performances, music groups, and art activities.

Does La Sierra University support study abroad programs?
Yes, the university offers various study abroad experiences for its students.

What is the average GPA of admitted students?
The average GPA ranges from 2.5 to 3.75+.

How diverse is the student body at La Sierra University?
It is diverse, with students from countries including Canada, India, Mexico, Brazil, and Kiribati.