La Sierra University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

La Sierra University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,574 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Central College 11:1.

La Sierra University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or Central College? 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 the same at La Sierra University and Central College ($23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 10.2% lower than at La Sierra University ($12,060 vs. $13,431).
• La Sierra University is 79.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $16,722 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.7% higher at La Sierra University than at Central College (about $16,722 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at La Sierra University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 98.5% larger than aid received by Central College students ($27,646 vs. $13,925).

La Sierra University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 80 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Central College (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Central College (3.52).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 21% at Central College.

La Sierra University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central College graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($27,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Central College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($279 vs. $310).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.