La Sierra University vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

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

La Sierra University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (1,574 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Northland College 5:1.

La Sierra University vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University or Northland 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 less at Northland College than La Sierra University ($23,253 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northland College are 13.6% lower than at La Sierra University ($11,600 vs. $13,431).
• Northland College is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than La Sierra University (about $6,693 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $37,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.7% higher at Northland College than at La Sierra University (about $6,693 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $37,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northland College than at La Sierra University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 21.4% larger than aid received by La Sierra University students ($33,572 vs. $27,646).

La Sierra University vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (1050) is 40 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Northland College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Northland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Northland College (3.3).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Northland College (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

La Sierra University vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University and Northland 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).

• Northland College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $17,000 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northland College graduates have a $3,057 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($26,943 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Northland College graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($278 vs. $310).
• More Northland College 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.