
4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92506, USA


La Sierra University holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. This accreditation confirms that the institution meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education.
The university's programs are periodically reviewed to ensure they maintain rigorous academic requirements and provide students with recognized credentials. Such accreditation is critical for prospective students as it affects credit transferability, eligibility for federal financial aid, and the overall credibility of the degrees awarded.
La Sierra University requires applicants to have completed a secondary education with a valid General Educational Development (GED) certificate or equivalent. Submission of secondary school transcripts is mandatory, while secondary school rank is suggested but not compulsory. Prospective students must also present proof of college program completion. A functioning computer is necessary for the application process, and the university offers the option to lease one if needed.
English proficiency is verified through a mandatory TOEFL score. While scores from other standardized tests and admission test results are recommended, they are not strictly required. Letters of recommendation and demonstrated academic competencies are advised to strengthen the application, though they are not compulsory.
Admission preference is given to Seventh-day Adventist applicants, and the university does not follow an open admission policy. Credit transfer through dual enrollment is not accepted, but Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized. The acceptance rate is notably high at 93%, reflecting a relatively accessible admission process compared to many peers.
La Sierra University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission forms. However, the university offers fee waivers under specific conditions to assist applicants who may face financial barriers. These waivers are designed to ensure that the application process remains accessible to a diverse group of candidates.
The university considers fee waiver requests from students who demonstrate financial need or who meet particular eligibility criteria set forth by the admissions office. This may include, but is not limited to, applicants participating in certain outreach programs or those referred by high school counselors. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about the possibility of a fee waiver early in the application process to ensure timely consideration.
By providing options for fee waivers, La Sierra University aims to support equitable access to higher education, reducing the financial burden for applicants and promoting inclusiveness in its admissions procedures.
La Sierra University does not currently offer any Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on its campus. Prospective students interested in participating in ROTC are advised to explore nearby universities that provide these military training and leadership development opportunities. Since La Sierra University lacks its own ROTC units, students may consider cross-enrollment options if available through partner institutions or military branches, although specific affiliations or arrangements are not disclosed in the available information.
La Sierra University welcomes transfer students throughout the academic year, allowing enrollment in fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. The admission process is considered minimally difficult, suggesting a relatively accessible transfer pathway. Prospective transfer students can submit credits earned through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) program, and the university also accepts the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams. Additionally, recommendations from previous institutions are taken into account as part of the application.
La Sierra University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic experience and broaden cultural understanding for its students. These programs include semester-long exchanges, shorter-term faculty-led trips, and service-learning opportunities in multiple countries. The university emphasizes experiential learning outside the traditional classroom, allowing participants to immerse themselves in different cultural settings while earning academic credits.
The available destinations cover diverse regions, enabling students to study languages, global issues, and their chosen academic disciplines in authentic contexts. Additionally, La Sierra University provides support services to help students navigate the logistics of international travel and adjust to new environments, fostering both personal and academic growth.
International internships and collaborative research projects are also part of the university's offerings, giving students practical experience while abroad. These programs aim to prepare students for global citizenship by enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills and expanding their professional networks worldwide.
Median composite SAT score
1010Median composite ACT score
23Percent of students submitting ACT scores
27.2%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedPreferential admissions consideration text
Seventh-day AdventistsOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
Data not availableWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer