
4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92506, USA


La Sierra University provides a range of athletic opportunities for students interested in competitive sports and fitness. The university's athletic teams participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), offering a variety of men's and women's sports that foster teamwork, discipline, and school spirit.
Students can join teams including basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and cross country, among others. These programs emphasize both athletic development and academic achievement, aiming to create a balanced college experience.
In addition to varsity sports, La Sierra encourages involvement in intramural activities and fitness programs that are accessible to all students, promoting wellness and an active lifestyle on campus.
La Sierra University offers a variety of student groups and associations catering to diverse interests and academic goals. Students interested in health-related careers can join pre-professional organizations such as Pre Dentistry and Pre Med, providing opportunities to prepare for advanced studies in those fields. For those seeking community involvement and leadership experience, the university hosts Enactus (formerly known as SIFE), a group focused on entrepreneurial action and social impact.
Moreover, cultural and identity-based organizations are active on campus, including the International Club, which fosters global awareness and cultural exchange, and the Black Student Association, which serves as a platform for students to engage with issues relevant to the Black community.
La Sierra University enrolls a moderately sized student body, with a total of 362 new students, including 258 freshmen and 104 transfer students. This intake level is considered average and places the university in the lower third percentile nationally for new student volume.
The university's student population includes a wide age range, particularly among undergraduates. Most undergraduates are between 18 and 21 years old, with 479 aged 18-19 and 394 aged 20-21. There are also smaller numbers of younger students under 18 and older adult learners, including 40 students aged 25-29 and a few beyond 50 years old. Graduate students tend to be older, with many between 22 and 49 years old; notably, 78 are aged 22-24, 90 aged 25-29, and 74 aged 40-49, indicating a diverse age profile that encompasses both recent college graduates and mature students.
Ethnic diversity at La Sierra University shows a significant Hispanic presence, comprising 598 students, which reflects an average representation and ranks the university in the bottom 45 percentile nationally for Hispanic enrollment. African American students number 81, which is also an average proportion but in the lower 35 percentile range. Asian students total 197, while White students account for 107, representing a relatively smaller segment compared to other groups. Other ethnic categories include smaller numbers of Native American, Pacific Islander, and multiracial students, each reflecting average diversity levels but generally placing the university in the lower national percentiles for these groups.
Data on in-state and out-of-state student proportions or the percentages of foreign students are not available, limiting insight into geographic diversity. Overall, the demographic profile indicates a campus community with a solid Hispanic majority, supported by varied age groups and a blend of undergraduate and graduate learners, though the institution tends to enroll fewer students in certain ethnic categories relative to national distributions.
Student life at La Sierra University includes a variety of cultural and social activities designed to enrich the college experience. The campus supports a newspaper, drama productions, and a chorus, offering students opportunities to engage in creative and performing arts. Although there is no campus radio, band, or television station, those interested in theater and music can find outlets for participation.
Health and wellness services are available with access to a health clinic and psychological counseling, providing essential support for students' physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the university offers a women's center that focuses on issues and resources relevant to female students. However, there are no dedicated veterans' affairs or legal services offices on campus.
The relatively moderate student-to-faculty ratio of 11: 1 suggests that students may expect to have meaningful interactions with faculty, which can enhance academic engagement and support. The total enrollment size is around 1,600 students, positioning La Sierra University as a smaller institution where many students might enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere.
La Sierra University provides students with access to two libraries, including its primary facility, the University Library. This number of libraries ranks around the 54th percentile, placing it slightly above average compared to other institutions. The university offers a range of physical and digital library resources, supported by trained staff to assist students.
Students can make use of study rooms for focused work, although all-day access to the facilities is not available. Established operating hours ensure predictable access, and there is provision for shared collections, expanding the range of materials available beyond the university's own holdings.
The library system offers weekly service hours totaling 76, balancing availability between physical presence and digital access to support diverse research and study needs.
Total enrollment
1611Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
255Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
269 full time, 128 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
University LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes