La Sierra University is a private Seventh-day Adventist institution in Riverside, California, founded in 1922 on a 150-acre suburban campus. As per US News Best Colleges 2026, the university ranks #3 for Top Performers on Social Mobility.
La Sierra offers 100+ degree programmes in English across four schools, including the Zapara School of Business. Indian applicants gravitate to MBA specialisations, MS Accounting, biology, and education tracks with rolling admissions across four quarters. Multiple entry points suit Indian students planning MS universities in USA without a single-cycle bottleneck.
- US News 2026 Rank: #41 Regional Universities West
- Acceptance Rate: 91% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters
- Graduate Tuition: USD 730 to USD 777 per unit (INR 68,985 to INR 73,426 per unit)
- Annual UG Cost of Attendance: USD 60,450 (INR 57.13 lakh)
- Post-Study Work: 12-month OPT, extending to 36 months for STEM graduates
Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students
Undergraduate tuition is USD 39,000 annually for 2026-27, with campus housing raising the total to USD 60,450. International applicants enter on a US visa for Indian students and submit WES or ECE evaluation of Indian transcripts. Anees Haddad awards and merit scholarships help offset costs.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Winter 2027 intake). The Winter 2027 I-20 application deadline is 15 November 2026 for international applicants. Spring 2027 (deadline 15 February 2027) and Fall 2027 (deadline 15 August 2027) applications are also being accepted. La Sierra runs rolling admissions across four quarterly intakes with no fixed close date beyond these I-20 dates.
Table of Contents
- La Sierra University Popular Courses and Fees 2027
- La Sierra University Admission 2027
- La Sierra University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- La Sierra University Acceptance Rate 2027
- La Sierra Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- La Sierra University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- La Sierra University Scholarships 2027
- La Sierra University Rankings 2027
- La Sierra University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- La Sierra University vs Peer Universities
- La Sierra University FAQs
La Sierra University Popular Courses and Fees 2027
La Sierra University runs a quarter-based academic year with three teaching quarters and an optional summer quarter. Undergraduate tuition is billed at USD 13,000 per quarter for full-time enrolment of 12 to 18 units. Graduate programmes charge per unit at USD 550 to USD 777 depending on the school and discipline.
La Sierra University Popular Postgraduate Programmes and Fees 2027
Master’s programmes at La Sierra span 45 to 72 quarter units, completed over five to eight quarters at full-time pace. Total tuition below multiplies the per-unit rate by typical programme length; final cost varies with electives and course load.
| Programme | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA Management | USD 47,397 (estimated) | 44.79 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Finance | USD 47,397 (estimated) | 44.79 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Marketing | USD 47,397 (estimated) | 44.79 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Accounting | USD 47,397 (estimated) | 44.79 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Accounting | USD 35,040 (estimated) | 33.11 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA English | USD 35,040 (estimated) | 33.11 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA Education | USD 32,850 (estimated) | 31.04 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| EdS Educational Leadership | USD 35,040 (estimated) | 33.11 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| EdD Educational Administration | USD 52,560 (estimated) | 49.67 lakh (estimated) | Master’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MA Religion | USD 19,776 (estimated) | 18.69 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
[Source: La Sierra University official 2026-27 tuition schedule]
La Sierra University Popular Undergraduate Programmes and Fees 2027
Undergraduate degrees at La Sierra span four years at USD 39,000 per year in tuition, or USD 156,000 total across the standard programme. All undergraduates carry a USD 990 annual general fee on top of tuition.
| Programme | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Business Administration | USD 156,000 | 147.42 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Accounting | USD 156,000 | 147.42 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Biology | USD 156,000 | 147.42 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | USD 156,000 | 147.42 lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | USD 156,000 | 147.42 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
[Source: La Sierra University official 2026-27 tuition schedule]
Insider note: Most Indian applicants at La Sierra choose MBA specialisations or MS Accounting, driven by no-GRE waivers and Riverside’s proximity to Los Angeles employers.
Read More: La Sierra University Programs and Fees Guide
La Sierra University Admission 2027
La Sierra University runs four annual intakes for international applicants, with Fall and Winter being the primary cycles for Indian students. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and I-20 issuance follows visa document deadlines rather than a single closing date.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2027 I-20 deadline | 15 November 2026 | Smaller cohort; apply within 8 weeks of TODAY |
| Spring 2027 I-20 deadline | 15 February 2027 | Verify programme availability before applying |
| Summer 2027 I-20 deadline | 15 April 2027 | Limited to select programmes |
| Fall 2027 I-20 deadline | 15 August 2027 | Primary intake with largest cohort of Indian students |
| Credential verification (WES/ECE) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Mandatory for Indian bachelor transcripts |
[Source: La Sierra University Office of Admissions]
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should start WES evaluation by June 2027. Backlogs in slot booking at US consulates can add 4 to 6 weeks to visa timelines.
Read More: La Sierra University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
La Sierra University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
La Sierra University admission requirements for Indian applicants set clear academic and English proficiency thresholds. The university evaluates transcripts, test scores, and financial documents for I-20 issuance.
Postgraduate applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); MBA programmes prefer 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended)
- English test: TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 120, Michigan EPT 62, TOEFL paper-based 550, or iTEP 3.6 (verbatim from La Sierra English proficiency page)
- WES or ECE credential evaluation of Indian bachelor transcripts
- Financial affidavit for I-20 preliminary estimate
Undergraduate applicants:
- Class 12 with 65% to 85% depending on programme (recommended)
- English test: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5 (same scale as postgraduate applicants)
- Financial documentation covering the first year of study
Key insight: La Sierra University does not require GRE or GMAT for most master’s programmes, including its MBA tracks. This benefits Indian applicants short on test-prep time.
La Sierra University Acceptance Rate 2027
La Sierra University acceptance rate stands at 91% (estimated) for the most recent admission cycle, placing it in the highly accessible band for USA private universities. The figure reflects a small applicant pool where most candidates meet the academic threshold before applying.
La Sierra reviews applications holistically, weighing academic record, English proficiency, and financial preparedness. Indian applicants meeting the TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5 minimum and CGPA 5.5/10 threshold have a strong likelihood of admission across the four intake quarters.
Reality check: A 91% acceptance rate does not mean automatic admission. Indian applicants must still meet TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5, submit WES or ECE evaluation, and clear the F-1 visa interview.
Read More: La Sierra University Acceptance Rate Details
La Sierra Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for Indian students at La Sierra runs USD 60,450 (INR 57.13 lakh) for undergraduate residents and USD 38,519 to USD 39,797 (INR 36.40 to 37.61 lakh) for graduate students in campus housing. Tuition and required fees account for the largest share.
La Sierra Fees for Indian Students 2027
La Sierra tuition is billed quarterly for undergraduates and per unit for graduates. Full-time undergraduate enrolment covers 12 to 18 units per quarter without extra charges.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (full-time) | USD 39,000 | 36.86 lakh |
| Undergraduate general fees | USD 990 | 0.94 lakh |
| MBA (typical annual load) | USD 27,972 (estimated) | 26.43 lakh (estimated) |
| MA or MS (typical annual load) | USD 26,280 (estimated) | 24.83 lakh (estimated) |
| EdD (typical annual load) | USD 26,280 (estimated) | 24.83 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: La Sierra University official 2026-27 tuition schedule]
Monthly Cost of Living in Riverside for Indian Students
Riverside sits about 100 km east of Los Angeles, and living costs stay below coastal California averages. On-campus room and meal plans are the most predictable option for first-year Indian students.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (double occupancy on-campus) | USD 613 | INR 57,929 |
| Food (100-meal plan) | USD 540 | INR 51,030 |
| Transportation | USD 150 | INR 14,175 |
| Books and supplies | USD 130 | INR 12,285 |
| Personal and miscellaneous | USD 350 | INR 33,075 |
| Total monthly | USD 1,783 | 1.68 lakh |
| Total annual (9 months) | USD 16,047 | 15.16 lakh |
[Source: La Sierra University official 9-month cost of attendance budget 2026-27]
Insider note: Single-occupancy dorms cost USD 3,210 per quarter versus USD 1,840 for double. Indian students save INR 5 lakh annually by choosing shared housing without sacrificing safety or study space.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
La Sierra University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
La Sierra sits on a 150-acre suburban campus in Riverside, California, roughly 100 km east of Los Angeles and 80 km from Ontario International Airport. The setting balances quiet study space with weekend access to LA business hubs.
- Location: Riverside, San Bernardino County; served by Metrolink commuter rail and Riverside Transit Agency buses to LA
- Housing: On-campus dorms guaranteed for international undergraduates in their first year; graduate housing available on request
- Academic facilities: Zapara School of Business, Price Science Complex, and the Brandstater Gallery for arts
- Indian community: India ranks among the top student origins per La Sierra International Student Services, supported by SASA (South Asian Student Association) events
What Indian students say: Small class sizes let Indian students build direct relationships with faculty. Riverside is quieter than LA but the drive to internship hubs stays manageable during weekdays.
La Sierra University Scholarships 2027
La Sierra University offers a mix of merit-based, need-based, and endowed scholarships. The Anees A. Haddad Endowed Scholarship is the flagship award targeting international students facing financial need.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anees A. Haddad Endowed Scholarship | Need-based | Verify at official page | International undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated financial need | Rolling |
| Academic Excellence Award | Merit-based | Verify at official page | Undergraduate applicants with strong high school GPA | Rolling |
[Source: La Sierra University Philanthropy Office]
La Sierra also maintains dozens of donor-funded endowed scholarships across schools, including awards linked to the Zapara School of Business, education, biology, and religion programmes. Indian applicants should submit financial-need documents alongside the admission application to be considered for the Haddad award.
Planning note: Award decisions typically follow admission offers by 4 to 6 weeks. Indian applicants should not delay I-20 requests waiting for scholarship confirmation.
Read More: La Sierra University Scholarships Guide
La Sierra University Rankings 2027
La Sierra University’s strongest position is in the US News Best Colleges Regional Universities West category, holding #41 in the 2026 edition. As per US News Best Colleges 2026, the university also ranks #3 for Top Performers on Social Mobility, up from #17 in 2025.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | NA | NA |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | NA | NA |
| US News Best Global | Not ranked in 2025-2026 | NA | NA |
| US News Best Colleges (Regional West) | 2026: #41 | Prior edition NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
US News 2026 additionally places La Sierra at #18 for Best Value among Regional Universities in the West. La Sierra sits outside the QS World and THE World lists because small teaching-focused private universities rarely meet the research-output thresholds those bodies weight most.
Key insight: US Regional West rankings carry weight with USA employers in California and the western states. Indian graduates seeking global brand recognition should read this alongside programme-level outcomes rather than in isolation.
Read More: La Sierra University Rankings Analysis
La Sierra University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
La Sierra University career outcomes centre on the Career Services office, faculty mentorship, and the Enactus network across the Zapara School of Business. Placement rates and median MBA salaries are not officially disclosed by the university.
- Median USA MBA salary (market median): USD 70,000 to USD 90,000 or INR 66.15 to 85.05 lakh; La Sierra-specific figure not disclosed
- Career services: Individual advising, resume reviews, and on-campus recruiting events run through the Center for Student Academic Success
- Post-study work: 12-month OPT for non-STEM graduates; 36 months total for STEM including biology, computer science, and accounting analytics tracks
- Sector destinations: Southern California healthcare, education, non-profit management, and small-to-mid-cap accounting firms
- Alumni network: Enactus alumni active in social entrepreneurship roles across USA and Adventist mission institutions worldwide
Insider note: La Sierra’s small size means placements depend on the Enactus network and Riverside-LA business connections rather than a formal recruitment calendar.
La Sierra University vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants compare La Sierra with nearby California private universities and other Adventist institutions. The peer set below sits within the Regional Universities West tier or is Adventist-affiliated at a similar scale.
| University | US News 2026 Regional West | Est. Annual PG Tuition (USD/INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Sierra University | #41 | USD 21,000-28,000 / 19.85 to 26.46 lakh (estimated) | Adventist ethos, small classes, no GRE for most master’s |
| California Baptist University | #37 | USD 15,000-20,000 / 14.18 to 18.90 lakh (market estimate) | Larger Christian university, Riverside setting |
| University of Redlands | #26 | USD 40,000-45,000 / 37.80 to 42.53 lakh (market estimate) | Established business school, higher tuition |
| Andrews University | NA (Midwest region) | USD 22,000-28,000 / 20.79 to 26.46 lakh (market estimate) | Adventist flagship, Michigan campus |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026 for ranks]
La Sierra stands out on Social Mobility (#3 in US News 2026) and no-GRE MBA admissions among these peers. The trade-off is smaller alumni reach and lower global ranking visibility relative to larger California private universities.
Key insight: La Sierra’s cost-per-year sits between California Baptist and Redlands, giving Indian applicants a middle-tier tuition option with Adventist community support.
La Sierra University fits Indian applicants seeking an affordable Adventist ethos, small classes, and no-GRE MBA options in California. Total four-year undergraduate investment sits at USD 60,450 annually, or INR 57.13 lakh, against USA MBA salaries typically in the USD 70,000 to USD 90,000 band. F-1 admits benefit from 12-month OPT extending to 36 months for STEM graduates via the STEM extension pathway.
La Sierra is not the right fit for students prioritising QS-ranked research prestige, top-tier consulting recruiting, or large graduate cohorts. Applicants with those goals should consider larger California publics or established private schools such as the University of Redlands.
La Sierra University FAQs
Ques. What English-taught postgraduate programmes does La Sierra offer Indian students?
Ans. La Sierra University teaches all graduate programmes in English, spanning MBA specialisations, MS Accounting, MA English, MA Education, EdS, EdD, and MA Religion. The MBA carries four concentrations, including Management, Finance, Marketing, and Accounting. Indian applicants can also enrol in MS Biology and PhD Religion tracks with the same English requirements.
Ques. How does the Anees A. Haddad Scholarship work for Indian applicants?
Ans. The Anees A. Haddad Endowed Scholarship is a need-based award for international students facing financial challenges at La Sierra. Indian applicants must submit financial-need documentation alongside their admission application. Award amounts vary yearly based on endowment income and demonstrated need. Applicants should confirm current values with the La Sierra Advancement office before finalising their cost plan.
Ques. Can Indian students take on-campus work at La Sierra University?
Ans. F-1 international students at La Sierra can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term and 40 hours during official breaks. Common roles include library assistant, dining services, tutoring, and research assistant positions in Zapara School of Business or Price Science Complex. Off-campus work requires CPT authorisation after two academic quarters and formal course credit.
Ques. Does La Sierra University require GRE or GMAT for MBA admission?
Ans. La Sierra University does not require GRE or GMAT scores for most master’s programmes, including its MBA specialisations. Indian applicants save on test-prep time and cost by focusing on TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5 and academic transcripts. Applicants with strong bachelor’s GPA can still submit GRE or GMAT scores voluntarily to strengthen scholarship consideration.
Ques. What credential evaluation does La Sierra accept for Indian transcripts?
Ans. La Sierra University accepts WES and ECE credential evaluation reports for Indian bachelor and master transcripts. Indian applicants should order a course-by-course report with GPA equivalency. The evaluation typically takes 4 to 6 weeks and costs USD 200 to USD 300. Applicants should factor this timeline into their I-20 planning to avoid deadline slippage.
Ques. How long does the I-20 process take at La Sierra University?
Ans. The I-20 process at La Sierra takes 2 to 4 weeks after the university confirms admission and receives financial documents. Indian applicants must submit bank statements, sponsorship affidavits, and passport copies to the Office of International Student Services. The I-20 is couriered or emailed digitally, allowing applicants to book the F-1 visa interview at a US consulate.
Ques. Does La Sierra offer conditional admission for lower English scores?
Ans. Yes, La Sierra University offers conditional admission through its English Language and American Culture (ESL) programme. Indian applicants scoring below TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5 must complete ESL coursework before starting their degree. The ESL bridge extends total study time by one to three quarters depending on placement test results and student progress.
Ques. Can Indian dependents accompany students on F-2 visas at La Sierra?
Ans. Yes, spouses and children under 21 of La Sierra F-1 students can apply for F-2 dependent visas. Indian students must show additional financial documents of roughly USD 6,000 to USD 8,000 per dependent per year to the Office of International Student Services. F-2 dependents cannot work in the USA but children may enrol in K-12 schooling in the Riverside Unified School District.
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La Sierra University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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La Sierra University Admissions
Application Portal: https://lasierra.edu/apply/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
La Sierra University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4739 | 1400 | 3339 | 8 |
Comments
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The university accepts applications on a rolling basis. So, there are no actual deadlines as such, but we recommended to submit your application material by the preferred deadline to get admission on time in the indicated quarter. You can check La Sierra Admissions for a more detailed process.
The preferred deadlines are as follows: