Cal Baptist vs La Sierra University

California Baptist University and La Sierra University, both located in Southern California, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. California Baptist University, a private Christian university, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to La Sierra University's 65%. CBU's student body is more diverse, with a larger population of undergraduate students and a higher percentage of male students. On the other hand, La Sierra University, a private Seventh-day Adventist university, has a slightly higher graduation rate (68%) and a smaller student body, resulting in a more intimate learning environment. While both universities offer a range of popular majors, CBU excels in business, nursing, and psychology, while La Sierra University is known for its strengths in biology, education, and theology. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
California Baptist University logo

California Baptist University

La Sierra University logo

La Sierra University

Overview

Location Riverside, California Riverside, California
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 79.0% 72.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Baptist Protestant

Admission

Acceptance rate 63.7% 66.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $45
SAT range N/A 880 - 1140
ACT range N/A 18 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 25.0%
Students submitting ACT score 2.0%
Total number of applicants 9,474 2,726
Total number of admissions given out 6,038 1,801
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,372 287
Yield rate 22.7% 15.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $60,240 $59,289
Average net price $23,494 $25,230
Tuition $34,918 $33,228
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,010

Meal plan: $6,070
Room/dormitory: $4,740

Meal plan: $4,050
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $23,083
100.0%
Average amount $20,812
Students receiving federal student loan 63.0%
Average amount $5,158
59.0%
Average amount $4,980
Students taking out private loans 10.0%
Average amount $17,717
1.0%
Average amount $22,020

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 8,252
Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
1,351
Men 41.2% Women 58.8%
Graduate students 3,237
Men 26.2% Women 73.8%
387
Men 33.1% Women 66.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 5.8% N/A
International students 2.7% 14.1%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,707 850
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from California Oregon Nevada Texas Washington N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Psychology
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 19:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 56.7% 44.9%
Dropout rate 13.4% 20.1%
Transferred out 27.8% 34.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $107,806
  • Year 2: $111,769
  • Year 3: $126,508
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,565
  • Year 2: $84,201
  • Year 3: $89,271
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,920
  • Year 2: $68,499
  • Year 3: $76,680
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,278
  • Year 2: $70,009
  • Year 3: $76,627
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,234
  • Year 2: $73,075
  • Year 3: $75,576
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,093
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $71,856
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,219
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $68,919
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,109
  • Year 2: $66,821
  • Year 3: $66,661
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,957
  • Year 2: $61,060
  • Year 3: $66,113
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,538
  • Year 2: $51,106
  • Year 3: $61,484
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,771
  • Year 2: $47,260
  • Year 3: $56,649
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $28,359
  • Year 2: $26,933
  • Year 3: $41,100
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,044
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $22,771
  • Year 3: N/A
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,215
  • Year 2: $16,478
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,179
  • Year 2: $28,019
  • Year 3: N/A
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,431
  • Year 2: $29,751
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of California Baptist University (CBU) and La Sierra University (LSU)?

    California Baptist University is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, emphasizing a strong Baptist identity and values. La Sierra University is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, integrating Adventist beliefs and practices into its academic and campus life.

  • How do the academic focuses of CBU and LSU differ?

    CBU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in health sciences, engineering, and business. LSU also provides diverse programs, but is particularly known for its programs in religion, science (especially pre-med), and arts. Consider your specific academic interests when choosing between the two.

  • What is the typical campus environment like at CBU versus LSU?

    CBU fosters a vibrant and active campus life with a strong emphasis on community and student involvement. Expect numerous campus events, clubs, and organizations. LSU offers a more contemplative and community-focused environment, with a strong emphasis on service and spiritual growth. Both universities offer a supportive environment, but the specific feel differs.

  • How do the locations of CBU and LSU compare?

    CBU is located in Riverside, California, a growing city in Southern California with access to various cultural and recreational opportunities. LSU is also located in Riverside, California, but is situated in a more suburban area of the city. Both locations offer access to the amenities of Riverside, but the immediate surroundings differ slightly.

  • What types of student activities and extracurriculars are available at each university?

    CBU offers a wide array of student activities, including athletics (NCAA Division II), student government, clubs, and organizations catering to diverse interests. LSU provides opportunities for student involvement through clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and a strong emphasis on community service initiatives. Both universities offer a rich extracurricular experience.

  • How do the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities compare between CBU and LSU?

    Tuition costs can vary between CBU and LSU, so it's best to check their respective websites for the most up-to-date information. Both universities offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Explore the financial aid packages offered by each institution to determine which is the most affordable option for you.

  • What are the key differences in the religious observances and requirements at CBU and LSU?

    CBU, as a Southern Baptist university, incorporates chapel services and religious studies into its curriculum. Students are expected to adhere to a code of conduct reflecting Baptist values. LSU, as a Seventh-day Adventist university, observes the Sabbath (Saturday) and integrates Adventist beliefs into its academic and campus life. Students are expected to respect and participate in the university's religious traditions.

  • How do the graduation rates and career placement services compare between CBU and LSU?

    Both CBU and LSU are committed to student success and offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. Graduation rates can vary depending on the program and student demographics. Research the graduation rates and career placement statistics for specific programs of interest at both universities to make an informed decision.

  • What is the student-faculty ratio at CBU and LSU, and how does this impact the learning environment?

    Both CBU and LSU strive to maintain a favorable student-faculty ratio to foster personalized attention and interaction in the classroom. A lower student-faculty ratio generally allows for more individualized instruction and mentorship opportunities. Check the specific student-faculty ratios for each university to assess the potential impact on your learning experience.

  • Are there specific academic programs or departments where one university is considered stronger than the other?

    While both universities offer a variety of strong programs, CBU is often recognized for its programs in health sciences, engineering, and business. LSU is particularly known for its programs in religion, science (especially pre-med), and arts. Consider the specific strengths of each university when choosing a program of study.

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