Academic Comparison between Fresno State and La Sierra

California State University-San Marcos and La Sierra University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Fresno State is a four-year, public school located in San Marcos, CA and La Sierra is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Riverside, CA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.La Sierra University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationRiverside, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees$37,710
63%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,678
95.10 %Acceptance Rates91.50 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.28 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate60 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate3 %
79 %Retention Rate77 %
16,237Student Population1,574
416Number of Faculties91
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services