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.

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • Fresno State is a public and La Sierra is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • La Sierra has more expensive tuition & fees ($37,710) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to La Sierra than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while La Sierra has 1,574 students.
  • La Sierra has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 416 faculties while La Sierra has 91 full-time faculties.
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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