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La Sierra University

Riverside, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

To Seek, To Know, To Serve

1922
Founded
Private university
Type
1,609
Total Students
1,259
Undergrad
$35M
Endowment
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About La Sierra University

Transformative Adventist education, rooted in seeking, knowing, and serving.

Nestled in suburban Riverside, California, La Sierra University is a private, Seventh-day Adventist institution known for its commitment to the motto "To Seek, To Know, To Serve." With a rich history of academic evolution and a dedication to service, LSU provides a distinctive educational experience for its 1,609 students. The university cultivates an environment where faith and learning intertwine, fostering intellectual curiosity and a spirit of community engagement.

La Sierra's journey began in 1922 as a modest academy, undergoing several transformations, including a significant period as the La Sierra Campus of Loma Linda University from 1967 to 1990. This unique history has shaped La Sierra into the independent university it is today, maintaining strong ties as a major feeder school for Loma Linda's renowned medical programs. Its campus, spanning 150 acres, reflects both its historical roots and modern developments, including the Riverwalk area.

Academically, La Sierra University boasts a robust liberal arts foundation, alongside specialized professional schools like the Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business and the H.M.S.Richards Divinity School. The university's commitment to excellence is evidenced by its accreditation from WSCUC and AAA, and its impressive track record of winning multiple national and world titles in the Enactus (formerly Students in Free Enterprise) competition. Students at La Sierra are encouraged to embrace a holistic education that prepares them for meaningful careers and impactful lives.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1922, La Sierra University has a rich history of academic evolution and independence.
  • Operates under the inspiring motto: "To Seek, To Know, To Serve."
  • A private, Seventh-day Adventist university accredited by WSCUC and Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA).
  • Serves 1,609 students on a 150-acre suburban campus in Riverside, California.
  • Achieved multiple national and world titles in the Enactus (formerly Students in Free Enterprise) competition.
  • Maintains strong ties with Loma Linda University, serving as a significant feeder school for its medical programs.

Timeline

1922
Founded as La Sierra Academy
1923
Became La Sierra Academy and Normal School
1927
Renamed Southern California Junior College
1939
Renamed La Sierra College
1946
First accredited as a four-year liberal arts college
1967
Merged with Loma Linda University, becoming its La Sierra Campus
1990
Separated from Loma Linda University to become La Sierra University, an independent institution
2000
Sold approximately 200 acres of land for the 'Riverwalk' planned development
🏛️
104 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within La Sierra University

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

📚

School of Education

💼

Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business

Formerly the School of Business and Management.

✝️

H.M.S.Richards Divinity School

Formerly the School of Religion.

🏫

Division of Continuing Studies

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